Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Camp David Fire Department #51



One of the original purposes of the fish pond built in front of the Aspen Lodge was to provide a nearby water source in the event of a fire at the President's cabin. Over the years, there have been a number of fires at Camp David. In 1959, the White Pine maintenance building was destroyed in a fire. It was later rebuilt and contains a carpenter shop and a plumbing shop.  In 1969, a fire in President Nixon's small office in the Maple cabin broke out when someone tried to thaw out a frozen water pipe.

Camp David now has a full-time professional fire department  responsible for protecting 130 facilities at the retreat with many of the buildings being historical wooden structures with fireplaces inside.

Inside the Camp David fire station


This fire truck was built by E-One


In 2005, the U.S. Navy nominated the Fire Chief at Camp David for "U.S. Navy Military Fire Officer of the Year".  Some of his accomplishments included:

  • Identified significant equipment shortages on all firefighting apparatus and brought the equipment up to highest standards required for POTUS support.
  • Commanded the crash crew for all POTUS flight operations
  • Developed the plan to transition from the existing, mostly collateral-duty fire brigade concept to a full-time professional fire department with aviation and damage control rated personnel.
  • Identified training requirements for inbound personnel being reassigned to Camp David allowing members to receive Fire Fighter II, ARFF, and Hazardous Materials training prior to reporting for duty.








In 2007, the U.S. Navy nominated a Camp David firefighter for the "DOD Military Firefighter of the Year".  Some of his accomplishments:

  • Implemented a robust training program, created and maintained 13 training records for U.S. Navy Firefighters.
  • Supervised and led 15 Presidential helicopter arrivals and departures which included 75 helicopter training touch and go’s for HMX-1 Helicopter Squadron, H-1’s, H-3’s, SH-60’s, H-46’s, and H-53’s with zero mishaps.
  • Led the Command’s duty fire brigade in structural firefighting operations, aircraft crash and salvage procedures, hazardous material operations and CBRN operations.
  • Established the development and implementation of 42 maintenance shops and guest facility emergency action plans reducing fire department response times by 50 percent.


Camp David Fire Department Challenge Coin



Camp David has entered into a Mutual Aid Memorandum of Agreement with Frederick County Maryland for mutual aid in fire prevention, protection of life and property from fire, firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials response. This agreement defines the rules for requesting and receiving aid in fighting fires at Camp David and in Frederick County.

Mutual Aid Memorandum of Agreement (full document)





Read more about the Navy Fire and Emergency Services program.





Sources:

Camp David Tour; IAFC; Commander Navy Installations Command

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Vice President Dick Cheney at Camp David on 9/11

Vice President Cheney, Lynne Cheney and I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Aboard Marine Two on September 11, 2001

In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the National Archives released a collection of photos of Vice President Dick Cheney on September 11, 2001. The photos show Cheney watching television footage of the World Trade Center attack in his office and meeting with senior members of the administration in the PEOC bunker six stories beneath the White House before heading off to Camp David aboard Marine Two.


The Cheneys arrive at Camp David on September 11, 2001








Vice President Dick Cheney in Laurel Lodge at Camp David on September 11, 2001


Sources:

PBS; National Archives

Secretary of State John Kerry Hosts Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at Camp David

Secretary Kerry and Afghan President Ghani arrive at Camp David on March 23, 2015 (State Dept)

On March 23, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry hosted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other key members of the Afghan Government at Camp David. The topics of discussion included security, economic development, and U.S. support for the Afghan-led reconciliation process. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew also participated in the meetings.



The photo above shows security standing guard as Secretary Kerry and President Ghani head off in their golf carts shortly after arriving at Camp David.



Secretaries Kerry, Carter and Lew and Afghan President Ghani and CEO Abdullah talk to reporters outside Laurel Lodge (State Dept)


Secretaries Kerry, Carter, and Lew eat lunch with Afghan President Ghani and CEO Abdullah in Laurel Lodge (State Dept)


Secretaries Kerry, Carter, and Lew meet with Afghan President Ghani and CEO Abdullah in Laurel Lodge (State Dept)


Secretary Kerry meets one-on-one with Afghan President Ghani in Holly Cabin (State Dept)


Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Holly Cabin (State Dept)


Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and Afghanistan Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi give remarks in the Hickory Theater at Camp David prior to signing a memorandum of understanding for financial capacity building and technical assistance.  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachel McMarr)





Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah, addresses reporters at a news conference in the Hackberry Hangar at Camp David (State Dept)


Overhead view of press conference held in the Hackberry Hangar. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachel McMarr)


From left, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, Camp David Commanding Officer Cmdr. Russell Rang, NSF Thurmont Senior Enlisted Leader Master Chief Constructionman Joe Maioriello and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani speak at the conclusion of a day of dialogue at Camp David.  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachel McMarr/(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachel McMarr)



Sources
State Department, VOA News, Getty Images, U.S. Navy