1 August 2024
Fire fighters from RAAF, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) have seized the opportunity to build relationships and grow their skills as part of Exercise Pitch Black 24.
Members of the three nations are spending two weeks working and training together at the RAAF Base Amberley fire section.
RAAF firefighter Corporal Joanne Glenister spoke of how working in a joint team allows individuals to leverage each other’s strengths to achieve a common goal.
“For us, that goal is to preserve life and minimise damage in the event of an aircraft accident or incident,” Corporal Glenister said.
“There are no significant challenges working in a joint nation team. While our equipment and turnout procedures may differ slightly, these differences are effectively resolved through on-the-job training.”
The visiting firefighters have undergone training on Australian equipment and procedures related to self-contained breathing apparatus, airside training, vehicle familiarisations and tactical policy and procedures to ensure they can seamlessly work together.
Air Specialist Class 1 (AS1) Kate Fayers, of the RAF, has taken away valuable knowledge through exposure to new equipment and trucks, as well as the opportunity to work with different aircraft.
“It has enlightened me how similar we work as firefighters in the United Kingdom compared to Australia,” AS1 Fayers said.
“It shows we are all capable of working together, wherever we are.”
Fellow RAF member Sergeant Danny Bedford was another firm believer in the chance to work with partnering nations.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to discuss standard procedures and best practices alongside various nations, to take away lessons and improve our procedures,” Sergeant Bedford said.
Throughout the exercise, the team will be responsible for a range of tasks from daily equipment servicing, to executing aircraft rescue and firefighting responses.
The benefits for the members participating in Pitch Black extend beyond their work as firefighters, explained Corporal TeMiringa Harris, of the RNZAF.
“The ability to network and create new connections spanning across multiple nations, services and trades has been outstanding,” Corporal Harris said.
“We’ve built lasing connections we hope to continue long after this exercise is complete.”
