Torii Station, Japan — U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Fire and Emergency Services recently conducted their annual hazardous materials (hazmat) suit testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their equipment.

The tests, conducted at Torii Station, on Dec. 19, 2024, are crucial for verifying that the suits remain leak-proof and can protect personnel from hazardous chemicals during emergency operations.

“These tests are vital to ensure the safety of our firefighters and responders,” said Dean Turner, USAG Okinawa Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief. “If we ever face a hazmat incident involving a spill or an unknown chemical, these suits allow us to assess the situation, stop leaks, and contain the hazard safely.”

In addition to annual testing, the team undergoes extensive real-world hazmat training throughout the year to prepare for emergencies. However, the suits used in live training are not the same ones tested during these evaluations, ensuring the integrity of operational equipment.

The testing and training efforts are part of the Garrison’s commitment to maintaining readiness and protecting both personnel and the local community in the event of a chemical incident.

“Readiness is the key to effective response,” Turner added. “By testing and training regularly, we ensure that we are always prepared for the unexpected.”