Members of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighters perform an exercise at Scott Air Force Base on June 22. The exercise was part of the unit’s airport rescue and firefighting training which tests their ability to arrive on scene, fight fires, and provide a rescue path as well as recover or rescue personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Garcia)

While all aspects of firefighting are important, protecting military aircraft and the flight line are key priorities.

That is where Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting or “Crash Crews” come in.

Crash crews are trained to arrive on scene, fight fires, and provide a rescue path and recover/rescue personnel as the scene allows.

“ARFF firefighting is concentrated on aircraft emergencies and aircraft related fires/crashes,” said William Johnson, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron station chief.

“There can be similarities between aircraft and structural firefighting, but basically you are fighting a large fuel fire on a lightweight structure that may have munitions on board.

“Due to the large amounts of jet fuel, aircraft firefighting can accelerate a lot quicker and produce a lot more heat.”

The base fire department recently increased its manning by 10 firefighters.

William Johnson, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron station chief, discusses exercise procedures during a training exercise at Scott Air Force Base on June 22. The exercise was part of the unit’s airport rescue and firefighting training which tests their ability to arrive on scene, fight fires, and provide a rescue path as well as recover or rescue personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Garcia) 

“With the increase in personnel, our training tempo has increased, all personnel were 3-levels sent from school,” said Johnson. “We have set up a rigorous training program, there are 16 vehicles, flight line certifications and numerous local items to be signed off in order to complete their upgrade in 12 months.

“There is no time to waste during their first year as a probationary firefighter.”

Airman 1st Class Macario Martinez, 375th CES firefighter, said he has grown to love his job and looks forward to the experiences he will have in this career.

“It feels as though there is definitely some added pressure in the day to day operations with the increased tempo, but this is what we train for,” Martinez said.

“With all the training and mentoring I’m receiving from my leadership; I feel confident in my abilities to execute the mission in a real life situation.”

1st Class Macario Martinez, 375th CES firefighter, grabs his helmet to participate in a training exercise at Scott Air Force Base on June 22, 2017. The exercise was part of the unit’s airport rescue and firefighting training which tests their ability to arrive on scene, fight fires, and provide a rescue path as well as recover or rescue personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Garcia) 

In Johnson’s office there is a picture with the firefighting emblem that says, “This symbol owes you nothing, but if you dedicate yourself to it, it will give you everything.”

“Every time you can help out a pilot or aircrew and ensure their safety, knowing that they will be able to return home to their families, you have a sense of satisfaction and a job well done,” Johnson said.

— Scott Air Force Base ‘Crash Crew’ keeps flight line safe  —