USS Shoup (DDG 86) PACIFIC OCEAN

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 29, 2016) – Damage Controlman 3rd Class Erik Michel, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), walks to a safe area on the flight deck after securing from refueling an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Magicians" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 while conducting flight operations, during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline)

PACIFIC OCEAN
07.29.2016
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class holly herline
Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet

 Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Aronn Odion, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), holds a fire hose while participating in a damage control fire drill, during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline)

Joint USAR training.

Photo By Sgt. Heidi Kroll | Members of FEMA’s Massachusetts Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue, an Airman from the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Airman from the New York Air National Guard, lift a sked containing a simulated casulty during Vigilant Guard 2016, at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016. Vigilant Guard is a national level emergency response exercise, sponsored by the National Guard and NORTHCOM, which provides National Guard units an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Heidi Kroll)

CAMP ETHAN ALLEN TRAINING SITE, VT, UNITED STATES
07.29.2016
Story by Sgt. Heidi Kroll
172nd Public Affairs Detachment

A simulated earthquake shook Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016 as part of Vigilant Guard 2016. This resulted in several downed trees, as well as collapsed bridges and buildings, with individuals and simulated casualties located throughout the scenario. The scenario was set up to test title 10 forces, state, federal and local agencies, emergency responders and nine states with National Guard units.

As a result of the earthquake a house was submerged in water; the only way for the responders to gain entrance was through the roof, once inside they discovered an unconscious casualty.

A Canadian Airman teamed up with soldiers for the New York Air National firefighters, and Massachusetts Task Force 1 members to remove the unconscious individual from the building using a ladder to assist moving the sked back through the hole in the roof.

“It was a great to be able to combine our assets together to complete the mission,” said Sgt. Mark Lewis, team leader, 19th Wing Comox, Royal Canadian Air Force.

Firefighters with the Vermont Air National Guard 158th Fighter Wing worked with FEMA’s Vermont Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue. Members from both teams lined up with pry bars to lift; on the count of three the building was raised and two mannequins’ were recovered from underneath the collapsed building. FEMA’s Vermont Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue called in the air ambulance for a medevac to the hospital.

“This prepares us to work with all entities, local, federal and international to be more cohesive when the need arises,” said Rafael Goyenechea, medical specialist, FEMA’s New York Task Force 1.

There were additional situations all along the road to test the different agencies that were partaking in this lane. One individual was trapped in a culvert so that the search and rescue teams would have to work to extract the mannequin and provide medical aide as needed. Another situation had an individual trapped under a car, the Firefighters from the Vermont Air National Guard 158th Fighter Wing quickly dug under the car, and were able to extract the individual.

“The agencies on this lane handled everything we through at them, we are going to need to be more creative,” said Master Sgt. Michel Morin, range and utilities NCOIC, Garrison Support Command.

There were additional situations all along the road to test the different agencies that were partaking in this lane. Vigilant Guard 2016 is an exercise created to give the over 5000 participants from all of these organizations a training environment where they can train together and build relationships that will be a benefit in a real world situation.

Wendell Robery, K-9 specialist, with FEMA’s New York Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue leads members of his team in removing a simulated casulty during Vigilant Guard 2016 at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016. Vigilant Guard is a national level emergency response exercise, sponsored by the National Guard and NORTHCOM, which provides National Guard units an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Heidi Kroll)

FEMA’s Vermont Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue clears a road to move two simulated patients to a landing zone for medical evacuation as part of Vigilant Guard 2016, at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016. Vigilant Guard is a national level emergency response exercise, sponsored by the National Guard and NORTHCOM, which provides National Guard units an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Heidi Kroll)

Members of FEMA’s Vermont Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue and Firefighters from the 158th Fighter Wing, work together to rescue two simulated casulties trapped under a collapsed building during Vigilant Guard 2016, at Camp Ethan Allen training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016. Vigilant Guard is a national level emergency response exercise, sponsored by the National Guard and NORTHCOM, which provides National Guard units an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Heidi Kroll)

Marine Corps firefighting creates new life for Texas native

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Barton, an aircraft rescue firefighter specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, sports an MWSS-171 Marine Firefighter patch during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 28, 2016. Barton is a liaison between Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 and No. 17 Squadron Fire and Rescue team stationed at RAAF Tindal, in case of emergencies with the flying squadron’s aircraft during the exercise. Pitch Black is a multination exercise that also includes participation from Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

RAAF TINDAL, NT, AUSTRALIA
08.01.2016
Story by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Looking for some excitement and a job that meant something more to him, Michael Barton left the monotony of working in the oil fields of Texas and followed in the footsteps of family and friends, joining the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20.
“Most of my friends had joined the military by then,” said Barton. “My father served in the Corps as intel, and my Great Uncle Eddie fought in Korea alongside Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. I feel like I’m carrying on a family tradition, and I hope someday my kids will too.”
Choosing the military occupational specialty 7000, air operations, Barton headed off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 2013 to become one of the few and the proud, and then onto MOS school, where he trained to be a firefighter.
“I love my job,” said Barton. “I feel like it’s one of the best jobs in the Marine Corps. Knowing that somebody is having a bad day, and we’re able to alleviate that by saving a life or an aircraft definitely gives you a good feeling. They get to go home at night because of something we did.”
Today, the Houston, Texas native is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, serving as an aircraft rescue firefighter specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.
Living in Japan has given Barton countless opportunities to travel around the Pacific region on deployments; first to Thailand then to the Philippines and currently at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia.
For the next few weeks, Barton serves as the liaison between the No. 17 Squadron Fire and Rescue team stationed at RAAF Tindal, and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 during Exercise Pitch Black 2016.
VMFA-122 is home based out of MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, and are currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12 at MCAS Iwakuni with the Unit Deployment Program.
“As a liaison, I assist the No. 17 firefighters in emergencies involving the Marine F/A-18C Hornets,” said Barton. “Our standard operating procedures are slightly different as well as our aircraft.”
Barton said the No. 17 team instantly took him on as one of their own and does everything they do from cleaning to going out on calls, but was surprised to find that both services basically operate and train the same way.
“The first day I was here, they put me on a truck, on crew, wet checks and maintenance,” said Barton. “I love being here, learning from them and being able to support our Marines and aircraft in case of an emergency.”
Despite almost parallel daily schedules, Barton has the vital task of ensuring VMFA-122’s pilots and aircraft are able to accomplish their mission successfully and safely.
“Having a Marine here to teach us what their procedures are makes our job easier during Pitch Black,” said Cpl. Luke Van Den Heuvel, a firefighter with No. 17 Squadron. “Especially one like Cpl. Barton — he’s quiet, but is very knowledgeable about his job.”
Barton still gets excited every time the alarm rings; never knowing what possible emergency has arisen.
“Most of the alarms we’ve had so far are hot break landings, when an aircraft lands and the breaks are held too long making them overheat and possibly explode, causing a fire,” said Barton. “Another alarm is arrested landings. When an aircraft has any number of problems, it has to take the hook. The jets have tail hooks that drop and snag a cable running across the runway to stop an aircraft.”
After Pitch Black, Barton will continue serving as an aircraft rescue firefighter specialist at MCAS Iwakuni where he extended an extra year.
“I love the camaraderie in Iwakuni,” said Barton. “Back in the states after work, most people go their separate ways. Being stationed in Japan, everyone lives together on and off work, creating a family atmosphere.”
The discipline, awareness, certifications and qualifications earned on the job is preparing Barton for life after the military where he plans to continue his career as a firefighter after the Marine Corps.
“Being a firefighter in the Marine Corps has set me up for life,” said Barton. “After retirement or getting out of the military, most of the qualifications earned during active duty will carry over for a smooth transition.”

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Barton, an aircraft rescue firefighter specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, refills a fire truck during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 28, 2016. Barton is a liaison between Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 and No. 17 Squadron Fire and Rescue team stationed at RAAF Tindal in case of emergencies with the flying squadron’s aircraft during the exercise. Pitch Black is a multination exercise that includes participation from Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

U.S Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse Meyers, a power liner with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, gives a familiarization class to Cpl. Michael Barton, an aircraft rescue firefighter specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, and the No. 17 Squadron Fire and Rescue team at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 28, 2016. Barton is a liaison between VMFA-122 and No. 17 Squadron firefighters in case of emergencies involving the flying squadron’s aircraft during Exercise Pitch Black 2016. The familiarization class covered the basic dos and don’ts of operating around the aircraft during an emergency to ensure a safe and successful recovery. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB AIRMAN SHOT AND KILLED IN GOLDSBORO

An active duty airman assigned to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base died early Sunday from gunshot wounds.

Officers with the Goldsboro Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Center Street around 2:30 a.m. and found 32-year-old Ryan Apollo Morgan suffering from gunshot wounds.

Morgan was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where he died as a result of injuries.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.

USS Blue Ridge Firefighters

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 25, 2016) Damage Controlman Fireman Samantha Thomas, left, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and Chief Damage Controlman Erik Prager, right, attached to Commander, Task Force 76 Detachment Sasebo, conduct training with an aqueous film forming foam hose. Blue Ridge is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale/Released)