About this Unit
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar's Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) unit has a distinguished history of providing rapid emergency response and fire protection services for the air station and its aircraft. Established as part of MCAS Miramar’s essential support operations, the CFR unit has played a critical role since the air station’s transition from Navy to Marine Corps control in 1997. The unit is staffed by highly trained Marines and civilian firefighters, specializing in aircraft rescue, firefighting, and hazardous material response. Over the years, MCAS Miramar CFR has responded to numerous emergencies, both on the airfield and within the local community, demonstrating its commitment to safety, readiness, and support for military aviation operations.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in World War II: MCAS Miramar's aviation firefighting unit traces its roots back to when the base was originally established as a naval auxiliary air station in the 1940s. Early crash crews used basic equipment and vehicles to protect aircraft and personnel.
•
Transition to Marine Corps Control: The base, and its firefighting unit, transitioned from the U.S. Navy to the Marine Corps in 1997, leading to the modern MCAS Miramar Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) or Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) unit.
•
Call Sign "Crash Crew": The crash fire rescue team at Miramar is often referred to as "Crash Crew," a call sign that has been used for decades and is recognized across Marine aviation units.
•
High-Profile Airshow Support: MCAS Miramar CFR plays a crucial role during the annual Miramar Air Show, one of the largest military airshows in the U.S., providing fire protection and emergency response for hundreds of thousands of attendees and pilots.
•
Rapid Response Times: The unit trains to respond to aircraft emergencies in under three minutes, meeting strict Department of Defense standards for airfield rescue operations.
•
State-of-the-Art Equipment: Miramar CFR operates advanced firefighting vehicles such as the Oshkosh P-19R ARFF truck, equipped with high-capacity water and foam cannons for rapid fire suppression.
•
24/7 Readiness: The unit maintains round-the-clock readiness, with crews on duty at all hours to respond to any incident involving military or civilian aircraft on the airfield.
•
Mutual Aid in San Diego: MCAS Miramar CFR frequently assists local San Diego fire departments during large emergencies, such as wildfires or major accidents, providing military expertise and equipment.
•
Training with Live Fire: The unit conducts regular live fire drills using simulated aircraft fuselage props to maintain proficiency in extinguishing jet fuel fires and performing rescues.
•
Heroic Rescues: Over the years, Miramar CFR Marines have received accolades for their rapid and courageous actions during real aircraft emergencies, saving lives and minimizing damage during crash landings and fires.
