Base commander and command chief join fire team for exercise

Base commander and command chief join fire team for exercise
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES
04.09.2019
Story by Senior Airman Clayton Wear
30th Space Wing Public Affairs   

Col. Michael Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Diena Mosely, 30th Space Wing command chief, joined the Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department March 21, 2019 as they conducted fire training at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Throughout the fire exercise, Hough and Mosely experienced what procedures are necessary to combat small-scale fire conditions, giving them just a taste of what Vandenberg firefighters are exposed to during a fire.

“This type of interaction with firefighters gives Col. Hough and Chief Mosely an opportunity to see what we do, and how we do it,” said Senior Master Sgt. Corey Coleman, 30th CES deputy fire chief. “This helps them understand what they can do to assist us in accomplishing our mission, which is to provide fire and emergency services to the 30th Space Wing and our surrounding community.”

By allowing Hough and Mosely to integrate into the training, the team was able to share knowledge on proper protective gear and procedure to perform their duties in a safe manor, providing leadership with a further understanding to advocate for the necessity of the diverse skillsets within their mission.

The Fire Department not only trains hard, but works hard every day, and due to their outstanding performance and dedication, the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department was recognized as the Best Fire Department in the Air Force for 2018, marking their sixth AF level award in the last 14 years.

The Vandenberg Fire Department, composed of 116 firefighters and technical support specialists, operating out of six fire stations spread across Vandenberg, does more than simply responding to calls on the installation. The team often works hand-in-hand with state first responders, aides in the recovery of high value assets and, on previous missions, will travel the span of the continental U.S. in order to aid rescue efforts. They are also assigned to the California National Incident Response Teams and have responded to Hurricane Katrina, the Space Shuttle Columbia search and recovery, wildland fires in Colorado Springs, Hurricane Florence and the Goleta mudslide disaster, just to name a few.

“Our firefighters have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their off-base counterparts during the biggest fires in California…saving thousands of lives, homes and businesses,” said Mark Farias, 30th CES fire chief. “This cooperation has been reciprocal, as was evident during the 2016 Canyon Fire. Over 1,000 off-base firefighters put their safety at risk in combating this fire and saving many of our critical facilities.”

According to Farias, due to their passion for innovation and their desire to serve, the Fire Department has developed new metrics of efficiency, effectiveness and better leaders for the U.S. Air Force and has also split into different sections, allowing members to grow as great leaders at every level.

“Our innovations have driven new performance paradigms for our career field which have lead our peers across the Department of Defense,” said Farias. “By investing in our leaders and developing diverse talent in every functional area of our organization. While the majority of personnel work in the Emergency Response section, we also have Fire Inspectors, Arson Investigators, 9-11 Dispatchers, Hot Shots and Paramedics.”

In order to lead with effectiveness, efficiency and attitude, every service the team provides both locally and abroad takes top priority.

“As a team we build our reputation – one 911 call, one emergency response, one fire safety inspection at a time. We know that every action we take has an impact on the lives of our customers. We respond to and solve some of our community’s toughest problems,” said Coleman. “We sweat hard to support our customers in every aspect of their lives – at work, at play and at home. Our people dedicate themselves day in and day out to fulfilling our mission…Serve – Save – Survive.”

Thanks to the outstanding service that the 30th CES Fire Department provides, not only aiding the base, but the local community, showcasing why they are seven time Best Air Force Fire Department award winners.

2019 Fort McCoy Vigilant Triad exercise included simulated HAZMAT response, CP Railroad support

Firefighters with the Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department participate in a scenario at the post railyard March 20, 2019, for the Vigilant Triad 2019 exercise at Fort McCoy, Wis. Vigilant Triad is a full-scale exercise that helps the installation test its response to a variety of incidents and accidents. Such exercises are part of a continuing effort by the Department of Defense to refine and improve emergency response to natural and man-made disasters. Fort McCoy’s Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security served as the lead agency for the exercise. The 2019 exercise scenario included a simulated trail derailment where, because of the derailment, some overturned railcars replicated leaking hazardous materials. (U.S. Army Photo by Karen Sampson, Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office)

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES
04.09.2019
Story by Scott Sturkol                     
Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

The 2019 Vigilant Triad exercise at Fort McCoy was held at Fort McCoy March 18-21 with the majority of the activity happening March 20.

Vigilant Triad is a full-scale exercise that helps the installation test its response to a variety of incidents and accidents, according to the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, or DPTMS.

Such exercises are part of a continuing effort by the Department of Defense to refine and improve emergency response to natural and man-made disasters. DPTMS served as the lead Fort McCoy agency for the exercise.

The 2019 exercise scenario included a simulated trail derailment where, because of the derailment, some overturned railcars replicated leaking hazardous materials.

The response included both police and fire department personnel with the Directorate of Emergency Services arriving at the scene immediately after the event occurred. Later, a team with the Canadian-Pacific Railroad took over the scene to recover the rail equipment, stop any hazardous material leaks, and return the scene to normal.

Fort McCoy activated its Installation Emergency Operations Center (IEOC) early March 20, conducted a simulated evacuation of South Post Housing, and conducted an accountability call for all Fort McCoy personnel.

The event triggered mass notifications to the Fort McCoy community, as well as response and recovery activities by both garrison and tenant organizations throughout post. The Army Community Service Emergency Family Assistance Center also was activated during the training event.

In January, DPTMS coordinated a training seminar that included presentations from the Canadian-Pacific Railroad Police and hazardous materials officer. A representative from the Western Wisconsin Health Emergency Response Coalition also gave a presentation.

“The intent of the seminar was to improve the installation’s ability to support the post community before, during, and after a natural, manmade accidental, or intentional event,” said Tim Werstein with DPTMS.

DPTMS Director Brad Stewart said the 2019 Vigilant Triad training was successful.

“The exercise fulfilled the Installation Management Command annual requirement to conduct a full-scale exercise to refine and improve installation’s response to a local or regional all-hazards crisis,” Stewart said.

“We have miles of railway going through the installation, so this served as a great training opportunity to work with Canadian-Pacific and related agencies to practice a response to an incident like this. Our team did great, and we can build on what we learned during the exercise.”

The next Vigilant Triad exercise is tentatively scheduled for early 2020.

Fort McCoy has supported America’s armed forces since 1909. The post’s varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

(The Fort McCoy Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security contributed to this article.)

Firefighters with the Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department participate in a scenario at the post railyard March 20, 2019, for the Vigilant Triad 2019 exercise at Fort McCoy, Wis. Vigilant Triad is a full-scale exercise that helps the installation test its response to a variety of incidents and accidents. Such exercises are part of a continuing effort by the Department of Defense to refine and improve emergency response to natural and man-made disasters. Fort McCoy’s Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security served as the lead agency for the exercise. The 2019 exercise scenario included a simulated trail derailment where, because of the derailment, some overturned railcars replicated leaking hazardous materials. (U.S. Army Photo by Karen Sampson, Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office)

The Marine Corps’ new fire truck is rolling toward FOC

Photo By Ashley Calingo | The Corps’ new firetruck, the P-19R, provides technologically advanced on-road and off-road rescue and firefighting capabilities to permanent and expeditionary airfields throughout the Marine Corps. Program Executive Officer Land Systems is currently fielding the P-19R to Marines worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES
04.09.2019
Story by Ashley Calingo
Marine Corps Systems Command

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.—Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fight Marines are getting a modernized rig—their first in over 30 years. The P-19R ARFF will be the principal firefighting and crash response vehicle for the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and will be able to support all operations where the MAGTF is employed.

The Medium and Heavy Tactical Vehicles program office at Program Executive Officer Land Systems started fielding the P-19R vehicle in June 2017 and, since then, have fielded the majority of the new trucks to Marine Corps installations across the continental United States.

“So far, the reception from the Marines on the capability of the truck has been outstanding,” said Eric Miller, product manager for the P-19R at PEO Land Systems. “Obviously after 30 years, Marines are excited about having a new capability. It’s been very well received.”

The technological advancements made by Industry over the past few decades are reflected in the modernized truck. The P-19R integrates combat-proven performance and advanced firefighting technology to deliver cutting-edge on-road and off-road rescue and firefighting capabilities to permanent and expeditionary airfields throughout the Marine Corps.

With the P-19R—as with its predecessor, the P-19A—Marines are able to counter aircraft fires caused by crashes or other causes. The P-19R is safer, faster, has a more powerful engine and has nearly double the fuel capacity compared to its predecessor. The P-19R’s 600 horsepower engine enables the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 50 miles per hour in under 25 seconds, and can reach speeds over 70 miles per hour, enabling ARFF Marines to swiftly reach the scene of the action. To put this in context, the Corps’ workhorse Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement—more commonly known as the “MTVR” or “7-ton”—takes over 30 seconds to reach 50 miles per hour and has a maximum speed under 70 miles per hour.

Inside the cab, the P-19R is outfitted with a 10.4-inch display unit—dubbed the “command zone”—giving Marines the ability to monitor different aspects of the vehicle. The command zone enables Marines to keep tabs on everything from tire pressure to water and fluid levels, in addition to other internal diagnostics.

“The P-19R is a lot more technologically advanced and has more bells and whistles than the older [fire trucks] do,” said Cpl. Dominic Wirthlin, ARFF specialist with Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron in California. “The command zone tells us if anything’s wrong with the vehicle that can cause an issue so we can fix it before something breaks.”

The bumper and roof turret controls on the P19-R also received an upgrade. Using an electronic joystick, Marines are now able to maneuver the turrets and—with the push of a button—switch between spraying water and flame-suppressing foam.

“The turrets are manually-operated. It’s almost like playing a video game,” said Sgt. Christopher Cunningham, another ARFF specialist at MCAS Camp Pendleton H&HS. “Everything [on the P-19R] is technologically advanced. It’s just a really cool rig.”

Unlike its predecessor, however, the P-19R can be used off the airfield in tactical operations, such as combating structural fires and wildland fires. The ruggedized P-19R was designed so Marines have the ability to navigate through any terrain off-road they may encounter—from the mountains to the desert to the jungle.

“Prior to the P-19R, the fire station assets and the assets that the Marine Wing Support Squadrons use weren’t shared,” said Suzanne Deer, a logistician with the MHTV program office at PEO Land Systems. “With the P-19R, one vehicle can be used interchangeably between the air stations and the tactical community.”

From a logistical standpoint, the P-19R shares major components with other tactical vehicles in MHTV program portfolio—specifically, the Logistics Vehicle Systems Replacement vehicle and the MTVR—which will make it easier to source and replace parts as needed in its 22-year future, said Deer. For example, the P-19R shares a common engine with the LVSR, and uses the same suspension system as the MTVR. Additionally, the P-19R uses the same wheels and tires as both the LVSR and MTVR vehicles. It also shares the same central tire inflation system capable of maintaining and adjusting tire pressure according to the terrain, along with providing runflat protection for punctured tires.

With the bulk of the vehicles already fielded across I and II MEF, the program office is heading to Japan this summer to field the P-19R to III MEF and its associated Marine Wing Support Squadrons and Marine Corps Installations. The program office anticipates completing fielding of all 164 vehicles by February 2020.

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines use a P-19R to respond to an incident during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif, in February 2019. Program Executive Officer Land Systems is currently fielding the P-19R to Marines worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines spray water from the bumper turret on the P-19R during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif, in February 2019. Program Executive Officer Land Systems is currently fielding the P-19R to Marines worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)

FDNY firefighter killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

Christopher Slutman Facebook

3 American Soldiers, 1 US Contractor Killed In Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan

APRIL 09, 2019 - 3:16 AM

By Larry Celona April 9, 2019 | 12:39am | Updated

A decorated FDNY firefighter was among four Americans killed by a roadside bomb near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan on Monday, sources told The Post.

Christopher Slutman, a married father of three, worked at Ladder 27 in the Claremont section of the Bronx, the sources said.

Slutman, who was a 15-year veteran of the FDNY, also served as a U.S. Marine, according to sources.

One source remembered him as a devoted father and hard-working FDNY member.

“He was really a great guy,” the source said. “He loved being a fireman, and he was a real family man.”

Slutman was awarded the Fire Chiefs Association Memorial Medal in 2014 for rescuing an unconscious woman from a burning apartment in the South Bronx, according to FDNY records.

In the rescue, he crawled on the floor through the flames to reach a bedroom where the woman had passed out.

He and another firefighter then dragged the woman past the fire again and safely turned her over to medics in the lobby of the building.

Three U.S. service members and a contractor were killed in the blast when their convoy hit a roadside bomb north of Kabul on Monday, U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack after the killings.

The roadside blast hit the convoy near the Bagram Air Base, which is the main U.S. operations center in the country. The killings bring the total number of Americans killed in Afghanistan this year to seven.

Additional reporting by Ben Feuerherd

3 American soldiers, 1 US contractor killed in Afghanistan

By RAHIM FAIEZ

Afghan security forces gather at the site of Monday's attack near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghan security forces gather at the site of Monday's suicide attack near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

An Afghan security force check the site a day after an attack near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit the roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghans watch a civilian vehicle burnt after being shot by US forces after an attack near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

612th Air Base Squadron perform fire training in Alpha Block

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS
03.28.2019
Photo by Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney
Joint Task Force-Bravo

U.S. Air Force firefighters assigned to the 612th Air Base Squadron perform fire training in Alpha Block at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, March 28, 2019. The firefighters started controlled fires and then practiced extinguishing them using old buildings on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney)