Patrick Sullivan
The Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex and 778th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services team joined for confined space rescue training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024.
The training simulated a WR-ALC member becoming unresponsive while conducting maintenance inside a C-130J Super Hercules wing cavity.
“Confined space rescues present several unique challenges that make them particularly complex and hazardous,” said Kevin Averill, 778th CES assistant fire chief of training.
Some of the challenges Averill described were physical constraints, communication difficulties, psychological stress and specialized training and equipment, among others.
The 778th CES typically use their own training area to practice these rescues, but for this iteration they partnered with the WR-ALC to utilize a real aircraft.
“Training with all of our mission partners advances our operational readiness with immediate feedback,” said Averill. “Joint training, especially with (WR-ALC) and real aircraft, ensures Robins F&ES maintains proficiency while utilizing realistic scenarios in a controlled environment.”
The WR-ALC has both industrial and aircraft confined spaces that are encountered daily, with aircraft confined space operations being the most common.
“Participating with the fire department in confined space training exercises allows us to look at strengths and weaknesses in our response procedures,” said James Neesmith, WR-ALC occupational safety and health manager. “There have been many lessons learned in this and similar trainings that have led to changes in protocol and procedure.”
Beyond testing response procedures, the training also served as an opportunity for Robins F&ES to certify three new members to the level of confined space rescue technician, strengthening the team’s capabilities.
As confined space operations remain a critical part of base safety, this collaboration between WR-ALC and Robins F&ES helps refine procedures and enhance team readiness for future rescue challenges.
Firefighters assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron extract a mannequin from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft wing cavity during confined space training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. The training better prepared the Robins fire and emergency services team to respond to potential confined space incidents within the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Firefighters assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron extract a mannequin from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft wing cavity during confined space training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. Collaborating with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex for this training helped refine procedures and enhance team readiness for future rescue challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Fire Captain Jeff Spivey, a firefighter assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron, participates in confined space training on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. Beyond testing response procedures, the training also served as an opportunity for Robins fire and emergency services to certify three new members to the level of confined space rescue technician. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Fire Captain Eric Brown, a firefighter assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron participates in confined space training on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. Confined space operations are conducted daily at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, in both industrial and aircraft environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Firefighters assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron participate in confined space training on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. By training with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, both the 778th CES and WR-ALC enhanced response capabilities in case of a confined space incident. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Fire Chief Jeffrey Kinzer, 778th Civil Engineer Squadron fire station chief, helps a firefighter into the wing cavity of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during confined space training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. Using a real aircraft allowed the fire and emergency services team to test their capabilities in a real-world environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Firefighters assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron rig a harness ahead of confined space training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. The training required members to prepare for several challenges presented by confined space rescues, including physical constraints, communication difficulties and specialized training and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Fire Chief Kevin Averill, 778th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief of training, speaks to gathered 778th CES firefighters before confined space training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. The training simulated a Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex member becoming unresponsive while conducting maintenance inside a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft wing cavity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan)