CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Members of the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters visited Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Fire and Emergency Services July 12 and 16 at Camp Foster to view rescue equipment and discuss water-rescue techniques.
Along with the techniques of the Marine Corps, the Japan coast guard has also learned how the U.S. Air Force and Navy conduct their rescue missions, according to Kimihiko Edazawa, a member of the Helicopter and Water Rescue Squad, 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, JCG.
“We came to learn about the Marine Corps-side of water rescue and firefighting,” said Edazawa. “It was a great exchange of information, and I learned a lot.”
During the training, the members of the JCG learned about U.S. military fire engines, ladders, and fire codes and standards, according to Junya Miyagi, the battalion chief of training with MCIPAC and MCB Camp Butler Fire and Emergency Services.
“We introduced them to the National Fire Protection Association standards for the U.S.,” said Miyagi. “They were able to see the differences between the Japanese standards and the U.S. standards for fire-rescue equipment.”
The JCG members were interested in the equipment differences because they are always looking for ways to improve their techniques and modify their training, according to Yuichi Kawakami, a member of the squad.
The training proved to be beneficial for both the JCG attendees and members of the MCIPAC and MCB Camp Butler Fire and Emergency Services as well.
“They taught us more about their techniques of surface and water rescue,” said Miyagi. “If we encounter a rescue situation (in their jurisdiction), we can help them (using techniques they are familiar with).”
All of the attendees hoped to continue training with one another in the future, according to Hideaki Ueda, a member of the squad.
“Last year, we learned rope-rescue training from Miyagi,” said Ueda. “We would like to train with the Marines and the fire department more often, so we can hone our skills together.”
The success of the two days of training encouraged the fire department and the JCG to schedule more events in the future, according to Shawn M. Curtis, the deputy safety director of MCIPAC and MCB Camp Butler.
“This meeting may eventually culminate in bilateral training exercises between the two agencies,” said Curtis. “I am sure (the JCG) plan to organize how both agencies can coordinate their emergency response efforts for future crisis at sea.”