Naval Air Station Whiting Field continues to establish 2014 as a banner year for the command and its staff. After NAS Whiting Field was recently named the Navy Installation Excellence Award recipient, Fire & Emergency Services Gulf Coast, comprised of both NAS Whiting Field and Pensacola, was selected as Fire Department of the Year Award (Large Category). Two fire fighters from the installation also received individual awards.
Command Navy Region Southeast recognized Aviation Boatswains Mate First Class David L. Castro and Aviation Boatswains Mate Second Class Tyler A. VanWey as Fire Instructor of the Year and Fire Fighter of the Year respectively.
Fire & Emergency Services Gulf Coast protected twenty-nine thousand Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Civilians. It also safeguarded 381 aircraft, 27 marine vessels, 14 million square feet of facilities on over 45 square miles and valued at 8.6 billion dollars, resulting in a total fire loss of zero dollars.
While the members work relentlessly to protect service personnel, they go through equally great lengths to serve the surrounding community. On April 13, the fire and emergency personnel were on hand to assist with the search and rescue and administering of medical aid to over 180 individuals who were injured when a gas line exploded at the Escambia County Central Booking Station. Members from both installations were also once again called upon to help local responders when a train derailed in Milton this past December.
Fire Chief William Barrow offered his praise, “I am so very proud of the men and women of Fire and Emergency Services Gulf Coast. They work hard to make a difference and ensure we are capable of protecting those that defend America every day across the entire area of responsibility. It truly takes all of us to make it happen.”
A key component in the success of Gulf Coast Fire & Emergency Services, Castro was selected as Fire Instructor of the Year for his “outstanding performance as an instructor, trainer, and speaker”. He personally instructed 37 firefighters in attaining 21 Fire Instructor I, 8 Fire Officer I, 4 EMT, and 3 Fire Inspector I certifications while also coordinating the training of 111 firefighters during 667 live fire evolutions.
Castro’s mentorship extended beyond his Fire Instructor duties as he led the Command Indoctrination courses on Navy Rights and Responsibilities for 80 new reporting Sailors as well as the Petty Officer Indoctrination courses to provide leadership skills and guidance to 35 new advanced petty officers. Despite his recent recognition Castro was quick to attribute his success to his department.
“It's really an honor to be recognized for such an important [honor]. I just try to do my job and help others when I can. We have a great department and military installation; they ensure we are provided with the tools to succeed in our future endeavors," Castro said.
VanWey, described as “energized” and a “hard charger”, was selected as Fire Fighter of the Year for demonstrating exceptional job performance, initiative, technical competence, resourcefulness, and leadership abilities.
VanWey completed his qualifications for Airport Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF) Chief, Airport Fire Fighter, Airfield Operations, ARFF Driver/Operator on the Twin Agent Unit and T-1500 fire apparatus in record time. He then proceeded to lead his firefighting crew during operations for hazardous flights and responded to 25 in-flight and ground emergencies with zero loss of life, all while completing his Associates of Science degree in Arts/Liberal Studies with a 3.66 GPA. His drive and performance was rewarded by being hand-selected as the Assistant Fire Captain for NOLF Harold, a position that is normally held by a seasoned First Class Petty Officer.
As Department Head for both Sailors, Lt. Kenyatto Mayes offered his praise, “I could not be more proud of ABH1 Castro and ABH2 VanWey. Both of them have worked exceptionally hard and deserve the recognition. There is no doubt that they played a major role in Fire & Emergency Services Gulf Coast taking the Fire Department of the year award."
Fire and Emergency Services Gulf Coast will now go on to represent the CNRSE at the Commander, Navy Installations Command level.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NASWF Firefighters Earn Region Recognition