PROTECTING people and military assets brings something new to every day for Air Force fire fighter, Leading Aircraftwoman Grace Jarvis.
LAC Jarvis graduated from her fire course in 2019, and she is trained to respond to aircraft emergencies.
She said maintaining physical fitness was crucial to perform her tasks and while also representing Air Force in AFL.
“It’s really important that we maintain our fitness to ensure we are able to carry heavy equipment and manoeuvre ourselves into confined spaces,” Leading Aircraftwoman Jarvis said.
She said a typical day starts with a handover, vehicle and equipment check.
“We are equipped to handle situations such as fuel spills, fires during take-off and landing or even while aircraft is parked,” LAC Jarvis said.
“We then conduct training to keep our skills up to date, and this can range from smoking buildings out and doing search and rescue techniques to going over power points on different jets learning the dangers associated with them and how we can keep our members safe.
“We undergo specific training to effectively mitigate aviation related emergencies.”
A minimum crew of 12 to four members provides support all year round on rotating shifts.
She said anyone considering becoming a fire fighter should not hesitate.
“Take the jump and do it,” she said.
“It’s a supportive squadron and you are given plenty of opportunities to network and meet new people and CSG [Combat Support Group] as a whole is great to be a part of.”
Twenty-three Squadron is part of Combat Support Group and includes logistics, security, physical training instructors, mechanical equipment operations and maintenance section, fire, catering, movements, supply and personnel capability.
