"Keep fighting, keep fighting!" This is the mantra that firefighting and damage control instructors at Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, preach to recruits.

Recruits conduct more than 40 hours of firefighting and damage control training at RTC, developing skills to keep their ship in the fight.

"Every Sailor is a firefighter," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Amanda Copas, one of the RTC instructors responsible for firefighting training. "Recruits first develop firefighting and damage control skills here at boot camp, so they will be ready to respond in an emergency."

Part of the new hands-on learning curriculum, designed by RTC's senior enlisted instructors to develop tough, more qualified Sailors through realistic training, recruits receive familiarization with firefighting and damage control equipment, then practice in applied labs and on the USS Chief dedicated practical firefighting trainer.

USS Chief is a controlled training environment, where recruits conduct hands-on training and testing while fighting real fires in shipboard compartments. Drilling with various fire suppression agents, lifesaving equipment, and safety gear; teamwork and communications are critical elements recruits must embrace to advance in training.

"It is important that recruits start learning these skills during basic training," Copas said. "We teach them how to respond to emergency situations, and we test them under considerable stress. They quickly learn that if they work together and keep fighting, whether it is against fire or flooding, they can overcome the toughest situation."

On board USS TRAYER, where recruits receive their final exam, called "Battle Stations-21," they are graded on their firefighting and damage control proficiency in addition to other critical skills. During a series of overnight scenarios, recruits must properly and safely demonstrate fighting real fires, flooding, and casualty response, before completing basic training and becoming a United States Sailor.

To view some of the firefighting and damage control training experience at RTC, click HERE.

Recruit Training Command is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/.


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