RAF Firefighter Honored for Work during Combat

A MILITARY firefighter has been commended for his “dynamic leadership” during an attack by the Taliban on Britain’s main base in Afghanistan.

RAF warrant officer Stephen Hollis, 48, fought fires for six hours at Camp Bastion in Helmand province. British and US soldiers battled against insurgents wearing US army uniforms.

It is thought Prince Harry – an Apache pilot serving in the warzone – was also a target of the insurgents who got within a mile of the Royal.

Two US Marines were killed and five troops injured in the night-time attack in September, while a number of aircraft and hangars were destroyed.

Stephen, of Bridlington, said: “I am incredibly proud, not only how I reacted on the night, but for the job the guys did as a team. Without them, it wouldn’t have come together.”

Air Commadore Stephen Forward, air officer commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group, praised Stephen’s actions.

He said: “Warrant Officer Hollis’s span of control on the evening far exceeded any previous experience and training he had received. His dynamic leadership, actions, decision-making and bravery were above and beyond his substantive rank.”

Insurgents armed with rocketpropelled grenades, mortars and small arms breached the perimeter of the US part of the base.

The “complex” strike – the first large-scale attack of its kind – was carried out on the US side.

At least 18 Taliban were killed. One survived.

Nato’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan said Prince Harry was “never in any danger”.

Beverley-born Stephen is responsible for managing two fire stations and 38 firefighters.

He said: “We provide cover for the fifth busiest UK operated airfield and the domestic side of Camp Bastion, which is about the same size as Reading.”

Stephen joined the RAF in 1981. When not away on operations, Stephen is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, where he provides fire cover for the RAF’s Typhoon fast jets.

InShort RAF fire chief Stephen Hollis spent hours putting out fires after the Taliban attacked Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Leaving by 2014 THE UK has about 9,500 service personnel in Afghanistan – the majority based in Helmand province.

Camp Bastion is the support base for all UK military operations.

All stores, people, food, vehicles, mail and equipment are processed though Camp Bastion.

Under current plans, all UK combat troops will have left Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

Forces are now predominantly engaged in training members of the Afghan security forces. In recent months, the Taliban have switched from conventional fighting to carrying out “insider” attacks.