Airmen conduct vital training with Task Force Comanche

Courtesy Photo | Airmen of the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group crash rescue firefighting team conduct emergency personnel rescue procedures alongside Soldiers of Task Force Comanche, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division March 24. The 838th AEAG provides 24-hour emergency rescue coverage of all aircraft flying in their area of operation by responding to emergencies.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN

03.24.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHINDAND, Afghanistan – The flight ramp of Company C, Task Force Comanche, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Shindand in western Afghanistan looked like the frenzied scene of a sci-fi film March 24. U.S. airmen of the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group crash rescue firefighting team scurried in silver protective suits, conducting vital emergency egress training provided by Soldiers from Company C, TF Comanche.

The 838th AEAG “Fire Dawgs” received invaluable training during fast-paced scenarios conducted by the Company C “Winnebago Warriors,” such as rescuing unconscious aircraft crewmembers, cordoning off a perimeter, containing mock fires and extracting crewmembers from “downed” helicopters.

The 838th airmen provide 24-hour emergency rescue coverage by employing two shifts that are ready to tackle any situation that may arise in an aircraft emergency. They are required to know the armament configurations and hazards of all aircraft flying in their area of operations, as well as having a plan for responding to any emergency at any location on the airfield.

“Watching the crash rescue teams in action helped me to see how demanding their job truly is. They are not only required to know the configuration of the Black Hawk, but also of any aircraft that lands on Shindand Airfield,” said Capt. Ray A. Garza, 2nd flight platoon leader, Company C, TF Comanche, 4th CAB, 4th ID.

The training, hosted by soldiers of Company C, TF Comanche, gave the airmen an opportunity to place into practice what they had learned about emergency shutdown, crew extraction, entry points and Black Hawk-related hazard procedures.

“We were glad to provide aircraft for training,” Garza said, “as well as assisting with answering any questions related to our aircraft performance, emergency procedures and extraction considerations.”

The Company C soldiers have a history of supporting emergency airfield operations teams to enhance training scenarios. During the month of September 2010, two UH-60 Black Hawks were flown to Herat Airfield so that the crash rescue firefighters from Italy and Spain could gain first-hand knowledge related to Black Hawk emergency procedures.

“Assisting the emergency services personnel, regardless of nationality, not only helps to enhance the safety of flight operations, but also helps to establish stronger relations with our NATO allies,” Sgt. Robert LaCombe, a Company C squad leader said.

The Company C “Winnebago Warriors” fly a diverse mission set, including air mission requests, medical evacuation chase missions and deliberate operations in support of Regional Command - West and International Security Assistance Forces.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2011
• Date Posted: 04.17.2011 19:31
• Story ID: 68889
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHINDAND, AF