U.S.-Italian firefighters pumped-up for emergency response

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Firefighters from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron and the Italian Air Force Air Weapons Training Installation at Decimomannu Air Base, Sardinia teamed up here Nov. 9-11 for joint emergency response training on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Four ITAF firefighters from the AWTI took part in the three-day training course hosted by the 31st CES fire department. The training included briefings and tours on local firefighting operations and equipment at Aviano Air Base as well as joint emergency response training on the F-16 and live fire exercises too.

"We chose to come to Aviano due to the close proximity to our base," said Italian Sergente Maggiore (Tech. Sgt.) Roberto Deiana, a 17-year ITAF firefighter assigned to the AWTI. "For our team, this was a good experience to be here."

Sergente Deiana said his team watched the American firefighters demonstrate how they respond to emergencies, learned updated emergency response procedures for the F-16, and formed bonds with the local firefighters.

"Both fire departments are committed to ensuring our aircraft and fighter crews receive the best possible emergency response assistance as possible," said Bryant Nicodemus, 31st CES assistant chief fire prevention. "We want our pilots to be confident that the local fire departments are thoroughly trained and proficient in all aspects of F-16 emergencies in case something was to go wrong. The pilot's lives depend on it."

The 510th and 555th Fighter Squadrons travel around the European theatre several times a year to conduct training operations in and with NATO countries and other partner nations.

Aviano AB firefighters conduct three to four training sessions each year with host nation firefighters in Pordenone and at Rivolto and Istrana Air Bases, said Mr. Nicodemus.  For American firefighters, its vital that these foreign military emergency response forces are knowledgeable about the F-16 and that both nations involved are clear on the standard operating procedures.

"We, as a wing, depend on these fire departments when emergencies arise," said Mr. Nicodemus. "We need to be confident that any emergency situation will be successfully mitigated to save the pilot and the aircraft."

Other than the increased understanding of how to respond to an F-16 ground emergency or in-flight emergency, Mr. Nicodemus said their interaction with the host nation firefighters strengthens the trust, confidence, and friendship amongst the firefighters.

"Firefighters have a mutual respect and kinship and the training opportunities we share builds and strengthens that bond," said Mr. Nicodemus. "It's important for us as Americans stationed overseas to extend the hand in friendship and conducting joint training exercises or being involved in the various festivals are methods we use to extend our hand."