Photo By Lt. Stuart Phillips | KINGS BAY, Ga., (March 23, 2021) District 2 Fire Chief for Commander, Navy Region...... read more read more
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Leaders from across the Navy and submarine force emergency response teams met for a first-time-ever symposium to discuss expectations for firefighting team integration between ship’s forces, federal firefighters, and the mutual aid provided by local firefighting partners in an event hosted by Commander, Submarine Group Ten at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, March 23-25.
The panel of fire chiefs from Navy bases around the U.S. represented the full spectrum in terms of the number of Sailors available to augment their firefighting efforts, but they all shared a common goal: quickly and effectively responding to in-port major fires aboard submarines. This symposium was an opportunity to discuss and assess local capabilities in Kings Bay, as well as share lessons learned, best practices, and provide corporate recommendations to further improve the ability to fight fires.
While he was unable to attend the symposium in person, Commander, Submarine Group Ten, Rear Adm. John Spencer addressed the group in a pre-recorded video message.
“I believe, and I suspect that you share this belief, that the most important part of effective firefighting is the men and women who respond to actually combat that casualty,” said Spencer. “For us, and for the team that’s assembled here, that’s an integrated effort between the Sailors and the federal fire department – an integrated effort that needs to be well-executed and well-rehearsed so that when that bad day happens and we actually have to fight a fire, we are an effective team.”
The cross-section of fire chiefs included representatives from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, as well as other naval submarine bases and Navy regions around the country. Submarine Squadron 20 Command Master Chief Josh Williams led the event.
“The symposium turned out better than I could have hoped,” said Williams. “The positive energy from the fire chiefs and their willingness to share and learn from one another made this a truly rewarding event.” Williams explained that one of the most important aspects of the symposium was, “To hear the challenges faced first hand involving USS Bonhomme Richard. These firsthand accounts from the Fire Chiefs that lead during these incidents was phenomenal and it was especially powerful to have Regional Fire Chief Chris Connelly join us by virtual teleconference to deliver that brief because he was there for the actual event, which made his input invaluable. Adding to that, we had District Fire Chief Glenn Whitehouse of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard here to provide his firsthand account of extinguishing the USS Miami fire.”
District 2 Fire Chief for Commander, Navy Region Northwest, David Michaelsen, traveled from the state of Washington to participate in the firefighting discussions.
“The most valuable aspect of this fire symposium was to understand the obstacles experienced during integrated shipboard fire training, drills, emergencies, and take away successful solutions from emergency services at other installations to enhance best practices, drill performance, and capabilities for an emergency response,” said Michaelsen. He went on, “Fire response manuals and instructions have recently been revised, making this event a well-timed opportunity to compare installation response practices and collectively develop improvements for fire training, integration of Ship Force, Fire and Emergency Services, Mutual Aid, and preparations for extended casualties.”
While no changes have been identified for immediate action there may be future changes as a result of the symposium. “There are several areas under further review such as training and equipment,” said Williams.
Michaelsen said having the symposium as a recurring event would be beneficial. “I see value as a method for continuous improvement, to include learning the status of new initiatives, such as utilizing live fire trainers to improve training of 8010 [Navy fire prevention and response guidance] integration components.
“All the attendees stated they would like to see this as annual event scheduled in the future,” added Williams.
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2021 09:00 |
| Story ID: | 394866 |
| Location: | KINGS BAY, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 260 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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