Misawa's shared mission, shared award

Kunihiko Tainaka, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, inspects the nozzle of a speed lay fire hose for obstructions Feb. 3, 2011, Misawa Air Base, Japan. A fire truck may carry upwards of 2,400 feet of different size hose. Mr. Tainaka and the other firefighters routinely inspect the hoses for leaks and abrasions, which may cause loss of water pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

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Misawa's shared mission, shared award

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Carrell, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, tests a self-contained breathing apparatus for leaks and oxygen tank levels Feb. 3, 2011, Misawa Air Base, Japan. The air pack utilizes a personal alarm safety system emits a siren and flash to alert emergency responders in the event the wearer t becomes unconscious. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

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Misawa's shared mission, shared award

Hitoshi Mikami, front, and Senior Airman Christopher Carrell, inspect their battery-operated vehicle-extraction tool for operability Feb. 3, 2011, Misawa Air Base, Japan. Mr. Mikami and Airman Carrell work for the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron as firefighters. Misawa's fire department assists the emergency responders from Misawa City, helping to maintain a positive relationship with the host nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

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Misawa's shared mission, shared award

Published Feb. 3, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department is in the running for the Pacific Air Force's Best Fire Department for a Medium Base 2010 award. This accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the friendship enjoyed by the base's joint team of Airmen-Japanese fire crews.

"The Japanese nationals who work here are an amazing set of guys," said Senior Airman Christopher Carrell, 35 CES firefighter. "This is my second base and I have worked with civilians in the states. By far, these are the smartest and hardest-working civilian firefighters. The JNs here are a credit to the fire department."

Misawa Air Base's fire department won the award in 2009.