ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- As the 11th Air Task Force has completed its six-month deployment in the Pacific this year, hopping from location to location to generate airpower and advance U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) priorities, the 11th Combat Air Base Squadron Fire Department has supported them every step of the way by utilizing their expertise to mitigate emergencies and to work with allies across the region.
Supporting REFORPAC in Saipan
While the 11th ATF was supporting a mission generation force element during exercise Resolute Force Pacific in Saipan, the 11th CABS Fire Department team executed agile combat employment principles and operated with minimal equipment in a complex environment. During the exercise, the team protected more than 500 Airmen, enabled the movement of 920,000 pounds of cargo and 139,000 gallons of jet fuel, while simultaneously overcoming multifaceted situations and inclement weather.
In addition to routine mission operations, the Fire Team helped accomplish core tasks within the 11th ATF’s 400-level capstone certification. This allowed the 11th ATF to be the first U.S. Air Force air task force to deploy for a full rotation. The team also integrated with the Saipan International Airport Fire Department and other partners to continue training, improving their own skills while sharing knowledge with firefighters across the Pacific.
The Fire Team hosted a multinational live-fire training event with 40 firefighters from Guam, Rota, Tinian, Pohnpei, Majuro, and Yap where they utilized a large-frame aircraft and jet fuel to replicate high-intensity aviation emergencies. This type of hands-on training is available at a few select sites across the world, making it a unique and valuable experience for all members involved. Moreover, they delivered a 600-hour Fire Instructor course, which resulted in 14 Saipan International Airport Firefighters becoming Pro Board credentialed fire instructors. These actions provided the group with valuable hands-on experience and increased the region’s fire instructor cadre by 400 percent.
“This collaborative training was a game-changer for our region's fire service. It strengthened partnerships and bolstered our ability to provide aircraft protection through shared real-world experiences and teamwork. This partnership truly elevated our preparedness and will have a lasting impact on firefighter safety across the Pacific.” said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Partlow, 11th CABS Fire Chief.
Supporting exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield in the Republic of Korea
As REFORPAC wrapped up, the 11th CABS team accompanied the 11th ATF to a new location—Daegu Air Base in the Republic of Korea—to support a new exercise: Ulchi Freedom Shield 25.
While there, the team provided emergency response capabilities, supported base sustainment efforts, and enabled sortie generation. Additionally, they integrated with the 8th Materiel Maintenance Squadron to validate $3.6 million in war reserve material across three installations. They had a chance to put their training into practice during a real-world electrical fire on base, working together with the 8th MMS and demonstrating their operational vigilance to mitigate the hazard.
They also worked with the Republic of Korea Air Force to hone their experience and response tactics. One of the team’s highlights was a co-led, bilateral Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants (POL) fire exercise with ROKAF firefighters.
“The joint exercise with the ROKAF was a significant opportunity to refine our tactics and learn from each other's expertise in managing hazardous materials fires” Partlow said. “It highlighted the U.S.–ROKAF partnership, strengthened our interoperability and enhanced our capacity to respond effectively to complex incidents, both locally and abroad."
Outside of their work at Daegu, the Fire Team also supported firefighting efforts at Osan Air Base. During their time at Osan, the team aided a tri-agency emergency response to an electrical explosion and were able to assist in restoring power to four critical facilities within five hours.
“The 11th CABS Fire Team’s performance during Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 showcased the strategic utility of cross-functional, forward-deployed combat support teams,” Partlow said. “Their efforts exemplified the agility, synergy and mission readiness required to future operations across the Indo-Pacific theater.”
Integrating in Guam
The final stop for the 11th CABS Fire Department was Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, where they worked hand-in-hand with the 36th Wing’s Fire Department.
According to Master Sgt. Justin Gonzalez, 11th CABS Deputy Fire Chief, his team was postured at four different fire stations, which allowed further integration and reach in assisting with emergencies. Throughout their three months on island, 11th CABS members responded to 130 all-hazard emergencies, including medical incidents, unexploded ordnance calls, in-flight emergencies and automatic fire alarms across the installation.
“This operational tempo strengthened our readiness and deepened our collaboration with local responders,” Gonzalez said. “The partnership elevated our team’s technical skills, broadened our emergency response experience and fostered a strong sense of joint mission support.”
Fire team members found many other ways to support missions across the base and beyond, including returning to Saipan to offer more training and driving a Theater Security Cooperation in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Technical Sgt. Aaron Tocco played a key role in supporting the Andersen Fire Department by helping execute $100,000 in end-of-year funds in just under 48 hours, modernizing 22 operational programs, improving the health and wellness of more than 100 first responders, and enabling the beautification plan for all four fire stations.
“While our time in Guam was different than our first two locations, it was extremely beneficial—for our own team members, who crushed the opportunity to showcase their skills, and for the units we supported across Andersen,” Partlow said. “This deployment was significantly different than most of us were used to, but our Fire Team consistently demonstrated the same principles we always live out on the job: flexibility, resourcefulness, hard work, and excellence in everything we do. We successfully tested a new Unit of Action while strengthening relationships through integration, not just within the Air Force but also with regional allies and partners. Ultimately, our endeavors force-multiplied fire protection throughout the region and postured the Air Force to always be ready for any contingency across the Pacific.”