Air Department Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) attended aviation firefighting training at Naval Base San Diego's Surface Warfare Officers School Command, April 3.

Approximately 70 Sailors attended the course to enhance the ship's aviation firefighting capabilities.

"This course is really important for Sailors to have because it keeps them fresh on the firefighting skills and techniques required to save the ship and save lives," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Justin Landers, an instructor assigned to the training command. "Knowing what to do in certain scenarios is the foundation for aviation firefighting."

The course involved four hours of classroom training, which focuses on the basics of firefighting and fire chemistry, and four hours of hands-on training with live fire hoses.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Katherine Candie-Anderson said the course is important because it helps build teamwork and camaraderie amongst her fellow Sailors.

"When everyone is in sync and working together, we can stop any mishap that comes our way," said Candie-Anderson.

Makin Island, home-ported in San Diego, is conducting a depot-level maintenance availability, and will continue to offer training opportunities to maintain shipboard knowledge and better prepare Sailors for when the ship returns to its full operational status.

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