MONROVIA, Liberia (Feb. 25, 2015) -- Soldiers and leadership from the 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, deployed as Task Force, or TF, Iron Knights, cased their colors at Roberts International Airport, Liberia, Feb. 25, signifying the completion of their mission in support of Operation United Assistance.
The 2-501st Aviation Regiment supported the Joint Forces Command - United Assistance, or JFC, by providing aerial transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies necessary for building Ebola treatment units, also known as ETUs, throughout Liberia.
During its four-month deployment, the task force flew more than 330 missions, carrying over 2,700 passengers and nearly 200,000 pounds of equipment and materials, which directly supported the construction and operation of ETUs and laboratories, said Lt. Col. Whitney Gardner, task force commander, during his remarks at the ceremony.
"We were flexible, creative and ready for anything," Gardner said. "We had the right people in the right place."
Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, commander of Joint Forces Command - United Assistance and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also attended the ceremony.
"The Iron Knights are perhaps the most visible symbol of the JFC's presence here, and their impact on the JFC's mission was immeasurable," said Volesky to the audience. "They were a clear sign of the commitment of the United States in supporting Liberia in the fight against Ebola. Their presence inspired hope and confidence that Ebola could be defeated."
More than 290 aircraft maintainers, mechanics, cooks, operations and communication specialists, and aircrew members deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas, and hit the ground running, starting operations within 48 hours of landing in Liberia, Gardner said.
"As an aviation task force, we gave the JFC the speed, flexibility and confidence it required to stop the spread of Ebola," Gardner said. "We gave this JCF reach - reach into the far corners of this country; reach that would have been very nearly impossible without our aircrews and aircraft."
Gardner took time to recognize his Soldiers within his ranks, noting how well they performed in an environment completely foreign to them all.
"In an environment, and under unique circumstances, that none of us ever expected, we had junior leaders step forward - junior [non-commissioned officers, or NCOs] and officers who took charge of their mission and cared for their people and equipment," Gardner said. "I cannot overstate how proud I am of how well our young NCOs, junior officers and chief warrant officers performed."
Volesky more than agreed with Gardner's sentiments, and hoped one day he would again have the honor to serve with the Iron Knights.
"You've exceeded our highest expectations, and you can return home knowing that your hard work and sacrifice contributed to the significant downturn in Ebola cases and provided the government of Liberia the ability to continue the fight to get to zero," Volesky said.
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For more imagery and articles on Task Force Eagle Medic and Operation United Assistance, visit:
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/OperationUnitedAssistance
or
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1ADCAB
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