MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Propped up in a shimmering pool of highly combustible fuels, the blackened mock cockpit waits for another encounter with blistering heat and towering flames. Off to the side, a small test fire is lit. A cloud of thick smoke rolls toward the flight line, and the crew chief shakes his head. Until the wind changes, the main fire won't be ignited. Rules forbid training from taking place if smoke will obscure a pilot's view of the runway.
Minutes later, another small fire is lit. This time, the results are good; the wind has shifted. A firefighter touches a flame to the main fuel pool, and within seconds, a tower of dark smoke and orange flames is reaching to the sky.
Seventeen firefighters from the Yamaguchi Fire Department joined forces with Station firefighters during a recent training exercise here. The day's exercise was part of a six-day training cycle that the Japanese nationals conduct jointly with Marines each year, said Toru Miyoshi, Yamaguchi Fire Chief.
Yamaguchi firefighters look forward to the annual training as an opportunity to test new equipment and hone their skills, said Miyoshi. This year, they tested a new air foam nozzle.
Joint training between local fire departments and Station Marines was birthed during an event that occurred more than 40 years ago, Miyoshi said. A fire began directly outside of the main gate, and Japanese and U.S. firefighters rushed to put out the blaze together.
"There are no borders for firemen," said Miyoshi. "Japanese and American firemen are brothers."
Crash Fire Rescue Marines agree.
Although Japanese and Marine firefighters use varying techniques and a variety of different equipment, "They're certified firefighters just like us," said Lance Cpl. Jesus Sosa, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron CFR training clerk.
"I love training," said Lance Cpl. Morgan Hurndon, H&HS aircraft rescue firefighter. "If something bad happens, we're ready for it."
Firefighters worldwide face challenging situations daily, and Station Marines are no different. But a unique test faces Marines here in Japan - the language barrier.
"That's the biggest challenge," said Sgt. Brian Dunkley, H&HS CFR training noncommissioned officer. During training exercises, the Iwakuni City Fire Department Chief translates. However, in the case of a major joint operation, other translators would be supplied, stated the New York native.
Marine Corps CFR crews complete a three-month training cycle at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, said Hurndon.
"The school is awesome," she stated. "With the certifications I received during training, I plan to get a job as a structural firefighter once I separate from the Marine Corps."
Lance Cpl. Zachary Briscoe, H&HS aircraft rescue firefighter, is appreciative not only of his schooling, but also the training CFR is involved in.
"I'm completely confident in my abilities, and the abilities of everyone else here," said the Cullman, Ala., native.