Wolf Pack firefighters train alongside ROK counterparts

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Nick Wilson | U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea air force firefighters arrive on scene during a joint firefighting exercise at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 28, 2015. This was part of a two-day training exercise involving safely egressing an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from an aircraft on the first day and a burning dormitory scenario on the second day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)  

KUNSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA

08.28.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson 

8th Fighter Wing

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - Firefighters from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron and Republic of Korea air force 38th Fighter Group ran into burning buildings and battled flames alongside one another during a joint training exercise here, Aug. 19 and Aug. 28.

The purpose of the training was to give both sides an opportunity to share various techniques while sharpening capabilities and working to overcome language barriers.

"It's important to be able to work on the same page so we can operate without interruptions," said Tech. Sgt. Ricky Copeland, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of operations. "We show each other how we typically respond to fires, give them training, and they'll show us how they operate."

The ROKAF 38th Fighter Group and 8th CES ran through two scenarios involving a burning dormitory building and safely egressing an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from an aircraft.

"The way that we would handle a plane crash is different from the way that ROKAF would handle a plane crash or egress a pilot from an F-16, even though they're both the same aircraft," said Senior Airman Charles McClung, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. "Since there are some differences, it's important that we know each other's roles when it's time to do the real thing."

Testing the firefighters with different scenarios prepares them for anything they may see in a real-world fire emergency.

"The more we practice the more proficient we become," Copeland said. "We ensure each Airman knows his job as well as the jobs of those above him."

Knowing what to do during a fire emergency could be the difference between life and death.

"Knowing the procedures makes the entire process a smoother operation, which prevents injuries and, even worse, death," Copeland said. "This gives our Airmen and ROKAF's firefighters the confidence that when the time comes, they can respond and execute in a safe and timely manner."

Overall, U.S. and ROKAF firefighters remain ready to jointly tackle any fire emergency that may occur on base.

"I feel confident in our Airmen and in ROKAF's firefighters," Copeland said. "The training is paying off because we were able to work as one team during both exercises."

• Date Taken: 08.28.2015
• Date Posted: 09.04.2015 00:05
• Story ID: 175234
• Location: KUNSAN AIR BASE, KR