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At-Sea Fire Party Flaming Success Aboard CVN 71
Story Number: NNS081011-08
Release Date: 10/11/2008 11:56:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dominique Watts, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
Oct 10, 2008 (NNS) -- 'Fire, Fire, Fire!' Every Sailor aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) has heard this announcement come across the ship's general announcement system (1MC).
For some, it means there is a fire in a space they have probably never seen. For the at-sea fire party, however, it means much more.
"The at-sea fire party is the ship's rapid response team, basically the ship's fire department," explained Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Troy Barca of TR's damage control support team.
"We are the first line of defense. If we can't handle whatever the casualty is, that is when the ship would go to general quarters."
In the event of a fire aboard TR, the at-sea fire party is trained and always ready to respond with careful and necessary steps to combat the fire and ensure the safety of the crew.
"When we respond to a fire on the ship, all of damage control responds," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Michael Harper of damage control support.
The duty fire marshal, at-sea fire party and two electrician's mates all respond to the casualty. The duty fire marshal will assess the situation and pass the information down to the scene leader. Six boundary men are positioned at the top, bottom, forward, aft, port and starboard sides of the compromised space to ensure no one involved in fighting the fire enters the space.
Once the fire is out, the electrician's mates will inspect the space to ensure there are no toxins in the air and that it is safe for entry. The fire party will then begin to egress from the space.
Though the evolution can be thrilling, the importance and seriousness of the task is not lost on the personnel who fight shipboard fires.
"Being on the at-sea fire party is exhilarating, but at the same time, it worries us too," said Harper. "Anything can happen, especially on a ship. So, it's mixed feelings of being excited to go fight fires but cautious of the idea we might get in over our heads. The best part is the camaraderie between everyone on the team. We all understand that this is never a one-man show."
TR crew members may find themselves in the middle of the fire party when a fire is called away. It is crucial to be aware of when a fire is called away on the 1MC and to listen to any instructions a member of the fire party might give.
"Usually, all we ask of a crew member that might be in the passageway while we are coming through is to make a hole and stand fast so we can get to where we need to be," explained Harper. "There might be a time when one of us might ask someone who is walking by to help with something like setting a boundary to make sure no one comes through, but it is important for the crew to know that none of us would ask them to do anything that would put them in danger."
Each crew member aboard TR can play a role in fire fighting and, more importantly, fire prevention.
"When we are at sea, you can't just dial 911," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Patrick Peterson. "The at-sea fire party is the first responder, but everyone is responsible for damage control. Some ways the crew can help keep the ship safe are to smoke only in authorized spaces, maintain their qualifications and take damage control seriously."
For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.
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