MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- An aircraft carrying more than 30,000 pounds of highly explosive fuel, along with several innocent lives, encounters a slight problem as it comes to a halt on a landing strip.
The brake housing system on the aircraft has become engulfed in flames, and soon the wheels will be on fire as well.
The fire can spread rapidly to other parts of the aircraft, and within minutes it can ignite the fuel on board.
Potential emergencies such as this one keep the Marines at the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting detachment aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, on their toes day and night.
They know, at any given moment, they could find themselves suiting up in a flame-resistant firefighting suit and rushing to the scene of a deadly accident.
The sharp-minded Marines at ARFF practiced lifesaving drills July 24 at the ARFF facility, as part of their continuous preparations in case an emergency involving aircraft at MCB Hawaii.
One of the most common emergencies involving aircraft is referred to as "hot brakes."
This occurs when the housings on the brake system are put under too much stress from friction, which ignites a fire in the brakes' housing area.
It is up to ARFF personnel watching the runway, from a tower above and the ground below, to move and communicate effectively and bring the dangerous situation under control.
"The Marines know they must stay calm, despite the fact their adrenaline is rushing and they are under a lot of stress," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Jones. "When the Marines hear 'Standby! Standby! Standby!' over the radio, followed with a description of the emergency, they move like lightning. At the same time, [they] remember the procedures on how to handle the emergency.
"They never know when [an emergency] is going to occur, but they are ready nonetheless," added Jones.
The ARFF Marines are trained to ensure the safety of personnel on the aircraft, first and foremost. Additionally, they use firefighting equipment to prevent any further damage to aircraft.
"ARFF has some of the finest Marines the Corps has to offer," said Jones. "We have responded to emergencies with aircraft loaded with explosive ordinance, tons of fuel, valuable equipment and most importantly, human lives."