Honolulu, HI –
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Raposa, a Damage Controlman (DC) and native of Taunton, MA, is assigned to Joint Task Force-Red Hill (JTF-RH) as a military escort for civilian contractors working at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
This facility, built more than 80 years ago, is under 100-feet of volcanic rock with 20 vertical fuel tanks, 14 of which are filled with 104 million gallons of fuel. As a military escort, Raposa provides over-watch for the daily maintenance and repairs inside the historic facility.
Safety is paramount for the repair mission. To ensure this, JTF-RH took additional measures so everyone involved, including contractors who enter the facility, collaborate closely with the JTF-RH operations team. The military escorts are required to have the necessary knowledge of the contractor’s job to provide oversight for the repairs.
“The military escorts like myself are assigned here to support quality assurance operations,” said Raposa.
Navy Damage Controlmen are trained to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations and ensure safety in the event of damage or other emergencies like fires, floods, or chemical spills.
“I make sure the welding is conducted safely,” said Raposa. “We're here to provide extra eyes to help prevent a mishap.”
While stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Raposa serves not only as a Damage Controlman, but a certified trainer for visit, board, search and seizure with Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific (ATG MIDPAC). ATG members conduct training to almost every aspect of shipboard operations.