Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 simulates aircraft salvage, recovery

Sgt. Micah Steven McMackins and Lance Cpl. Kingston Baker-Griffin, aircraft rescue and firefighting specialists with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, separate chains in preparation to lifting a simulated aircraft as part of the aircraft salvage and recovery operations during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016. Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released)

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
Story by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 simulated aircraft salvage and recovery operations during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016.

The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness.

“The aircraft salvage and recovery was conducted to show that our unit is capable of performing these types of operations,” said 1st Lt. Frederick Holwerda, current operations officer with MWSS-171. “These operations could be conducted anytime an aircraft makes an unexpected landing and cannot make it back to its maintenance area on its own.”

Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators, and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft.

The opportunity to train in this environment helps Marines within different squadrons enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capabilities.

“We had to learn to overcome obstacles when working in the mud and conducting our jobs fluently while wearing gas masks,” said Pfc. Dalton Tennyson, a motor transportation operator with MWSS-171.

The Marines received a brief about the situation, conducted a convoy to the crash site, posted security, searched and assessed the area, located missing debris from the aircraft, lifted the aircraft, set it down on the back of a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement and disguised the aircraft before returning back to friendly lines through a tactical convoy.

“We had the expeditionary fire rescue Marines out there, and they were the first on scene,” said Holwerda. “They conducted extrication operations where they cut into the aircraft to assess the situation, extract any victims on-board and take out any sensitive equipment from the aircraft.”

The Marines conducted the recovery operations once in the morning and again in the afternoon. During the second recovery, Marines had to overcome difficulties such as working in gas masks, having access to only one side of the aircraft and driving vehicles through tougher terrain.

“Confidence in the Marines was through the roof the second time we conducted this training,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Barnes, assistant chief of operations with MWSS-171. “The team building and camaraderie we hoped for during this exercise happened. Seeing the gained knowledge and confidence from the Marines gratified me.”

Holwerda said this is the first time MWSS-171 has trained in aircraft salvage and recovery at this magnitude.

“This is extremely important because if an aircraft has a mishap for some reason in Japan, we are trained and ready to execute the recovery of an aircraft,” said Holwerda. “We have the capabilities and the knowledge within the squadron who know how aircraft salvage and recovery works. That allows us to support the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and give the Marine Corps a few more valuable assets.”

Barnes said the exercise helped him recognize his capabilities, limitations, strengths and weaknesses as a Marine, which will help him become a better leader.

“I appreciate the struggles the Marines encountered,” said Barnes. “Being able to push myself and my Marines through until the end increased our confidence, and we become a better team.”

Sioux City Fire and Rescue renew training with 185th ARW

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
Story by Senior Airman David Asbra

Sioux City Fire and Rescue, and Fire Emergency Services from the 185th Air Refueling Wing have always had a good working relationship, according to 185th Fire Emergency Services Fire Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Albrecht, but after more than two decades, Fire Emergency Services and Sioux City Fire and Rescue are training together this week at the Sioux City Airport.

The Emergency Response Units are training together on the Mobile Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Trainer, or MARFT, at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa from May 10-12th. The MARFT, which resembles the fuselage of an aircraft, can simulate a number of different fire scenarios.

Besides improving efficiency between the two departments, the joint training allows 185th Fire Emergency Services to be included in Sioux City’s Insurance Services Organization rating for the first time.

Albrecht says having the 185th people and resources included could help to improve Sioux City’s ISO rating. That improved rating would in turn save Sioux City homeowners and business owner’s money on their property insurance costs.

“We will train with Sioux City fire on structural firefighting evolutions to make sure that the two departments are operating together efficiently and with the same types of evolutions so that a joint firefighting effort would go smoothly,” said Albrecht. “We are equipped staffed and trained to be able to provide structural firefighting and emergency medical services outside the installation.”

According to Albrecht, the Mutual Aide Agreement, which allows 185th Fire Emergency Services to respond to emergencies with area fire departments, along with the joint training will only strengthen the 185th relationship with the community.

“We have responded to emergencies with Sioux City Emergency for years but this is the first time in 20 years or more that we have trained together,” said Albrecht. “We are a resource in our community and we anticipate being utilized in our community.”

Fireman hose down flames coming from the cabin door of a Mobile Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Trainer, while a MARFT instructor looks on, during a training exercise at the Sioux City Airport on May 11, 2016. The training is part of a joint exercise between Firefighters from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Fire Emergency Services and Sioux City Fire and Rescue. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. David Asbra/Released)

Fireman from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Fire Emergency Services clear the cabin of the Mobile Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Trainer, during training with Sioux City Fire and Rescue, May 11, 2016, at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. David Asbra/Released)

A double gift: A story of paying it forward, two times

From left, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Firefighters Jon Nordstrom, Capt. Roger Rearden and Scott Sullivan, pose for a photo at the JBM-HH Fire Station on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH May 10. The three firefighters, along with fellow firefighter Chris D’Agostino, donated a bicycle to Army and Air Force Exchange Service employee Fernando Castellon. Castellon rides a bike to and from work every day, but after his old bike broke, he had to walk. That’s when the firefighters took action. (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PAO photo by Delonte Harrod)

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Story by Delonte Harrod

“It was the best day of my life,” said Fernando Castellon, cashier at the Express, the base’s only convenience store, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. “I am very grateful for [my new] bike.”

A month ago, Castellon lost his only means of transportation—his bike. Castellon is a native of Bolivia and came to the United States 30 years ago. He has been working at JBM-HH for well over a decade. He lives about 15 blocks from the base and often rode his old bike to work until one day something happened: an act of kindness following an accident.

As usual, Castellon was riding his bike to work when the bolts holding the front wheel loosened and came off.

“I fell down and hit my face on the ground,” he recalled. “My face had scratches.”

Though he didn’t suffer any severe damages to his body or his face, his bike was unrepairable.

“The bike was old,” he said. “Something was wrong with the wheels. I [frequently] had to patch the tires. And I had to add oil to the chain every day.”

People began to notice that Castellon was walking to work. Several JBM-HH firefighters noticed as well since Castellon travels past the base fire station daily to get to work.

Capt. Roger Rearden, JBM-HH firefighter, while on his first shift one night, saw Castellon walking from the Fort Myer Officer’s Club. Rearden said he asked, “Why are you walking?”

Castellon doesn’t speak English well and, according to Rearden, he replied with words he could not understand. The next morning, Reardon said he was standing in front of the fire station and saw Castellon walking again.

“I saw him walking,” Rearden described. “I said to him, ‘you need to get a bike.’ He replied, ‘yea, yea’ and kept walking.”

Rearden said that he thought to himself: “You know what? This guy has two jobs, walks to work, and he probably sends money back to his family.”

“We need to find him a bike,” he concluded.

“So that is what we did,” Rearden explained.

Fire Fighters Scott Sullivan, Jon Nordstrom, Chris D’Agostino and Rearden set out to find a bike for Castellon.

“The problem with Arlington is that everything is so expensive,” said Rearden. “We went to a couple of different bike shops.”

Not finding a reasonable price for a bike, they headed to a local consignment shop in Arlington.

Rearden and his fellow firefighters were planning to pay for a bike to donate to Castellon, that is, until someone generously disrupted their plan.

As Rearden was waiting in line about to purchase the bike another told him that he didn’t want him to pay for the bike – because he wanted to.

“The ironic thing is…when I was in line getting ready to buy the bike, a person behind us said, ‘I got it,’” Rearden recalled. “I said, ‘What do you mean you got it?’ He said, ‘I am buying the bike.’ I said, ‘no, no we appreciate it. Thank you very much.’ He said, ‘I understand that you guys are helping somebody, so I am helping you.’ He bought the bike for Castellon, so we didn’t even have to buy it.”

Rearden thinks the unknown man may have overheard the firefighters’ retelling of Castellon’s story and became inspired to pay it forward by purchasing the bike for them.

“The man purchasing the bike for us made the whole situation better,” said Rearden.

Rearden said they had to make some minor adjustments to the bike before taking it to Castellon, who, at that point was still walking to work. Rearden said Sullivan and Nordstrom had to reposition the handle bars because they were backwards, wash off the bike and add some air to the tires.

They then headed to Fernando’s job. To surprise him, they went to the back of the store where workers usually stock products.

They asked the manager of the store to get Castellon, according to Rearden.

“[Castellon] kind of walked in and looked [confused], like ‘what is going on here?’” said Rearden. “We were like, ‘we got you a bike.’ He was all excited.”

“It was a total surprise; I was like wow,” said Castellon. “These are some very nice guys.”

Castellon added that his new bike gets him to work faster than his old bike.

Rearden said the fire department is family, but that family extends into the JBM-HH community and those outside of it.

“So when something happens to someone like that, we take care of them like they we’re family,” Rearden said.

Army and Air Force Exchange Service employee Fernando Castellon stands with his bicycle, donated to him by members of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Fire and Emergency Services, for a photograph May 10 in front of his workplace, the Express Shopette on Fort Myer. After Castellon’s last bike broke, the firefighters took action and donated a new bike to Castellon, who relies on the bicycle to get to and from work each day on Fort Myer. (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PAO photo by Delonte Harrod)

AZ Guard aviators hone wildfire response skills

With fine fuels overabundant in all ecosystems across the state of Arizona, this upcoming wildfire season in predicted to be an active one by the U.S. Forestry Service. The interagency operability of the Arizona National Guard is crucial in the state’s preparations for this upcoming wildfire season. (Info graphic courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service)

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Wesley Parrell


PHOENIX – Members of the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion participated in an annual training and certification course for wildfire response at the Papago Park Military Reservation May 4-5.

At the completion of the 24-hour training course, 16 pilots and crew chiefs were certified to respond and assist with helicopter bucket operations, delivering water for aerial firefighting during future wildfire events. This will solidify one of nearly a dozen capabilities the aviation unit possesses to support first responders during the wildfire season.

“The Arizona National Guard’s aviation crews possess a number of skills critical to the wildfire fighting efforts,” said Justin Jager, interagency aviation officer for the National Parks Service and U.S. Forest Service. “Developing the interagency operability of these crews to help support the ground crews is invaluable to the state and region in terms of preparedness.”

Aside from water drop capabilities, the Arizona National Guard’s aviation crews are capable to support lift operations, extraction and insertion of personnel, search and rescue, hoist operations, and sling load equipment transport. There are also specially trained crewmembers who can perform casualty and medical evacuations.

These crew capabilities are augmented by the workhorse capabilities of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter they operate. As the U.S. Army’s primary medium lift utility transport and air assault aircraft, the Blackhawk is a twin-engine medium lift utility helicopter designed to perform multiple functions in a variety of terrains and conditions.

“These are very fast and powerful aircrafts,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rick Klauer, Instructor Pilot for the Arizona Army National Guard. “The Blackhawk can perform operations anywhere within the state of Arizona from the lower Sonora Desert to the top of Humphrey’s Peak.”

These capabilities were put to the test last July when the Arizona National Guard was called to support medical evacuation operations on the top of the Four Peaks Mountain Northeast of Phoenix. Due to the extreme winds and high altitudes, the 2-285th possessed the right capabilities and crew to perform this technical rescue successfully.

With fine fuels overabundant in all ecosystems across the state of Arizona, this upcoming wildfire season in predicted to be an active one. Norval Taylor, center manager for the Arizona State Forestry Dispatch Center, expressed the importance of the Arizona National Guard’s role during a training briefing at the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Emergency Operations Center, May 3.

“Most organizations are specialized in a certain aspect of a response,” Taylor said. “I know that when the National Guard is called to support us we are receiving a top-tier agency with personnel that can handle a wide spectrum of tasks.”

The Arizona National Guard is a component of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. With dual mission responsibilities, the National Guard responds to both state and federal requests for support. Under state law, the National Guard provides protection of life and property and preserves peace, order and public safety. The Guard accomplishes these missions through emergency-relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, forest fires, search and rescue operations, support to civil defense authorities, maintenance of vital public services and counter-drug operations.

“The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs supports whole community preparedness,” said Wendy Smith-Reeve, deputy director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. “The National Guard and its members are a part of the whole community and exercising their role in fire response facilitates a smoother response to an actual emergency.”

There when you need them

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Damian Sharpe, 18th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of ambulance services, practices loading a patient into the back of an ambulance May 4, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Kadena Ambulance service is very busy responding to emergencies throughout the island, covering 50-60 calls a month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis)

18th Wing Public Affairs
Story by Airman 1st Class Corey Pettis

This is a daily feeling for a member of the Kadena Ambulance Service as they save the life of a stranger. But they remember their training, and know their teammates have their backs.

Saving a life can be chaotic. But for Senior Airman Kristoffer Drone, 18th medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, he stops to remember the motto his trainers instilled into him, look at the scene, look at the patient and then look into the patient. They look around to find the cause and any potential hazards, render the necessary medical care, then they comfort the patient.

“We establish that rapport to really get to know them personally,” said Drone. “That way they are more likely to give us vital information.”

Being emergency medical technicians requires more than just knowing and administering medical care, it also requires remaining calm and collected in a chaotic environment. This skilled team not only has to be able to care for the injured party but also be part of the support system for family members and bystanders at the scene.

Helping people is what they do best. Kadena ambulance service is a part of the 18th Medical Group and is responsible for a 102 sq. kilometer area of responsibility, one of the largest of any ambulance services throughout the Air Force.

As one of the busiest ambulance services flight in Pacific Air Forces, they operate on a 24-hour rotation and respond to approximately 50-60 calls a month adding up to 600-720 calls a year. Partnered with the other branches of service, they provide island wide emergency medical care.

An ambulance service EMT’s day is very stressful, this is why training frequently to respond to any trauma, medical or in flight emergency is vital.

One of the most stressful times is between calls. Your senses are heightened; your nerves are on edge waiting for dispatch to announce the next emergency and the unpredictability of each call adds to the stress, explained Drone.

“You never know what call you’re going to get,” he explained. “Sometimes dispatch will tell us somebody has a cut on their finger, and when we get there they cut their hand off.”

That’s where the expert training and teamwork come into play. The ambulance service is located with the fire department at Fire Station 2. The firefighters will also respond to give an extra hand and help out wherever needed.

A typical emergency response is stressful and exhilarating, said drone. They receive the dispatch tone and race out to the emergency. On scene, they render the proper life-saving care.

“The biggest thing is never get complacent because you never know what is going to happen,” he explained. “If you get too relaxed then that’s when something worse can happen from not being prepared.”

For all their hard work and dedication, the ambulance crew’s true reward is moral satisfaction. From seeing somebody in distress, to then watching them recover is one of the main things that drives them to show up to work every day and do their best.

“It feels good being a part of that therapeutic process,” said Tech. Sgt. Damian Sharpe, 18th MDOS ambulance service NCO in charge. “When I pull up to a scene and see somebody that’s in distress, I can communicate and help them. Then to see them recover from that trauma, I think that’s awesome, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of being part of ambulance services.”

While the EMTs enjoy helping people and saving lives, they can’t be everywhere at once.

“Taking us out of service for a minor thing such as a scrape or a sprained ankle, could possibly prevent us from responding to someone with a more serious emergency,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Canfield, 18th MDOS EMT.

However, the ambulance service will take every emergency call seriously and provide the best care possible. When arriving to those calls, they then have to make a decision, race to the nearest hospital to hand over a patient to doctors, or deem them safe enough to educate and release them. A decision they are well trained, and perform daily.

Once complete, they head back to the station and anxiously wait for the next call.

“The best thing about working in the ambulance service, is we see people when they’re at their worst, when they need us the most, and that’s when we jump into action and really make a difference,” said Canfield.