Simple, innovative solutions as 423rd CES helps troops downrange, again

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Firefighters of the 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron have twice stepped to the plate in making a direct, positive impact on capabilities and the protection of Coalition assets in Afghanistan.

Their knowledge and experience with connecting British and American firefighting equipment enabled the U.S. Marines and the British Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation personnel at Camp Bastion to work together.

"Every occasion that DFRMO has approached the fire station at RAF Alconbury, those individuals have been 'thumbs up,'" said Martin 'Sam' Fox, headquarters Air A5 Warrant Officer Fire, Royal Air Force Wittering. "After a request to the RAF fire fighters yet again, these personnel proved what a 'can-do attitude' they have. They have provided assistance which can only be described as 'over and above' what is required."

Recovering from a Taliban attack on Camp Bastion that resulted in the destruction or damage of eight U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier IIs, highlighted some incompatibilities between British and American adapters within their vehicle fleets.

"DFRMO reached out to us to assist them in solving the incompatibility problem," said Ralph Barone, 423rd CES fire chief. "We received a visit from a British Warrant Officer from RAF Wittering and we gave him our advice and expertise on firefighting re-supply tactics with manufacturers details and a comprehensive brief, which included photographs of how the solution would work along with some adapters so they could try it out."

Connecting the two vehicle fleets was not the first problem solved by the RAF Alconbury firefighters. After a large fire at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, which is adjacent to Camp Bastion, DFRMO headquarters received a request for adaptors to allow the DFRMO fire vehicle fleet to connect to the U.S. standard fire hydrants. Rather than searching for new adapters on the open market, DFRMO headquarters contacted Joe Ruane, 423rd CES deputy fire chief, to provide several adapters to the British Fire Section at RAF Wittering in Peterborough, U.K. Within three days, these adapters were also in theater and on the fire trucks at Camp Leatherneck.

"We were glad to provide support to our British and U.S. Marine Corps firefighter teammates downrange," said Barone. "Sometimes simple innovative solutions can have a huge impact."