Andersen fire department, HSC-25 rescue injured hiker Published Jan. 31, 2007 By Senior Airman Angelique Smythe and Staff Sgt. Christopher Powell The Pacific Edge ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- An Airman assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group was injured while hiking at Tarague Beach here Sunday. The Airman was injured after falling approximately 10 to 15 feet while hiking on a downhill slope. One of three other hikers was able to use a cell phone to call for assistance. A team of four Andersen fire and rescue members was able to stabilize the victim and determine he needed to be evacuated by air. Andersen authorities contacted Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Five, which successfully airlifted the Airman to Naval Hospital Guam. "Our fire rescue team and HSC-25 did a phenomenal job. This was an excellent example of the seamless joint operations here at Andersen," said Col. Joel Westa, 36th Wing vice commander. "The Airmen and Sailors' responsiveness and cooperation were exemplary in this situation, and I'm happy it turned out the way it did." All four hikers had the proper hiking safety gear and hiking permits. "By being properly prepared with the necessary safety equipment and permits, the Airmen did their part in the successful evacuation, and that's all we can ask for," said Andersen fire chief John Thompson. "Hiking is a dangerous activity, and their preparation demonstrates the importance of having a plan." The injured Airman was treated at Naval Hospital Guam for injury to his back and released this week.