MacDill's JCSE returns from fight against Ebola

by Tech. Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2015 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
"We've got extraordinary Americans with experience, talent, dedication, who are willing to put themselves on the front lines to get things done," stated President Barrack Obama in a recent address on the American Ebola efforts.

Of these extraordinary Americans, was a small group from MacDill's Joint Communications Support Element, whose recent mission was to establish secure communications in support of Operation United Assistance--the fight against Ebola in Africa.

Although this may seem like an obscure tasking to some, not for the JCSE, whose unique mission is to provide immediate deployment support to regional combatant commands within 72 hours, facilitating a full spectrum of global operations. In short, when world events dictate American aid and expertise, more than likely these tactical technicians are among the first boots on the ground.

Midst the recently deployed crew were 37 personnel who have been lending support in West African countries, Liberia and Senegal--which are part of the U.S. Africa Command's area of responsibility. Now, after nearly a month of hard work, the specialists have recently begun returning home to the Tampa Bay area.

"The 2nd Joint Communications Squadron had an amazing opportunity to support USAFRICOM by providing the initial communications architecture in Liberia and Senegal for Operation United Assistance," said Army Lt. Col. Marne Sutten, commander of the 2nd JC Squadron. "This was a unique opportunity to support a humanitarian mission that is making a huge impact in Liberia."

While Department of Defense personnel are not involved in direct patient care, their efforts are instrumental in the outbreak support. The JCSE troops in particular enabled medical professionals and support agencies the ability to fully function and correspond with sub-located research and treatment facilities.

"Seeing the World Health Organization report that Ebola infection rates were plummeting, was satisfying because it meant that my job was making a difference in people's lives," said Staff Sgt. Chase Renfroe, JCSE operations planner. "It makes me happy that I am a part of a unit that can make this sort of impact."

As a precautionary measure and to stay in compliance with State and Federal mandates, those returning were actively monitored. According to Sutton, all personnel went into controlled monitoring at one of five locations: Baumholder, Germany, Vicenza, Italy, Fort Bliss, Texas, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

"Rest assured, these members were never in contact with anyone infected by the Ebola virus," noted Lt. Col. Robert Lehman, 6th Medical Group Chief of Aerospace Medicine. "However, to reassure the community and our service members and their families, we remained fully compliant with DOD and State of Florida directives. This included each member being assessed twice daily until 21 days had lapsed since they had left the humanitarian support mission in Western Africa."

Although all members from the JCSE have returned, this is arguably not the last time you will see members from MacDill aiding Operation United Assistance. According to Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby, as many as 4,000 or more American troops could soon deploy to West Africa to help fight the Ebola outbreak there.