Keesler firefighters train with local, joint partners to maintain readiness Published June 11, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Spencer Tobler 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- The Keesler Fire Department conducted their semi-annual Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting training using live fires, here, June 3-6. The fire department worked in conjunction with the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center Fire Department, Stennis Airport Fire Department and the U.S. Naval Air Station Pensacola Gulf Coast Fire Rescue to further increase personnel readiness, lethality and joint operation efficiency. “It gets everybody on the same page on how we operate tactically,” said James Donnett, 81st Infrastructure Division fire chief. “We try to have everybody follow our procedures so in the event the real thing happens, it’s a seamless integration.” Safety and concept of operations briefings were held with all trainees and instructors before the practical training. Multiple evolutions of mass application fire extinguishment, wheel well fires, running fuel fires, ground fires and interior rescue operations were some of the challenges firefighting teams had to conquer during this training. “These evolutions are critical to the readiness of the people in the fire department,” said Donnett. “Not only for the response of the base populace, but for when our military members deploy.” The training in the fire department continues beyond the requirements as they train every day to make sure their personnel is up to par and ready to do their job efficiently and effectively. “Our main priority is to be able to respond on a strategic level 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year,” said Donnett. “That constant training and pre-planning keeps us safer when responding to the emergencies that may be thrown at us.”