Rota students briefed on airport operations

Students of the Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja recently had the opportunity to experience first-hand how daily operations are being run at the Rota International Airport.

The activity was conducted with the assistance of the Pacific Regional Training Institute-Drug Abuse Resistance Education/G.U.T.S. (Get Up and Try Something) program.

Pacific Regional Training Institute supervisor, Staff Sgt. Edward Maratita Jr., who coordinated the activity with Commonwealth Ports Authority-Rota manager Thomas A. Manglona, said they wanted to get the students to learn of occupational opportunities that exist within or outside the community.

The students of ESFDB went through a series of short presentation provided by the management, staff, and officers of the CPA-Rota. The presentation covered the duties and functions of each services daily operation.

“It is not sufficient to have an outstanding aviation facility unless you have the businesses and agencies to provide the auxiliary services required by our local community and visitors/tourists,” explained by Maratita.

The CPA-Rota airport work force includes the manager’s office or administration, police and fire operations, including emergency medical services, flight services, and maintenance.

Airport manager Manglona’s office performs the necessary administration and marketing functions, such as disseminating important Federal Aviation Administration regulations or advertising local businesses on the island.

Known as Ports Police, these dedicated officers are certified and meet the minimum standards and undergo periodic recurrent training. Ports Police officers are also certified to handle minor emergency medical problems. In addition, they provide overall police protection for airport and tenant properties and enforce Transportation Security Administration regulations pertaining to the security of airline passengers 24-hours a day. The Police Services is headed by Captain Edward S. Hocog.

The Fire Services, also known as A.R.F.F. (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighter), headed by Capt. Bill Manglona, provides round-the-clock services. All firefighters receive fire and emergency medical training each year. They are equipped with two fire trucks to provide crash/rescue services for all aircraft at the Rota International Airport, as well as structural and basic emergency medical services to tenants, customers, and passengers. The Fire Department also enforces local fire codes and performs fire and safety inspections of airport fueling and maintenance operations and, when requested, they assist the local fire division.

The students had the opportunity to witness a simulated response to a fire or rescue incident. As the alarms went off, both police and fire personnel quickly got into their gear and sped off with their fire truck, showcasing their response time if there was an actual fire or rescue incident.

The unique part of the Police and Fire Services is that they are dual certified agencies that provides full police services, as well as aircraft fire rescue and emergency medical services to airport visitors and locals.

Captain Hocog explained, “The top priority of the authority is to provide excellent safety and security while using the very best customer service.”

The Flight Services provides daily weather report to the airline companies as well as monitor outgoing and incoming flights for safety hazards. They are the personnel who would alert the Police and Fire Services for any potential crash or rescue efforts. Noreen Toves is the head supervisor of Flight Services in Rota.

The final presentation was Maintenance Services headed by Anthony T. Atalig. This division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. They are also responsible for the airfield’s compliance with the FAA regulations relating to airport certification standards. In other words, they keep the beauty of the airport’s surrounding pleasant.

Jaime Joe Inos, an outspoken first grader, enjoyed the presentation and looks forward to future field trips for a learning experience.

The PRTI and ESFDB staff and teachers would like to thank CPA-Rota for taking the time to give a brief presentation to the students, and also to Calista T. Pendergrass, general manager of Cape Air/Continental Connections, for giving the students a chance to view the airline’s ATR-42 aircraft. (PR)