Triple the fire power on Ex Pitch Black
Fire fighters from the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Air Force seized the opportunity to build relationships and grow their skills as part of Exercise Pitch Black 24.
CAPTION: Firefighters from the Royal Air Force, RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Annabel Francis-Jones. Photo by Aircraftwoman Campbell Latch.
Members of the three nations are spending two weeks working and training together at the RAAF Base Amberley fire section.
RAAF firefighter Corporal Joanne Glenister spoke of how working in a joint team allowed individuals to leverage each other’s strengths to achieve a common goal.
“For us, that goal is to preserve life and minimise damage in the event of an aircraft accident or incident,” Corporal Glenister said.
“There are no significant challenges working in a joint-nation team.
“While our equipment and turnout procedures may differ slightly, these differences are effectively resolved through on-the-job training.”
The visiting firefighters have undergone training on Australian equipment and procedures related to self-contained breathing apparatus, airside training, vehicle familiarisations and tactical policy and procedures to ensure they can seamlessly work together.
RAF Air Specialist Class 1 (AS1) Kate Fayers took away valuable knowledge through exposure to new equipment and trucks, as well as the opportunity to work with different aircraft.
“It has enlightened me how similar we work as firefighters in the United Kingdom compared to Australia,” AS1 Fayers said.
“It shows we are all capable of working together, wherever we are.”
Fellow RAF member Sergeant Danny Bedford was another firm believer in the chance to work with partnering nations.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to discuss standard procedures and best practices alongside various nations, to take away lessons and improve our procedures,” Sergeant Bedford said.
Throughout the exercise, the team will be responsible for a range of tasks from daily equipment servicing, to executing aircraft rescue and firefighting responses.
Benefits for the members participating in Pitch Black extend beyond their work as firefighters, explained RNZAF Corporal TeMiringa Harris.
“The ability to network and create new connections spanning across multiple nations, services and trades has been outstanding,” Corporal Harris said.
“We’ve built lasting connections we hope to continue long after this exercise is complete.”
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