U.S. Air Force annual firefighter training burns at Shaw

U.S. Air National Guardsmen from Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire Civil Engineer Squadrons extinguish a mock C-130 Hercules aircraft fire for a live fire training at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 19, 2019. The training consisted of controlling fires on a mock C-130 before entering to retain a fallen comrade. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES
04.12.2019
Story by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 

Sixty Four Air National Guardsmen from Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire performed live-fire aircraft burn training March 19.

The training is part of the required annual training for Air Force firefighters. It provides Airmen with the opportunity to gain experience putting out fires in a structure they are not used to, as well as build comradery between squadrons and prepare teams for deployments.

Guard members are allotted two days per month and in some cases two weeks per year of training time. Six years ago, the program was created for members of the Air National Guard in the six New England states, to simulate a real deployment, accomplishing all their annual Air Force training in one week. It also allows Airmen to have time to accomplish other training with their normal wing, maintaining combat readiness.

“We come down here for a week, knock out our training and learn from firefighters at different bases,” said Senior Airman Daniel Warner, 101st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “It’s important to train with aircraft since we don’t have anything like this to practice on up North; it’s nice to be able to come down and touch up our skills.”

Members ordinarily train once throughout the year at the Savannah, Georgia Air National Guard Base. Each year one of the six states plans the training for all the states, rotating annually.

This year Maine was the designated state to organize all three units to come together and train. Once they arrived in Savannah, Georgia, they were informed the burn pit was not functioning. This allowed them the opportunity to train in a new environment with Team Shaw fire truck engines.

Live fire training is very difficult for members to get because of the snow and lack of availability, so with the help of Team Shaw, the units were able to get key training accomplished, said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Cross, 103rd Airlift Wing installation fire chief.

“Firefighters need to be able to work as a team,” said Cross. “What this allows us to do is build comradery and allow us senior non-commissioned officers to train auto-education techniques, like high and low angle rescue while also accomplishing the live fire training that is very hard for us to get up in the North.”

The training allows Airmen to practice total force training, meaning active duty, guard and reservists work as if they were deployed.

“It allows us to look at our programs and see how we train and fight together,” said Cross. “We may see that one state has a better way of attacking a fire, so we are able to learn from that, incorporate it and improve on our programs.”

Cross said he thanks Shaw for supporting their missions and allowing them to keep the mission going because, without this specific training, the overall week-long training would not have been as productive or meaningful for the Airmen.

2nd Civil Engineer Squadron conducts joint fire training with Shreveport Fire

B-52H bomber tail number 60-053 from the 2d Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. proudly displays the American flag as it taxii's out on a local training mission. Aircraft 60-053, call sign Raider 21, went down off the coast of Guam July 21, 2008. All six crew members were lost. (USAF Photo by Technical Sergeant Robert J. Horstman) (Released) Nose art is "Louisiana Fire."

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA, UNITED STATES
03.28.2019
Story by Airman Jacob Wrightsman
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs 

When a B-52 Stratofortress soars overhead, visions of American air power and global strike lethality scurry into the mind, but rarely is there any thought of what happens if disaster struck and a B-52 suddenly became engulfed in flames. Fortunately, the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department in conjunction with the Shreveport Fire Department practice joint live fire training to prepare for these kinds of emergencies.

“We are beyond fortunate that we have Barksdale as a cooperative training partner,” said Chief David L. Ebarb, aircraft rescue and firefighting chief for Shreveport Fire Department. “Barksdale and all of the fire department staff are so gracious for letting us come out here and train.”

This year, the 2nd CES Fire Department with Shreveport Fire Department conducted a live aircraft fire training using a simulated aircraft that was specifically designed to be set ablaze on March 21, 2019, at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Multiple underground gas lines were used to feed into the simulation aircraft to allow the flames to rapidly consume the aircraft and enable the flames to be quickly extinguished in the case of an emergency.

“The great thing about this is although the flames are real and the evolution is real, the situation is controlled,” said Ebarb. “You have safety, you have a red line, you have a chief in the tower to turn off the gas should there be a problem, so it’s kind of controlled chaos.”

Although this particular scenario involved an aircraft accident, the training site can be adjusted to simulate different emergency scenarios with multiple fires.

“We have multiple fires that we can ignite to simulate a number one engine fire, a number two engine fire, debris, three-dimensional fires and ground fires that simulate burning fuel, and that’s just for the exterior of the aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Paul J. Morris, assistant chief of training for the 2nd CES Fire Department. “Not saying that in any crash, all of these fires are going to happen at one time, but when something does happen, they’re not thrown through any loops.”

Additionally, the 2nd CES Fire Department and Shreveport Fire Department use the simulated aircraft as an opportunity to become proficient in multiple firefighting techniques.

“This lets us work on our nozzle practices, hose line advancing, firefighting techniques and it simulates using foam which is what we would use in the real world,” said Ebarb. “It’s just a phenomenal training aid that Barksdale lets us use.”

For Shreveport Fire Department, not only does this training provide unique learning opportunities but it also allows them to uphold their requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration.

“In our mutual aid agreement with Shreveport Fire Department, we conduct annual training so every March they can come out here and do the aircraft live fire training to fulfil their FAA training requirement,” said Morris.

This kind of training allows the 2nd CES Fire Department and the Shreveport Fire Department to hone their skills and learn how to better work together so they can quickly respond in need of an emergency.

“We always want to thank the members of the fire protection squadron, the leadership of Barksdale that allow us to come out and do this,” said Ebarb “It’s a real team effort to get us out here, and we appreciate it.”

So the next time a Barksdale B-52 flies overhead, there’s no need to worry about what will happen in the event of an accident because the coalition of the 2nd CES Fire Department and the Shreveport Fire Department have got it covered.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, Day in the life: 20th CES fire department

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department extinguishes a simulated aircraft fire at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 11, 2019. Various fire departments across the Air Force work alongside each other to complete mandatory aircraft and structural fire training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES
04.12.2019
Story by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 
 Subscribe 17

When a home bursts into flames, breathing becomes more difficult and chances of escape dwindle as the fire roars. With a gray haze overflowing the house, the air begins to turn more toxic and heat intensifies, all hope seems lost.

Bracing the raging beast are guardians dressed in protective gear and portable oxygen tanks, ready to enter the flame and fight to rescue those in danger.

In order to remain ready to respond to any calls, these firefighters live out of fire stations, performing everyday tasks such as working out, making meals and socializing with each other for 48 hours at a time.

Before officially beginning their day, all available personnel gather for a morning meeting to discuss any maintenance and training to be completed that day.

“Morning meetings involve the assistant chief and the station captain going over the tasks for the day,” said Tech. Sgt. Larry Diaz, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of training and readiness. “The plan of action to complete them and any issues that there may be that need addressing. They also give updates on any new crew assignments.”

After the meeting firefighters disperse and inspect all vehicles and machinery in the station, ensuring they are functioning properly, should an incident occur.

“During our morning inspections we have a checklist that we need to review every morning prior to going on any calls,” said Senior Airman William Hough, 20th CES firefighter. “The checklist is comprised of the various tools and mechanisms inside the vehicle.”

Upon completing maintenance, they proceed to training. Training can range from classroom-based lectures to hands-on firefighting and CPR training.

“Throughout our career we train on numerous things,” said Senior Airman Myles Arrick, 20th CES driver operator. “We have medical advancement, F-16 egress, rope and hoisting, along with many other trainings.”

Arrick went on to say firefighters are always learning so they don’t forget the training necessary to save lives.

According to a publication by the U.S. Air Force official site, fire protection specialists deal with everything from brush fires to burning rocket fuel and hazardous material fires.

Receiving the chance to practice hands-on firefighting skills is vital to ensuring a flawless clearing of potential aircraft and structure fires. Being able to control the intensity of fires is vital to training both novice and experienced first responders.

Team Shaw members assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department gather for a morning meeting at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 9, 2019. All available personnel gather for a morning meeting to discuss any maintenance and training to be completed that day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)     

“Performing structural and aircraft fire training is vital in enhancing our firefighter’s muscle memory,” said Diaz. “Should they respond to any of these incidents they will need to fall back on their training.”

After training for hours the firefighters begin their downtime at 3 p.m. In this time they take care of any personal tasks that may need to be done. But there is never truly “down” time for a group on-call for 48 hours.

When the sound system announces “standby for …” all personnel on deck prepare to rush to the vehicle bay to respond to the call. Emergencies are spontaneous so they must respond swiftly and efficiently.

With less than one minute to fully gear and depart, speed is key to mission success.

“My normal response when I hear “standby” is to stop what I am doing and listen to the announcement to gather all the information to know what crews need to respond,” said Diaz. “If it’s an inflight emergency then it will be a crash response, if it’s a vehicle accident then rescue will respond.”

In the evening each person goes about their own business. As the calls slow down the responders get a chance to cook their dinners, scroll through social media or catch-up on some sleep. Some are even visited by their loved ones, as they are confined to the sanctum of the fire department.

“It’s important to have family come over to the fire department because we as firefighters spend more time at work then we do with our family,” said Diaz. “Having them come over allows us to spend time with them. It also boosts morale, increases unity and aids in getting to know our firefighters on a personal level by having that relationship with their families.”

As the night comes to an end and the firefighters head to bed, they are greeted to the intercom announcing “standby for …” beginning the cycle all over again.

USAG Okinawa fire chief receives Army lifetime achievement award, hall of fame induction

Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, on the job in 1992.  Courtesy photo

JAPAN
04.15.2019
Story by Winifred Brown
US Army Garrison - Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan (April 12, 2019) -- Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, didn't aspire to become a firefighter as a child, but once on the job, he found he had an affinity for it.

"Nobody likes to have injuries, fire damage, deaths or things like that, but when you experience those calamities, you're glad to have someone there to make things better," Butler said. "And as a firefighter, I enjoyed being that person that would help people and make things better."

After 39 years in the profession, Butler received the 2018 Army Fire and Emergency Services Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation, a private organization based in San Angelo, Texas, will induct him into their hall of fame next month.

Butler joined the Air Force in 1979 and did a 25-year career as an active-duty firefighter. He began working for the Army's former Installation Management Agency, now Installation Management Command, when he retired from the Air Force in 2004, and he has been working for the Army since then.

He has served as the fire chief at Okinawa since February 2016, but previously was the fire chief at USAG Fort Bliss, Texas, for nine years, and he intends to return there next year. Under Department of Defense rules, installations limit overseas civilian jobs to five years and hold employees' stateside jobs while they are away.

In addition, Butler has served as fire chief at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait; Manta Air Base in Manta, Ecuador; and Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, where he helped build a U.S. air base fire department at a civilian airport in support of cargo and fighter and bomber missions into Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002.

Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, is the recipient of the 2018 Army Fire and Emergency Services Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation, a private organization based in San Angelo, Texas, will induct him into their hall of fame in May 2019. Photo by Jim McGee, U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Public Affairs  

Butler said he tells firefighters, "do things the way they're supposed to be done," and he has followed that advice throughout his career.

"If for some reason you can't do things the way they're supposed to be done, then change the way it's supposed to be done," Butler said. "What I mean by that is: We do things based upon laws, regulations, policies and commander's intent, but if for some reason we can't comply with those laws, rules, regulations and commander's intent, then we have to change those rules."

He also believes in making changes based on an unmet need.

In the days before organizations such as Army Community Service or Airman and Family Readiness, Butler said he didn't like leaving people in the lurch at fire scenes.

"When we got finished as firefighters, we would just kind of leave and the people would be there like, 'What do I do next? I don't have food; I have no furniture; I have nowhere to live; all my important documents are gone.' So I created a checklist that we would give to people that kind of told them, 'This is what you should do next,'" Butler said.

Butler said the biggest change he has seen in firefighting since he began in the field is in safety improvements.

"When I first became a firefighter, when I first went to my first fire station, there was only one breathing apparatus on the truck," Butler said, "and the crew chief, who is like the senior fire guy who is in charge of the truck, he said, 'That's our breathing apparatus right there. We don't ever use it.'"

Now, all firefighters wear breathing apparatus, as well as their own personally fitted mask, Butler said.

"No matter how much safety equipment you have or how safe you are following safety procedures, it's a very dangerous job--roof collapse, explosions, you name it," Butler said. "So firefighting is a very dangerous profession, but we do the very best we can to protect our firefighters and we have a saying: 'Dead firefighters don't save lives.'"

Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, bottom left, on the job as an Air Force firefighter in 1979.Photo by Winifred Brown 

Butler said it is important to fight against complacency by constantly training.
When garrison officials hold meetings throughout the year for annual full-scale emergency exercises, Butler said he likes to tell them the fire department is always ready.

"I always go to these meetings and I say, 'Let's just have it tomorrow. I'm ready.' We have to be ready. In a fire department we cannot prepare a whole year for a single exercise," Butler said. "We have to prepare every single day and that's training, training, training."

Deputy Fire Chief Ralph Barone at USAG Okinawa nominated Butler for the Army award, and because Butler was initially reluctant, he had to talk him into giving him information for the nominating document.

Barone said he nominated Butler because he has known him since 1982 and believes he is one of the best in the field of Army firefighting.

"He's a consummate professional and a visionary in the fire and emergency services career field," Barone said. "He is personally responsible for many of the programs that govern Army Fire and Emergency Services today. There is truly no one more deserving of the Army Fire and Emergency Services Lifetime Achievement Award than Chief Butler."

John Staub, chief of Army Fire and Emergency Services, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, said he has been a DOD firefighter for 40 years, and has known Butler since the early 1990s when they were both active-duty Air Force firefighters.

"Chief Butler is the model for integrity, honesty and ethics," Staub said. "He has always demonstrated these traits, and leads from the front by example. His dedication to duty and unselfish service to our nation and communities goes a long way in setting the bar high for others to emulate. He mentors current and future leaders, with continued excellence always in the forefront of his thoughts, words and deeds."

Butler is most deserving of the lifetime achievement award, Staub said.

"He has served not only at the installation level, but on (headquarters) staffs as well," Staub said. "I rely on his honest opinion and appraisal, and when coupled with his strategic vision, it affords me the best of both worlds. (He's) a superb fire chief with a strategic vision that stretches across the enterprise that I can always reach out to for assistance."

Fire Chief Charlie Butler of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, Torii Station, on the job in 2003. Courtesy photo   

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA
04.08.2019
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Krystina Coffey
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet 

190408-N-QR145-033
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 8, 2019) - Damage Controlman 3rd Class Demonte Roy enters the main engine room to investigate a simulated fire during a main space fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) in the Mediterranean Sea, April 8, 2019. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its eighth patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Krystina Coffey/Released)