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AF firefighters in Haiti dig through rubble, protect airfield resources

  • Published
  • By Karen Petitt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  It's been just over a month since a team of Air Force firefighters arrived in Haiti on a mission to protect airfield resources and serve alongside thousands of other international aid workers providing relief to the country.

During that time, they've made significant contributions to providing safe airfield operations and have helped families find closure as the search for remains continues.

The recent journey has been a sobering, but rewarding experience for Master Sgt. Bradley Beaty, who is one of 26 Airmen on the deployed team and assigned to Scott AFB, Ill.

"Soon after landing in Haiti and setting up initial operations, Canadian firefighters asked us if we could assist with searching for bodies at the Hotel Montana," he said. "At the time we knew we were still looking for fellow Air Force member, Maj. Ken Bourland, who had been missing since the Jan. 12 earthquake. So, of course it was important to us that we assist in that effort."

Major Bourland was a career UH-1 Huey pilot assigned to U.S. Southern Command. He had accompanied Army Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, deputy commander of USSOUTHCOM, for a routine visit there and had been in the hotel sending an e-mail to his wife when the earthquake occurred. His body was recovered Sunday, Feb. 7.

"I can't describe how awful it is to go through this type of wreckage. It's an emotional job, but I am glad that at least we are able to give families closure by locating their loved ones," said Sergeant Beaty. To date, they have recovered the remains of 15 Americans and the remains of other nationalities who were part of the estimated 50 known guests who are still missing at the Hotel Montana.

Meanwhile, General Keen, who is serving as commander of Joint Task Force--Haiti, works to coordinate efforts of more than 12,000 U.S. military personnel, 16 ships and more than 40 aircraft. Military forces are working to provide shelter and medical treatment, establish settlements and conduct debris removal as well as ensuring the constant flow of aid reaches the Haitian villages through partnering with private relief organizations.

Part of that large work effort involves these Air Force firefighters, who set to work immediately fixing several issues at the Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport. The main priority was fixing a broken water line and setting up a fire station that could support 20,000 coalition forces and provide resources for the 140 aircraft takeoff and landings each day.

The fire team has worked with contracting vendors to bring in equipment and provided training for the 70 Haitian firefighters to increase their operational capability. During this time, Sergeant Beaty has seen his share of action there, as he served as incident commander for several electrical and medical emergencies and even responded to possible bomb threat.

"I believe we are here making a difference," said Sergeant Beaty. " So often we train to defend our country or work with coalition partners to liberate or defend other countries, but it is good to put the same training toward the good of the Haitian community."
Recently the team conducted a three-day aircraft egress exercise. They used an old 727 on the ramp as their training mock up and through an interpreter they were able to coordinate a single plan for emergency response between the Haitian and international forces there assisting them.

Airman Mike Palatucci, from Dover AFB, Del., said "I feel that we're making a positive difference down here. The Haitians seem to like us, and the Haitian fire department really appreciates the training we've done."

Another team member, Staff Sgt. Thomas Sidoti, assigned to Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J., added, "I have been to a few [under-developed] countries in my career, and I have to say that this one (Haiti) is the worst to date. We have only been here for a short time, and I honestly feel that we have made an impact on the local community--from helping clean up the city to training the local firefighters on the flightline here at the airport. We may not be able to stay that long to help the infrastructure of the city, but I feel we are doing the best we can in the short amount of time that we have. This has been an experience of a life time, and I am glad that I was selected to come here to represent my base and the United States Air Force."

Chief Master Sgt. Denny Heitman, assigned to Charleston AFB, S.C., serves as the fire chief for this team and said they are assessing each day's requirements. They expect to start downsizing the team soon now that the shipping ports are open, which allows more cargo to be distributed.

In addition to Scott, other bases who sent Airmen to assist in relief efforts are Beale Air Force Base, Calif.; Charleston AFB, S.C.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Langley AFB, Va.; Dover AFB, Del.; Shaw AFB, S.C.; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.