New equipment and training helps KAW fire department flourish

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

09.16.2013

Story by Capt. Anastasia Schmidt 

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - At a time when all aspects of the Afghan air force are continuing to grow and flourish, the Kandahar Air Wing Fire Department is no different. During 2013, advisers with NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan, have begun to step away from training as the Afghans themselves begin to take over both training and operations.

The firefighting team at the KAW recently completed the first-ever, self-led and evaluated fire rescue training exercise on a Mi-17 helicopter, Sept. 16. The all-Afghan team controlled the scene in its entirety, from the initial call through the salvage and overhaul if the helicopter.

“With the training we have received from the advisers, we are now able to protect every part of the airfield ourselves,” stated Maj. Mohammad Noor, Kandahar Air Wing chief firefighter. “We have the ability to reach the fire and put it out. We’re always ready.”

With the recent assignment of a new Afghan training manager to the KAW fire department, the NATC-A advisers have been working to increase self-training instead of conducting the training themselves; an endeavor that has succeeded.

“Every quarter we have been slowing backing out of training,” said Jonathan Whittaker, 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron commander. “During this most recent quarter, it was actually the training manager and fire chief that chose and have begun implementing the training for the entire quarter. They decided what was most important for the department and what they wanted to focus on.”

Besides the addition of a new training manager, there are several other changes over the past six months that have helped lead to the current success of the department. With the help of NATC-A advisers the fire department now has an on-sight training facility. This includes a structural trainer made of metal shipping containers and a totaled car; both of which are used not only to train in fire extinguishment, but also rescue training for potential victims.

One of the department’s most recent successes included putting out a fire for the Afghan National Army 205th Corps after a rocket attack on Kandahar Airfield.

“We’re now seeing Afghan to Afghan communication, without adviser support,” said Tech. Sgt. Mario Gonzalez, 738 AEAG fire adviser, about the attack. “These guys are recognized in the area for being the expert firefighters and everyone calls them when they need fire support.”

The KAW fire department not only responses to incidents on base, but off base as well within the community.

“The safety of our people is our number one priority,” said Azamduian, who is the longest serving firefighter at the KAW. “It’s a very difficult job, but we love it.”

• Date Taken: 09.16.2013
• Date Posted: 09.25.2013 02:58
• Story ID: 114227
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF