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Helicopter crash shows teamwork

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Southwest Asia --  A recent helicopter crash at a forward operating base in Afghanistan showcased the teamwork of six forward deployed 379th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters. 

A Soldier on the ground noticed the helicopter going out of control and used a radio to notify authorities. Immediately the firefighters rushed to the scene and began command and control measures. 

"We are trained to start scene size-up when we first receive the call," said Tech. Sgt. Jerome Williams, assistant chief of operations for the FOB fire department. "That includes looking at the time of day to figure out how many people may be at the scene and along the route to that location. It also involves observing the weather and winds, so we can position upwind when possible." 

The helicopter crash landed in a ditch between the runway and the helicopter landing zone. 

"The aircraft was positioned at a 30- to 40-degree angle," said Sergeant Williams. "The tail rotor was destroyed and the main rotor was within 10 feet of smashing into the other side of the ditch." 

Sergeant Williams and Airman 1st Class Trevor Williams arrived at the scene first. They took a position to the rear of the helicopter and readied a fire hose. Two other crews arrived and positioned at the front and also prepared for the worst. 

"During this time I checked the area around the aircraft for hazards and injured personnel," said Sergeant Williams. "I then entered the aircraft with an aircrew member to retrieve the chocks to stabilize the helicopter." 

Medical personnel arrived and treated one of the aircrew members for a minor hand laceration. The responders then began to remove the cargo and fuel from the downed aircraft. 

"We worked with contractors and the Army's Movement Control Team to remove 4,000 pounds of ammo and transfer the fuel from the helicopter," said the firefighter.
The helicopter was eventually picked up by a crane, loaded on to a flatbed truck and removed from the scene. 

"The communications and teamwork between all agencies: Army, Air Force, KBR, contractors and local nationals were a success," said Sergeant Williams. "Within 30 minutes a crane, bulldozer, tractor trailer, generator and lights were on scene and operational. Everyone knew their job and did it well." 

The fire and emergency services chief here, which has administrative control of the forward deployed firefighters, also called the response a success. 

"Anytime an airframe can land safely, be it low- or high-impact, the mishap variables of personnel, weapons, special equipment and fuel leaks are very clear and present dangers to the passengers and first responders," said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito. "In this instance, no one was injured and from what I understand, minimal mission impact was achieved. People must realize that firefighters do more than fire extinguishment and rescue at these events. They also provide critical command and control functions as the incident commander under the Air Force Incident Management System construct." 

He said the success was largely due to the culmination of training, proper equipment and teamwork. 

"Air Force firefighters are some of the best trained in the world and stand ready for any challenge they may face because of their superb training, equipment, and wingman creed," he said. 

The 379 ECES fire department ensures the forward deployed team stays ready by assisting with equipment and support. 

"In the past year, I have sent a mobile air trailer, P-18 firefighting tanker vehicle and lobbied for and seen the new construction of an approximately $120,000 fire station and living area," said Sergeant Ricchuito. 

The firefighters use every advantage in their mission of protecting the forward operating base. 

"Our mission here is to provide fire protection for all aircraft landing on the FOB and all the helicopters assigned here," said Master Sgt. George Gorsuch, the FOB's fire chief, deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "We will also respond to any structure fires that arise on the FOB. Our primary purpose is to protect the FOB, but we would respond off the FOB if a plane or helicopter were to go down close by." 

Only six Airmen are assigned to the post, five of which are deployed from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. The firefighters work 24-hour shifts to provide round-the-clock response to accidents like the recent crash. 

"It's not how many fire fighters you have in your department," said Sergeant Williams. "It is how well they can work together during an emergency." 

Sergeant Gorsuch said the recent accident showed the teamwork of his crew. 

"They displayed outstanding initiative," he said. "(They) made my job very easy during these last three and a half months."