JBAB begins limited, phased COVID-19 distribution

Story by 1st Lt. Kali Gradishar December 30, 2020 at 12:14PM The 316th Medical Squadron at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling administered the first locally available COVID-19 vaccines to JBAB first responders Dec. 30. As initial quantities of the vaccine are limited, medical, fire department and security forces professionals are the first to be offered the vaccine in line with the Department of Defense phased prioritization plan. The vaccine, made available under an Emergency Use Authorization, will remain voluntary until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides full and final approval.

Video: Camp Pendleton residents evacuate, local firefighters battle Creek Fire

Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire worked together to fight the Creek Fire that blazed in Fallbrook and the installation beginning Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. The fire burned a total of 4,200 acres and caused residents of multiple housing areas to evacuate for a short period of time. (U.S. Marine 

Corps video by Sgt. Dylan Chagnon)

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

12.27.2020

Story by Lance Cpl. Angela Wilcox 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton  

Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire worked together to fight the Creek Fire that blazed in Fallbrook and the installation beginning Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020.

By Saturday evening, the fire was 90 percent contained and over 4,200 acres. The fire initially posed a threat to eastern areas of base. However, through firefighting strategies of back burns and control lines, by 5 p.m. on Dec. 24, the fire no longer posed any threat to structures.

Residents living in the Lake O’Neill Campground, O’Neill Heights, Wounded Warrior Battalion, and De Luz base housing areas were ordered to evacuate early Thursday morning. They gathered at Paige Fieldhouse where they awaited updates and heard from Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

“While neither one of the housing areas are threatened right now, out of an abundance of caution, we don’t want to put folks [back in their homes],” Conley said to the evacuees. “We don’t want to put folks in. The winds shift, and then we got really bad problems.”

Volunteers with the United Service Organization were present at the shelter location, distributing food and gifts to evacuees. Santa Claus made an appearance as well to raise spirits, arriving in his Camp Pendleton Fire Department firetruck to visit the children.

“I appreciate the fire department, Santa, and all the volunteers for coming out and trying to make this something more than just sitting around in a parking lot,” Conley said of their efforts.

Evacuees were then cleared by CPFD and Cal Fire to return to their homes Thursday evening, as the fire had been quickly contained from reaching any structures.

Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire worked together non-stop to contain the fire and prevent it from reaching more populated areas. Fire fighting helicopters were cleared to conduct operations on base Friday morning.

Firefighters were able to hold the perimeter, preventing any increase in acreage. Cal Fire Capt. Thomas Shoots said the weather was cooperative and that calm winds helped crews keep this perimeter strong.

The Creek Fire was 70 percent contained by Saturday morning, and 90 percent contained by the evening. Outside resources from off-base fire departments were released at this point and the unified command terminated. Camp Pendleton Fire Department took charge of patrols from this point onward.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Firefighters with the Camp Pendleton Fire Department are briefed prior to departing to assist local agencies in battling the Creek Fire aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec., 24, 2020. Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire San Diego are in a unified command to battle the 3,000 acre fire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

A Camp Pendleton Fire Department engine responds to the Creek Fire aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 24, 2020. Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire San Diego are in a unified command to battle the 3,000-acre fire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

A bulldozer moves dirt, aiding in efforts to extinguish the Creek Fire aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 24, 2020. Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire San Diego are in a unified command to battle the 3,000-acre fire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

A San Diego Sheriff Bell 205 A1 fire and rescue helicopter drops water in an effort to extinguish the Creek Fire aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 24, 2020. Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire San Diego are in a unified command to battle the 3,000 acre fire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

West Virginia National Guard update on 167th Airlift Wing service member death

Courtesy photo of Senior Airman Logan Young of the 167th Airlift Wing who died in a mutual aid response call Dec. 27, 2020. (Courtesy Photo)

MARTINSBURG, WV, UNITED STATES

12.28.2020

Story by Maj. Holli Nelson 

West Virginia National Guard  

Senior Airman Logan Young, 30, a firefighter assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg was fatally injured Dec. 27, 2020, during a mutual aid response call to a structure fire with the 167th Fire Department.

“This is an extremely sad day for West Virginia, especially two days after Christmas,” said Governor Jim Justice. “I ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in praying for Logan Young’s family and the entire West Virginia National Guard family. Logan stepped up to defend our country and protect our freedoms, and served as a first responder here at home. We owe everything we have to brave men and women like him. We will do everything we can to provide support to his family and will never forget his service and sacrifice to this great State and to our great Country.”

Senior Airman Young joined the West Virginia Air National Guard in 2018 and served as a fire fighter in the 167th Civil Engineer Squadron. He enlisted into the United States Air Force in 2011 and served on active duty in the security forces (military police) career field before transitioning into the WVANG. He was employed full time at the 167th Airlift Wing as a Military Authority Fire Fighter. He was a combat veteran and had previously deployed to the Middle East in 2014. He was the recipient of the numerous awards and decorations to include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was a resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and is survived by his mother, father, brother and fiancée.

"On behalf of the entire West Virginia National Guard, Amy and I extended our deepest sympathies to Logan's family and friends during this difficult time," said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, West Virginia Adjutant General. "To lose such a talented and dedicated young Airman is truly a tragedy. Logan was a hero in every sense of the word and lived out the Air Force values of service before self in all that he did, which was on full display at the time of his passing. His service to his community as a first responder and member of the Guard will always be remembered. Our prayers are with his family, friends and the members of the 167th Airlift Wing. Our focus will be to provide every ounce of support we can to his family going forward as they have sacrificed so much."

“Our 167th Airlift Wing family is heartbroken over the tragic loss of Senior Airman Logan Young and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” state Col. Marty Timko, commander of the 167th Airlift Wing. “We are grateful for Logan’s willingness to serve our country, our state, and our community. As a First Responder answering the call to support a local emergency, a finer example of commitment to service as a citizen-airman could not be found. His fellow firefighters described him as a quiet professional with a great heart who loved to help people and serve his country.”

“I cannot begin to fathom the pain felt by the family and friends of West Virginia National Guard Senior Airman Logan Young, who was fatally injured this weekend while on duty in Berkeley County. Logan honorably served his state and country— on Active Duty in the Air Force, deployed to the Middle East, and most recently as a West Virginia Military Authority firefighter at the 167th Airlift Wing. He had a bright future ahead of him and his life was cut far too short. Members of our National Guard have given so much for our communities this year and I encourage all West Virginians to keep them—and Logan’s family, including his parents, brother, fiancé—in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Senator Capito said.

“Gayle and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senior Airman Logan Young of Martinsburg. Logan was a decorated U.S. Air Force Veteran and was proud to continue serving as a firefighter with the 167th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Fire Department. Our service members and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and I am deeply grateful for Logan’s service to our state and our country. Gayle and I, like all West Virginians, will keep Logan’s family and loved ones in our prayers during this difficult time,” said Senator Manchin.

“West Virginia has lost a true American hero. West Virginia National Guard Senior Airman Logan Young was killed in the line of duty keeping our communities safe. He was a resident of Martinsburg and a highly decorated firefighter with the 167th Airlift Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. His life and legacy fighting for our country at home and abroad will never be forgotten,” said Congressman Alex Mooney.

"I am saddened to hear about the passing of Senior Airman Logan Young, a true West Virginian,” said Congressman David McKinley. “Our first responders and members of the military risk their lives every day to keep our communities, state, and country safe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time."

“Senior Airman Logan Young was a brave West Virginian who fought to defend his country abroad and protect his community here at home,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller. “He is a true American hero whose legacy will always be remembered. My prayers are with his family.”

The 167th Airlift Wing performs more approximately 100 to 150 mutual aid agreement calls each year in the local community.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause of the fire to be arson and continue to investigate with the help of the West Virginia State Police. Anyone with any information is urged to call the West Virginia Arson Hotline at (800) 233-3473. There is a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

CPFD and local agencies battle Creek Fire

Story by Lance Cpl. Angela Wilcox December 27, 2020 at 11:37PM Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire worked together to fight the Creek Fire that blazed in Fallbrook and the installation beginning Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020.

Fire Prevention Week: Misawa firefighters serve up kitchen safety

Story by Airman 1st Class China Shock December 27, 2020 at 08:38PM Team Misawa members participated in the annual Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4 to 10 at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services hosted several activities involving engaging participation from both military and civilian personnel. Throughout the week, 35th CES firefighters taught children, adults and teachers more about fire safety; the week included a fire muster, night live fire burn demonstration, a base parade and an open house.