Out of the ashes, 55th Wing commander learns firefighting skills

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Neb. --  Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander, took time out of his schedule to learn more about the role of base firefighters, March 7.

Not satisfied with the usual "grip and grin" visit to a 55th Wing unit, Bacon decided to live as a firefighter for a 24-hour shift.

"When we were first notified that the general wanted to spend an entire 24-hour shift with us, I was skeptical that he would be able to do this due to his schedule demands," said Offutt Fire Chief David Eblin of the 55th Civil Engineering Squadron. "We have not had a wing commander ever do this."

Upon arriving at the fire station, Bacon began the shift right along with other firefighters checking equipment and vehicles. After checking out the equipment the firefighters jumped into action and responded to the fire training area in a fire rescue crash truck and sprayed a simulated aircraft with the external water cannons mounted on the truck.

"This training allows firefighters to be more prepared in agent application techniques for aircraft fires," Eblin said. "Special emphasis is placed on turret position, application techniques and crash truck mobility."

Since training is an integral part of keeping skills honed, the firefighters jumped directly to an RC-135 aircraft egress exercise. During this exercise Bacon observed the tactical procedures and command and control elements in the successful extinguishment of a simulated fire and rescue of three incapacitated crew members. The use of actual aircrew members for these types of exercises is important because it teaches aircrew members and firefighters how to interact and learn each other's job. This communication component allows both firefighters and air crew members to be more prepared in the event of an actual emergency situation.

During this type of exercise, all available firefighting equipment converges on the aircraft with a plan of action to extinguish the fire and rescue all trapped aircrew members.

"The department is fully equipped to provide water and aqueous film forming foam for an indefinite period of time if necessary to accomplish these objectives," Eblin said.

After participating in the exercise, Bacon's training shifted from the fire portion of being a firefighter to emergency medical service care needed after victims are rescued.

"The general was given a class on the use of the life-saving Auto Pulse device," Eblin said. "This device improves the delivery of CPR and actually performs the chest compressions in a more reliable effective method. Additionally, it frees up a medical provider to perform other life-saving actions."

At this point in Bacon's experience came another exercise to put his skills and knowledge to the test.

"He aggressively jumped right in during the structural exercise and became a fully functioning member of the fire team," Eblin said. "When we first advised him that his primary means of exit was blocked and that he would have to exit through a second story window on a ladder, he hesitated for just a brief second. However, he quickly realized just how much fun this would be and he quickly climbed out the window and down the ladder. I think he may have been glad to be back on solid ground once complete."

"General Bacon acted in a firefighter capacity for the most part," Eblin said. "He wanted to get a feel for the mental and physical challenges that the firefighters face."

To finish the duty-day the general participated with firefighters in a combat challenge team and completed a variety of physical tasks. He ran stairs, pulled manikins and hoses and also sharpened his skills on a Keyser Sled. The Keyser Sled is a weighted training aid that the firefighter hits with a sledge hammer to move a weight a certain distance. All tasks are designed to improve firefighter skills and physical endurance.

"For the wing commander to spend an entire 24-hour shift with us is both inspiring and humbling, Eblin said.

"I appreciate Offutt's firefighters and all they go through to keep Team Offutt, our families and aircrews safe," Bacon said. "After going through the training with them, I have a new appreciation of just how physically fit you have to be as a firefighter."

"My hat goes off to Chief Eblin and his firefighters, they are truly among the best," Bacon said. "While our wing has flown every single day for eight years, support eight COCOM commanders each month, and train over 600 aircrew each year, I know we can't do any of this without our Fire Department... you give us the insurance we need to fly our aircraft every day."