Moody hosts live fire training exercise for local firefighters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Kriss
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody recently hosted a live fire training exercise where on-base and local community firefighters had an opportunity to work together in various scenarios.

During the two-day exercise, 58 firefighters from Moody, Valdosta, Ga., and Albany, Ga., participated in aircraft-rescue fire training, a requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration and Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.

"This was an opportunity for us to work with our local community counterparts in addition to fulfilling firefighter certifications," said Charlie Johnson, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Services flight assistant chief of training. "It was a great way to see what each team could bring to the table and the different equipment each station uses."

The exercise tested the firefighters' ability to tackle fires that occur because of aircraft accidents from engine and cockpit malfunctions to fuel and cargo mishaps.

"This training is essential for saving lives," said Lt. Carl Smith, Valdosta Fire Department firefighter. "We have never had to put a fire out on an aircraft, but we have to be prepared should it ever happen."

Other than being prepared, training is very important because there are additional risks associated with aircraft fires.

"The temperatures are higher when we're dealing with these types of fires," said Staff Sgt. Darren Gould, 23rd CES Emergency Services flight fire protection crew chief. "Also, in addition to water, we must use foam and dry chemical agents to put them out."

For more than 13 years, Moody has been the host site for the annual exercise, which takes place at the mock C-130 simulator.

"Being able to train here saves our local firefighters time and money because they won't have to travel to Forsyth, Ga., to receive the training," said Mr. Johnson. "It also allows all of us to further strengthen our relationship."

The firefighters not only continue to build their relationships, but learn from each other as well.

"It was great seeing how well we worked together," said Senior Airman Thomas Klosek, 23rd CES Emergency Services flight firefighter. "I learned that different stations train differently and that's why this exercise is good because we know what to expect when we have to work together."

Moody firefighters are required to participate in this training quarterly in order to maintain the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting certification. Valdosta firefighters only take part in the training once a year.

"Moody is very instrumental in helping the guys get the training they need since there is no simulator in the city," said Lieutenant Smith. "We're very happy to be working with them."