Submarine Force Opens New Trainer in Guam

SANTA RITA, Guam (August 26, 2016) Sailors from Naval Submarine Training Center (NSTCP) detachment (det) Guam demonstrate the new Mobile Trainer 1000 submarine firefighting trainer after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Polaris Point, Guam, Aug. 26. NSTCP det Guam provides training for the four Los Angeles-class attack submarines based out of Apra Harbor, Guam, and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Lauren Spaziano/Released)

SANTA RITA, GUAM

08.26.2016

Story by Lt. Lauren Spaziano 

Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

SANTA RITA, Guam (Aug. 26, 2016) – Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) detachment (det) Guam held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand new Mobile Trainer (MT) 1000 submarine firefighting trainer on Polaris Point, Guam, Aug. 26.

The MT-1000 is the hottest firefighting trainer in the U.S. Navy and can run until temperatures reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit at five feet above the deck. It is designed to train service members in both basic firefighting and responsive team training to improve the casualty response of forward deployed units in the Western Pacific.

“The addition of the MT-1000 reinforces the Navy’s commitment to ensure our submarine force is trained to the highest degree of readiness and that our crews are ready to handle emergency situations underway,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jarrod Trant, NSTCP det Guam Officer in Charge. “The MT-1000 is the newest, hottest firefighter trainer in the U.S. Navy, putting our front line submariners through rigorous firefighting scenarios, which provides invaluable training.”

One of the MT-1000’s two fireplaces simulates a switchboard electrical fire, and the other is a bilge fire with a flashover capability that shoots propane across the ceiling, which rapidly raises the temperature inside. Training is routinely conducted around 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be reached within a couple of minutes at full burn. The MT-1000 can train two hose teams of four Sailors each simultaneously and is closely monitored by staff to ensure safety and compliance with proper firefighting techniques.

“This top-of-the-line trainer will benefit the submarine force and the fleet by developing team skills with real-life firefighting scenarios in a controlled environment,” said Trant. “We want to ensure the teams have the tools they need to be successful should similar situations arise underway.”

The MT-1000 is specially designed to improve firefighting capabilities aboard submarines with a side watertight door and topside hatch over a vertical ladder to simulate firefighting conditions and accesses on submarines. The trainer also has moveable metal panels to simulate different scenarios and increase the difficulty. 

Capt. Michael Martin, NSTCP Commanding Officer, was present for the ceremony and is excited about the new systems coming online.

“The MT-1000 is another addition in a series of new training capabilities coming to Guam,” said Martin. “Over the last three years, NSTCP det Guam has expanded from a small office of four instructors to a staff of 20 by the end of the year, running a state of the art Attack Center, Submarine Bridge and integrated navigation trainer, Ship Control Operator Trainer (SCOT) and the new MT-1000 along with an advanced engineering Virtual Interactive Display Equipment (VIDE) trainer coming online in November.”

The new facility was built by Kidde Fire Trainers, Inc. and shipped from Groton, Connecticut, to Guam in July. The MT-1000 has been undergoing acceptance testing throughout August and will be ready to train submariners in September.

“The submarine force and Submarine Learning Center (SLC) have provided considerable resources to buy, build and man this schoolhouse,” said Martin. “Guam continues to provide excellent state of the art training to the forward deployed submarines equal to any submarine homeport.”

NSTCP det Guam is located at Polaris Point in Apra Harbor, Guam and shares a building with Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. Together, they are responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines stationed in Guam and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. The submarines and submarine tenders USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit http://www.csp.navy.mil/css15 and https://www.facebook.com/SubmarineSquadron15/.

For more news from Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific detachment Guam, visit https://www.facebook.com/NSTCPDETGUAM/.

For more news from NSTCP or SLC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/nstcp/.

From left to right, Cmdr. Lance Thompson, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 Deputy for Mission Readiness; Lt. Cmdr. Jarrod Trant, Naval Submarine Training Center (NSTCP) detachment (det) Guam Officer in Charge; Capt. Michael Martin, NSTCP Commanding Officer; and Capt. Jeffrey Grimes, Joint Region Marianas Chief of Staff, open the new Mobile Trainer 1000 submarine firefighting trainer during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Polaris Point, Guam, Aug. 26. NSTCP det Guam provides training for the four Los Angeles-class attack submarines based out of Apra Harbor, Guam, and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Lauren Spaziano/Released)

 SANTA RITA, Guam (August 26, 2016) Sailors from Naval Submarine Training Center (NSTCP) detachment (det) Guam demonstrate the new Mobile Trainer 1000 submarine firefighting trainer after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Polaris Point, Guam, Aug. 26. NSTCP det Guam provides training for the four Los Angeles-class attack submarines based out of Apra Harbor, Guam, and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Lauren Spaziano/Released)

“Once a Marine, Always a Marine”

Photo By Sgt. Ian Leones | Marines, veterans and family members stand in formation, Aug. 29, 2016. Marines gathered in Times Square for the “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” formation in celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial. For 100 years, the Marine Corps Reserve has answered the call, serving as our nation’s crisis response force and expeditionary force in readiness. The centennial celebration is a way to honor that selfless service and commemorate the Marine Corps Reserve’s rich history, heritage and esprit de corps. The celebration is also a way for Reserve Marines to thank their families, employers and community for their continued support. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones/Released)

NEW YORK , NY, UNITED STATES

08.29.2016

Story by Sgt. Sara Graham 

Marine Forces Reserve

Nearly 500 current and former Marines gathered together in the largest mass Marine formation in New York City’s history, to celebrate the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial at Times Square, Aug. 29, 2016. 

The “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” formation is one of the many kick-off events taking place in New York to mark the start of a yearlong celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve’s 100 years of service to the Corps and the community. The formation brought together Marines from World War II to the present, including members of the New York Police and Fire Departments, community members and possible future Marines, to honor 100 years of selfless dedication to their country. 

“The presence of these Marines is a reminder to our county that our nation’s most treasured resources are the brave men and women who volunteered to serve when this country calls,” said Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. “With us today are New York’s finest and bravest, from the police officers to the firefighters of New York, these brave men and women are on watch protecting our citizens. This gathering is a reminder to all Marines who ever served, that you are still a member of the Corps.” 

The anniversary celebration highlights the achievement and history of the Reserve throughout the years and their commitment not only to their nation but to balancing a life in the Corps and civilian world. It recognizes that Marines continue their roles in the community whether they are currently serving in the Corps or in their civilian lives. 

“We are all Marines at the end of the day -- once a Marine, always a Marine -- so it was good to bring us all together in formation,” said Cpl. Prince Mends, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 25. “Since we are Reserve Marines it is good to show up and show who we are, what we do, and why we are celebrating 100 years of the Reserve.”

The Reserve continues to serve selflessly to protect their nation while they balance the responsibilities of family, school, community and careers. Even while balancing their two lives, the Reserve Marines are a key component to the Marine Corps, as they serve as the nation’s crisis response force and expeditionary force in readiness. They are continually ready to support and augment the active duty Marines whenever it is asked of them. 

“Our role is to back up the active duty component, they go in for long deployments then we step in to help when they need a break,” said Mends. “We are very strong in what we do, so we back them up and push them forward.” 

To complete the celebration, potential new recruits stood before the formation and community and took the oath of enlistment to join the Marine Corps. Whether it is to serve on active duty or in the reserves, they are taking their first steps into a service with unmatched heritage and tradition. They represent a look to the future, and hope to become the Marines who will carry on the next 100 years of service and tradition. 

Today, approximately 500 Reserve Marines are providing fully integrated global operational support to the Fleet and Combatant Commanders. For information on the history and heritage of the Marine Corps Reserve as well as current Marine stories and upcoming Centennial events, please visit www.marines.mil/usmcr100.

86 CES Firefighters train in plane rescue operations

Staff Sgt. Bryan Tafoya, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief, ascends a ladder to reach a rescue site during a training exercise Aug. 23, 2016 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The training’s purpose was to increase approximately 20 firefighters and aircraft maintainers’ proficiency in rescuing individuals from an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer)

RP, GERMANY
08.29.2016
Story by Airman 1st Class Lane Plummer
86th Airlift Wing

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany—The 86th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, alongside the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainers, performed an annual extraction exercise Aug. 23, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The training’s purpose was to increase firefighters and aircraft maintainers’ proficiency in rescuing individuals from an aircraft during a real-life scenario.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Bagnasco, 86th CES fire protection crew chief, said the training properly prepared the Airmen for real-life scenarios.

“Our job as firefighters is to save lives and property,” Bagnasco said. “It’s important to do this annual training to keep us all sharp and refreshed on this process… I feel we did well, especially in staying safe and having everyone properly communicate with each other.”

During a flight, several crises can arise that demand immediate attention including allergic reactions, gas and chemical leaks or fire hazards.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Hardin, 721st AMXS fuel systems lead technician, said the training prepared Airmen for serious situations that can arise mid-flight and need rapid response.

“Situations such as chemically-induced overexposure and heat strokes can occur on the flightline, and we all want to be prepared for it,” Hardin said.

Firefighters trained on rescuing individuals from atop the wing of an aircraft and successfully transporting individuals safely from the plane to the emergency service vehicles safely.

721st AMXS Airmen cooperated with firefighters on becoming more prepared to communicate with 20-plus Airmen at the scene. Part of that preparation includes teamwork with other units, Hardin said.

“We all want to cooperate together to make the process as smooth as possible,” Hardin explained. “If we all can work out the flaws in a training environment, then we should be able to tackle any situation, should it arise, as professional and proficient as we can.”

Acting as the firemen of the Air Force, fire protection specialists deal with everything from brush fires to burning rocket fuel and hazardous material fires. However, they cannot accomplish all their jobs and maintain mission readiness without the help of Airmen such as aircraft maintainers. These individuals continue to uphold the 86th Airlift Wing’s mission and ensure the safety of others in the Kaiserslautern Military Community every day.

For fire safety concerns or questions, please contact Ramstein Fire Station 1 at DSN: 480-5511 or Commercial: 06371-47-5511.

Senior Airman Gregory Pease and Lawrence Toth, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, participate in a training exercise Aug. 23, 2016 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. In addition to rescue operations, fire protection specialists ensure lives and property are secure by preparing for potential hazards such as brush fires to burning rocket fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer)

Senior Airman Gregory Pease and Lawrence Toth, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, secure the harness of Senior Airman Justin Ivey, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, during a training exercise Aug. 23, 2016 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Airmen trained atop a C-17 Globemaster III, performing rescue operations to simulate individuals needing to be removed from a plane due to an emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer)

World-class firefighting training at the Urlas Firefighting Training Center

U.S. Army firefighters from the 23rd Ordnance Company and members from the Urlas Firefighting Training Center in Ansbach, Germany, stand together for a group photo at the facility Aug. 30, 2016. (Release, U.S. Army photo by Training Resource Specialist Mr. Charles Rosemond)

 (Release, U.S. Army photo by Training Resource Specialist Mr. Charles Rosemond)

(Release, U.S. Army photo by Training Resource Specialist Mr. Charles Rosemond)

U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Vidot, a firefighter (12M military occupational specialty) from the 23rd Ordnance Company, take part in firefighter training at the Urlas Firefighting Training Center in Ansbach, Germany, Aug. 30, 2016. Some of the tasks they performed included hazardous-materials response, fire ground operations, rescue operations and maintenance. (Release, U.S. Army photo by Training Resource Specialist Mr. Charles Rosemond)

Reserve Marines remember their fallen brothers

A color guard from Brooklyn’s 6th Communication Battalion retires the colors during a remembrance ceremony for two Reserve Marines from their unit at Floyd Bennett Field, Aug. 30, 2016. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew D. Garvey, first responders with the city’s police fire departments, lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. To honor their memory, Marine Corps Reserve Center Brooklyn dedicated the Curtin Garvey Complex and a 9/11 monument made partially with steel from the World Trade Center. The remembrance ceremony is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, celebrating 100 years of service and selfless dedication to the nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones/Released)

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES
08.30.2016
Story by Sgt. Ian Leones
Marine Forces Reserve

Marines from Brooklyn’s 6th Communication Battalion held a dedication ceremony in honor of two fallen Reserve Marines from their unit at Floyd Bennett Field, Aug. 30, 2016.

Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew D. Garvey, first responders with the city’s police and fire departments, died to rescue others at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

To honor their memory, the Marines renamed their Reserve center the Curtin Garvey Complex. They also dedicated a monument using steel taken from the World Trade Center as a tribute to the Marines as well as the first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.

“It is important that we come out here and honor our fallen Marines and the sacrifices they made,” said Staff Sgt. John A. Grigg, inspector-instructor cyber systems chief for Direct Support Company, 6th Comm. Bn. “It helps us remember who we are and who we are supposed to be.”

Curtin served 12 years on active duty before becoming a Reserve Marine. He joined the New York Police Department in January 1988 and spent most of his career with the Emergency Service Squad units. Curtin died rescuing victims trapped in the North tower of the World Trade Center.

"Sgt. Maj. Curtin was my company first sergeant when I checked into 6th Comm. in 1995," said Master Sgt. Pasquale Foresta, currently the liaison staff noncommissioned officer in charge for Chemical Biological Incident Response Force. "He was a large imposing man, but he took care of his Marines. I remember wandering the halls, completely lost, when I ran into him for the first time. He had never met me before, but wanted to know all about who I was. It had an impact on me and made me feel part of the unit right away."

Garvey served 10 years on active duty and served in Beirut, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He joined the New York Fire Department in 1995 and served with the elite Squad 1. On 9/11, Garvey and his squad members aided in the evacuation of thousands of people from the South tower of the World Trade Center. The tower collapsed and killed Garvey and his entire squad.

“Gunnery Sgt. Garvey was my platoon sergeant and he was a Marines’ Marine,” Foresta said. “He is what anyone would expect a Marine to be. I’ve spent nearly 15 years living in his shadow.”

Curtin and Garvey serve as an example of how Reserves Marines from various backgrounds and occupations answered the call to defend the country during and after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

“It is important for young Marines coming up to understand how their roles might change,” Foresta said. “We have Marines who died on 9/11, but we also have Marines who died serving overseas afterwards as well.”

Marines from 6th Comm. have supported both operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, showcasing how Reserve Marines have been willing to trade in their civilian jobs to augment and support the active component in defense of the nation.

“As Reserve Marines we wear two hats, we have to maintain a civilian life and a Marine Corps life,” said Sgt. Lee Falcon, ground radio repair section head for Headquarters and Service Company, 6th Comm. “A lot of new Marines come in and they don’t know what happened here or any of the history of the battalion, so it is good to actually impart that to them through events like this.”

The memorial is a representation of the sacrifices Reserve Marines have made for their country for over 100 years. The ceremony was held as part of a series of events taking place in New York to recognize the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial and honor the bond Reserve Marines share with their communities.

Marines from Brooklyn’s 6th Communication Battalion stand at attention during a remembrance ceremony for two Reserve Marines from their unit at Floyd Bennett Field, Aug. 30, 2016. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew D. Garvey, first responders with the city’s police-fire departments, lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. To honor their memory, Marine Corps Reserve Center Brooklyn dedicated the Curtin Garvey Complex and a 9/11 monument made partially with steel from the World Trade Center. The remembrance ceremony is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, celebrating 100 years of service and selfless dedication to the nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones/Released)

A rifle detail from Brooklyn’s 6th Communication Battalion fire three rifle volleys during a remembrance ceremony for two Reserve Marines from their unit at Floyd Bennett Field, Aug. 30, 2016. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew D. Garvey, first responders with the city’s police fire departments, lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. To honor their memory, Marine Corps Reserve Center Brooklyn dedicated the Curtin Garvey Complex and a 9/11 monument made partially with steel from the World Trade Center. The remembrance ceremony is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, celebrating 100 years of service and selfless dedication to the nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones/Released)

Members of the New York Police Department Emerald Society perform the Marines’ Hymn during a remembrance ceremony for two Reserve Marines from Brooklyn’s 6th Communication Battalion at Floyd Bennett Field, Aug. 30, 2016. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew D. Garvey, first responders with the city’s police fire departments, lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. To honor their memory, Marine Corps Reserve Center Brooklyn dedicated the Curtin Garvey Complex and a 9/11 monument made partially with steel from the World Trade Center. The remembrance ceremony is being held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, celebrating 100 years of service and selfless dedication to the nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones/Released)