U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting specialists with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, demonstrate their capabilities at MCAS Miramar, California, Aug. 15, 2025. The ARFF unit at MCAS Miramar provides emergency response, fire suppression, and rescue operations to safeguard aircrew, aircraft, and the installation community. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey and Lance Cpl. Alexander Vaughn)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION Miramar, Calif—U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Gaven Skyles, an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, was recently named the 2024 USMC Military Firefighter of the Year standing out among more than 700 active-duty Marine Corps firefighters.
Earning the title of USMC Military Firefighter of the Year shows that Skyles’ not only excelled in his firefighting duties but also demonstrated superior leadership, technical skill and commitment.
"Sgt. Skyles is one of the most dedicated and hardworking NCOs I have had the privilege of working with,” says Chief Warrant Officer Eric Cox, Skyles’ Officer-in-Charge. “He has shown unwavering...
