Catching Yellow Jackets YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JAPAN

Staff Sgt. Richard Austin, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department crew chief, signals for his team members to reel in the nylon tape from the aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

Airmen with the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power productions shop inspect an emergency aircraft landing cable on the runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop, fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

(Right to left) Staff Sgt. Colin Huffaker and Senior Airman Kirk Ebel, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, walk the flightline after completing a certification test for an aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

A BAK-12 aircraft arresting system reduces the speed of a Navy EA-18G Growler during an annual certification test of an aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

(Right to left) Senior Airman David Martinez, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power productions technician, and Senior Airman Timothy Wunker, 919th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power productions technician, operate a BAK-12 aircraft arresting system during an annual certification test at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The system went through an annual certification test with an EA-18G Growler to ensure its operability following installation by the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

Senior Airman Kirk Ebel, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, checks the nylon tape from the aircraft arresting system during an annual certification test of an AAS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

Senior Airman Kirk Ebel, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, trains to respond to in-flight emergency landings during an annual certification test of an aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

Staff Sgt. Richard Austin, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department crew chief, radios his crew members during an annual certification test of an aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Derek Stevens, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 crew chief, checks an EA-18G Growler’s arresting hook during an annual certification test of an aircraft arresting system at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2016. The system went through an annual certification test to ensure its operability following installation by the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

A Navy EA-18G Growler, assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, engages the aircraft arresting cable at a speed of 150 mph, testing the arresting system, June 3, 2016, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power productions shop and fire department and the 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for testing the arresting system annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)

Utah Firefighters train on a state-of-the-art aircraft fire simulator

Firefighters from the 151st Civil Engineer Squadron extinguish a simulated airplane fire June 7, 2016 at the Salt Lake City Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters Training Center, Salt Lake City. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a simulator which allows for interior and exterior training and includes a multitude of various fire scenarios. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott/Released)

 (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott/Released)

 (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott/Released)

 (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott/Released)


(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott/Released)

EXCHANGE PROGRAM WORKS TO RETAIN AIRMEN

Photo By Airman Jenna Caldwell | Airman 1st Class Donald Marfisi, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, poses in front of his assigned firetruck, May 19, 2016, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Marfisi was recently part of an Airmen Exchange Program, where he partnered with an Airmen from different Air Force Specialty Code where he shadowed their job for a day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jenna K. Caldwell) 

KS, UNITED STATES
06.07.2016
Story by Airman Jenna Caldwell
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

“It’s important that we allow Airmen to have that broader view in the beginning because it saves our great Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Huggins, 22nd CES chief enlisted manager. “We some have good Airmen that are mismatched in a job, so why not retain that great Airmen and align their job with what their desires are.”

Airmen from different career fields are partnered together to experience each other’s job for a day. The Airmen not only get the opportunity to become familiar with a new job, but they are able to teach others about their job as well.

“Being a cross trainee myself I see the importance in [this program],” said Huggins. “I liked the Air Force—I didn’t like the actual job I was doing. When I came into a job I really enjoyed, it made all the difference in the world for me, and here I am 20 years later.”

Huggins recently paired Airman 1st Class Donald Marfisi, 22nd CES firefighter, with Airman 1st Class Christian Bowdre, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance crew chief.

Marfisi went to the flightline, where he marshalled and hot de-fueled a KC-135 Stratotanker, and Bowdre accompanied him to the fire station where they ran through survival drills.

“This was a valuable experience,” said Marfisi. “It gave me a chance to show off my knowledge of the job and how far I’ve come since I’ve been here. You don’t think about how well you’ve mastered skills until you’re showing someone how to do it.”

For Airmen who may not yet be in their cross training window, this program also doubles as an awareness effort for Airmen to see the other side of the coin.

“Being out there and seeing what they did was enlightening,” said Marfisi. “It was awesome to be able to see that side of it. I was in the plane working with the crew chiefs during a hot de-fuel and outside the window I could see a firetruck where I normally am.”

Marfisi saw first-hand the hazards present during what is normally a routine call for firefighters. He was able to see the job from another perspective and he can now pass along this knowledge to his co-workers.

“When [Airmen] get stove piped into a career field they see that one picture of the Air Force and think this is their lot in life,” said Huggins. “I hope to see all Airmen jump out of bed and be thrilled to get to work, because a happier Airman will always be more productive in a job they love.”

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Major Accident Response Exercise

Firefighters from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron move their fire engine into position to extinguish a simulated aircraft fire during a major accident response exercise (MARE) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. Firefighters and other emergency response personnel conducted the MARE to prepare for any mishaps that may occur in real-world situations. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

Members of Team Whiteman work together to aid a simulated aircraft accident victim during a major accident response exercise (MARE), at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. During a MARE all simulated medical injuries and victims are treated as real by firefighters and medical Airmen adding the importance of urgency to the training. 

(US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

A firefighter from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron escorts a simulated wounded Airman from a simulated crash site during a major accident response exercise (MARE)at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. During a MARE all simulated medical injuries and victims are treated as real by firefighters and medical Airmen adding the importance of urgency to the training. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Katelyn Potts, an aerospacial medical technician assigned to the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, applies medical aid to a simulated aircraft accident victim during a major accident response exercise (MARE) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. Firefighters and other emergency response personnel conducted the MARE to prepare for any mishaps that may occur in real-world situations. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

A firefighter from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron makes adjustments to his gear prior to engaging with a simulated aircraft fire during a major accident response exercise (MARE) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. The exercise is conducted to test readiness and response times in case of a major accident. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

A firefighter from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron makes adjustments to his gear prior to engaging with a simulated aircraft fire during a major accident response exercise (MARE) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8, 2016. The exercise is conducted to test readiness and response times in case of a major accident. (US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jovan Banks)

‘Rhinos’ host Jane Wayne Day

Lance Cpl. Jacob Martin, aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, helps his wife Gabriella operate a fire hose at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during the squadron’s Jane Wayne Day April 29, 2016. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Julio McGraw/Released)

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms
Story by Cpl. Julio McGraw

Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 invited Marine spouses and family members to participate in a Jane Wayne Day aboard the Combat Center April 29, 2016.
“We held this day to show spouses and family members the capabilities of the squadron as well as what the Marines they love do on a daily basis,” said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Baltz, combat engineer platoon commander, MWSS-374. “I know a lot of Marines who go home and they don’t want to bring work with them, so it’s hard for spouses and family members to get a good picture of what their loved ones do.”
Approximately 15 spouses attended the event which began at Del Valle Field. Participants learned close order drill and conducted condensed physical training activities which were similar to what Marines do for daily exercise.
“This is a good opportunity to teach families a variety of things,” Baltz said. “We showed them a lot of [daily] operations we conduct as well as the small things every Marine should know how to do.”
Following drill and PT, participants headed to bldg. 1707 where they learned about equipment utilized by the squadrons’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and communication Marines. They then moved onto an Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and taught the weapons systems Marines use on the battlefield, to include the M240B medium machinegun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, 9mm pistol and the M16 service rifle.
“It was nice to see all of the other wives and experience a piece of what my husband goes through day-to-day,” said Jessica Kick, wife of Lance Cpl. Andrew Kick, motor transportation operator, MWSS- 374.
Spouses and family members dined at Dunham Mess Hall with the squadrons’ commanding officer, Lt. Col. Steven Murphy. After lunch, they were transported in a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement to the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field and shown the equipment and vehicles crash fire rescue Marines use. Combat engineers also demonstrated the heavy equipment they operate at the SELF and in a deployed environment.
“It’s awesome to not just experience my husband’s job but also all of the jobs of other Marines who take part in the mission of the unit,” Kick said. “It was a lot of fun and I think every spouse should do it at least once.”
At the conclusion of the day, Murphy thanked the spouses for coming out and also for being part of the vital role that is supporting their Marine.
“My Marines and sailors make it easy for me to do my job,” Murphy said. “I want to say thank you to the families and the spouses for everything you do at home. Without you and your support, the Marines and sailors would not be able to do what they do on a daily basis.”