Nimitz Tests AFFF Firefighting Systems
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100702-01
7/2/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Jandik, USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully tested the ship's aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) systems July 1.
AFFF is a firefighting system that generates foam to smother fuel fires. AFFF used aboard Nimitz is a six percent AFFF concentration mixed with 94 percent water.
The goal was to ensure that every AFFF sprinkler was functioning properly, said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Robert Jimenez, V-3 divisional leading petty officer. In order for the system to be effective, all sprinklers must spray and cover their respective areas.
"Things went as planned," said Jimenez. "There are things to be fixed, but the system worked quite well."
Nimitz Sailors fired off AFFF sprinkler systems across more than 1,000 feet of flight deck and throughout the hangar bay to ensure the system was operating correctly.
According to Airmen Shawn Johnson these tests are important. "If a fire occurs in a hanger bay it can spread very easily and quickly without proper AFFF suppression," said Johnson.
Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.
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