Charleston AFB pilots play it safe in western Africa

By

The Associated Press

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2014, during RED FLAG-Alaska 15-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr./Released)

Pilots from the Charleston Air Force Base say they are playing it safe when taking supplies to western Africa, the center of the Ebola outbreak.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the pilots do not shake hands with anyone when planes arrive, the planes are on the ground only a few hours and some crew members never leave their jets.

Pilots from the base have flown five missions into Liberia and Senegal. The pilots say there is little chance they would be infected. Anyone who does get off the plane in western African has their temperature checked as a precaution.

The planes from Charleston have ferried in supplies including personnel, vehicles and communications equipment to help the United States in its response to the Ebola outbreak.