News / Military
By Howard Altman / Tampa Bay Times / July 1, 2016
PHOTO: MacDill security personnel say only those licensed and with permission can use fireworks. (Times files)
MacDill has its own rules on fireworks, and they’re strict.
There’s no shortage of people on MacDill Air Force Base who have experienced the power and force of explosions.
And preserving freedom is what they’re all about at MacDill, home of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Central, the 6th Air Mobility Wing, the 927th Air Refueling Wing and dozens of other mission partners.
Still, the prospect of fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend still draws stern warnings from security personnel at the base.
“While the holiday may be an exciting time to get together and celebrate, safety must be a top priority,” according to a posting on the MacDill website.
Only those who are licensed and bonded to use fireworks, and who have permission of base leadership, are allowed to set them off there, according to MacDill regulations.
“Fireworks of any description will not be used within the confines of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, except for holiday purposes and only upon approval of the base fire chief,” according to the website. “Only licensed and bonded personnel will handle the fireworks.”
Since June 1, 2015, three fireworks mishaps have been reported across the Air Force causing 19 lost work days, according to the site.
“In the U.S., approximately 46 percent of fireworks injuries involve hands and fingers, followed by 17 percent involving the eyes, head, face and ears; more than half of these injuries were burns.”
MacDill safety officials have a simple message for would-be pyrotechnicians.
“We recommend that if you do not have specific training with fireworks, then do not use them,” David O’Neil, a safety specialist with the 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office, said on the website. “Fireworks can do severe damage to a person if they don’t know the exact safety precautions to take.”
In addition, MacDill safety officials recommend only lighting fireworks on the ground and in damp, fire resistant areas.
“Users should never point lit sparklers or fireworks at themselves or others. Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by and a water hose or bucket of water to put out fires. Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.”
So if you’re looking for a celebration with a military flavor, it’s best to look elsewhere — maybe the Fourth of July Family Funfest 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday at Tampa’s American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive.
The AmVic holiday family festival features food trucks, a DJ, dancing, kids’ games, face painting, arts and crafts and fireworks viewing from the deck of the former WWII supply ship.
Plan early, organizers say. The event usually sells out. The cost is $12, $7 ages 12 and younger, $10 military/veterans. More information is at (866) 468-7630.
The Pentagon announced last week the death of a sailor supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew J. Clement, 38, of Massachusetts, died June 21 of a noncombat related injury while deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The incident is under investigation. Clement was a mobilized Navy reservist assigned to the Navy Reserve Unit Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Navy Operational Support Center, Quincy, Mass.
There have been 2,348 U.S. troop deaths in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 21 U.S. troop deaths and one civilian Department of Defense employee death in support of the follow-up, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan, and 16 troop deaths and one civilian death in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the battle against the so-called Islamic State.
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