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Team Kadena kicks off last exercise before ORI

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dave DeRemer
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  A simulated Kadena-based U.S Navy P-3 Orion aircraft crash kicked off Exercise Beverly High 08-4, Feb. 10.

The "crash," which happened on base at 1 p.m. today, had Kadena firefighters responding quickly.

"We arrived on scene and initiated incident command [center], then started fighting the fire," said Master Sgt. Stephen Patch, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of operations for the Kadena Fire Department. "We initially focused on the aircraft, and then began moving and treating victims found on both sides of the road."

Injuries ranged from burns to compound fractures. Firefighters moved with a sense of urgency to take care of the injured victims, according to Sergeant Patch.

"We saw many burns, lacerations, and compound fractures," said Airman 1st Class Terry Roberts Jr., a firefighter for the Kadena Fire Department. "Once we controlled the bleeding, we were able to bandage, package and self-transport the victims to a medical facility."

Training plays a big part in the firefighter's ability to treat and save victims.

"When we do in-house training, we try to keep it as realistic as possible," said Sergeant Patch. "Situations like this are what we train for."

"I believe we did well," Airman Roberts added. "We have monthly training scenarios where we fight aircraft fires and conduct rescue and medical training. We train hard so we're always ready for scenarios just like this one."

Sergeant Patch said Kadena firefighters proved they are ready for any given situation.

"Their hustle today was awesome," said Master Sgt. Patch.

The exercise is Kadena's last in preparation for next month's Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection.