DAYTON, Ohio (AP): An Ohio air base is dispatching a squadron to West Africa to help fight the spread of the Ebola virus.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials in southwest Ohio says the squadron will pick up supplies in Pennsylvania to carry to Liberia. The Dayton Daily News reports that base officials say the squadron will be in Liberia only for a few hours and will be in little danger of being exposed to the virus.

However, the air crew has received a medical briefing on precautions to take and training for any medical concerns they encounter.

The 445th Airlift Wing's 89th Airlift Squadron will handle the mission Thursday.

Squadron aircraft commander Capt. Dustin Cramer says the crew is excited to have the opportunity to take part in the “vital effort.''