LRS converts fleet for cleaner environment

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  A team of fire truck mechanics from the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron has upgraded four of the 65th Civil Engineering Squadron's fire department response vehicles to a 'no-foam' system.

The upgrades to the 65th Air Base Wing's firefighting equipment fulfill a United States Air Forces in Europe initiative.

The seven member fire truck maintenance crew comprised of four Air Force service members and three Portuguese civilians, upgraded four crash response fire trucks to the 'no-foam' system in 10 days.

The 'no-foam' system was developed by the U.S. Navy engineering facilities, located in California. The state-of-the-art system was designed to help fire departments save money, while keeping cleaner environmental practices in mind, said Senior Airman Judge Harris, a fire truck mechanic assigned to the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"If we have an aircraft fire, the crash trucks would respond with the [current] water and foam system," said Harris. "Our trucks are now capable of using an external foam supply with the no-foam system trailer."

This capability is beneficial to fire fighters here at Lajes Field.

"Our fire fighters are actually able to train using the no-foam system," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Stuart, the 65th Civil Engineering Squadron's fire department chief. "Much like using rounds to qualify with an M-16, these guys can practice fighting fires using the 'no-foam', keeping their skills ready for any possible aircraft incident."

The group of fire truck maintainers works within the 65th LRS, vehicle maintenance flight and ensures our first responders are prepared for any emergency at Lajes Field.

"The fire truck mechanics maintain our vehicle fleet 24/7; a crucial part in our fire department maintaining our mission capabilities," said Tech. Sgt. Floydzell Kimble, the 65th CES's fire department, assistant chief of training.

From turning wrenches to changing oil filters, this small crew is also responsible for more than just the fire trucks on Lajes Field.

"We manage around 365 vehicles and maintain around $19 million in vehicle assets," said Harris. "We make sure that each vehicle is up to date with inspections and services needed prior to operating on the flight line."

Each vehicle, general purpose or emergency response is inspected every six months. The team also ensures spare parts are ordered and available ahead of time to minimize repair times.

"Our main goal is to make sure that our fire trucks and general purpose vehicle fleet are up and running and ready for use at anytime," said Harris.