Soldier-scientists begin closure of Ebola testing labs

Capt. Shawn Palmer, a biochemist with the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, based out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and a native of Loma, Colo., breaks down a biological safety level three glove box at the 1st AML’s Ebola testing lab in Zwedru, Liberia, Feb. 9, 2015. The glove box is built to provide maximum personnel and environmental protection from high-risk biological agents. Soldiers of the 1st AML used this equipment to test blood samples of suspected Ebola patients. This, along with other equipment, was decontaminated and packed away as 1st AML closed the Zwedru lab. Operation United Assistance is a Department of Defense operation in Liberia to provide logistics, training and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development-led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in western Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Terrance D. Rhodes, Joint Forces Command – United Assistance Public Affairs/RELEASED)