Photo By Master Sgt. Lindsey Watson | Members of the 104th Fighter Wing train on chainsaws and Kubotas to learn how to...... read more read more
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The 104th Fighter Wing completed annual heavy and light route clearing readiness training with approximately 12 volunteers on November 4, 2017. This support training is required annually to use route-clearing equipment in the case of an emergency. It is held twice a year to ensure everyone participating can get the requirements needed.
The need for this support depends on the nature of the emergency and what the Governor calls for the Guard to do. “The team comes in to clear the roads and makes it safe for the emergency responders to get through,” said Lt. Col. Charlie Wilson, 104th Fighter Wing Mission Support Group deputy commander.
The real world hands-on training was the first time the training consisted of the Light Route Clearing Teams performing bucking and limbing of real downed trees while working in close coordination with the Heavy Route Clearing teams to get the material moved from a simulated road and neighborhood environment. Kubotas and chainsaws were used to clear the downed trees left behind by the recent high winds.
“The training prepares our Airmen to be called upon to assist civilian responders on domestic operations such as ice storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters,” said Col. Ann Ware, 104th Fighter Wing Mission Support Group commander.
“The instructors know exactly how to teach so that we will know all the specifics of using a chainsaw,” said Senior Airman Faith Patnode, 104th Fighter Wing Weapons Squadron. “We are learning how to cut the wood, what angle to cut it and what small pieces to look for.”
Patnode explained “Safety is also a big part of the training. Learning what could come back at you if you cut the wood the wrong way is important.”
The teams were observed and supervised for appropriate safety practices as well as the practical operation of their perspective pieces of equipment. They focused on communication skills both verbally and with hand signals.
“The training for these two teams is especially critical due to the nature of the work; it is real world dangerous, both the training and the actual act of doing it,” said Master Sgt. Marc Gauvin, non-commissioned officer in charge of heavy and light route clearing operations.
There is always a need for more 104th Fighter Wing members to join the team. If you are interested, please contact Tech Sgt. Ashley Bard 698-1257 and Master Sgt. Marc Gauvin at 698-1258.
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2017 14:59 |
| Story ID: | 256344 |
| Location: | MA, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 104th Fighter Wing Trains On Route Clearing Ensuring Emergency Preparedness, by TSgt Melanie Casineau, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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