Travis firefighters win second world title

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matt McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (AFPN) --  For the second year in a row, firefighters from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., won the World Firefighter Combat Challenge team competition here.

The Travis team also won the stream-light relay -- in a time of 4 minutes, 25.14 seconds -- to seal their victory. The team beat out more than 240 firefighters from around the globe in the competition that lasted from Dec. 1 to 3.

“It’s something we’ve been fighting for. Last year we lost the relay to Windsor, Canada. However, I discovered earlier in the year -- while training -- that we had a better team (this year),” said firefighter and Travis team captain Tech. Sgt. Mike Melton of the 349th Civil Engineer Squadron.

World Firefighter Combat Challenge president Paul Davis said firefighters dedicating themselves to pushing the limits is what this championship is all about.

“The dedication of the Travis Team is an inspiration,” Mr. Davis said. “They define champions. Their team captain [Tech. Sgt. Mike Melton] has been in pursuit of this for eight years. We’re really proud of him and his team -- and I’m sure the Air Force is, too.”

The specific pre-contest training the Team Travis firefighters use is a secret, the sergeant said. But the team uses a combination of cardio and weight training designed to use the muscles needed for the challenge.

Even with the intense training preparation, team members can feel nervous and extremely anxious in the staging area tent just before the events.

“If you can control your nerves in the staging area, that’s huge. Sometimes you can feel like throwing up. Especially when you see the fastest competitors suiting up next to you,” Sergeant Melton said.

Firefighter performed five tasks. These included climbing a five-story tower, hoisting and chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 pound "victim" -- while racing against themselves, their opponent and the clock. Plus, participants must wear their “full bunker gear,” including an air-breathing apparatus.

The course showcases skills firefighters use in real-life rescue situations. It also allows firefighters to become aware of their own conditioning level and ability.

“Every firefighter takes their body to the limit some time in their career, the firefighter challenge is a great opportunity to see what our limitations are,” Sergeant Melton said.

Positive praises were also heard from two Travis leaders who attended the event.

“This win is a testament to their hard work. The fact [Sergeant Melton] can build a team every year -- even with the military mission -- all on their off-duty time, is amazing to me, said Chief Master Sgt. John Speakman, the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief. “They can have drastic team changes and still, with gifted leadership, they’re able to win.”

Col. Tracy Hardwick, the 60th Mission Support Group commander, said, “It’s another Team Travis success story -- active duty, Reserves and civilian. The same focus and dedication we use in military operations is also used in firefighting.”

The Travis team includes: Sergeant Melton, Staff Sgts. Harry Myers and Omar Shamid-deen, Senior Airmen Joseph Almony and Jeff Mcclendon and David Chiodo.