The OSHKOSH Global Striker is a specialized rescue and firefighting vehicle used by the National Airports Corporation's Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Team at Tokua Airport, East New Britain Province.
The OSHKOSH is fitted with all essential elements that will enable quick response, rescue and firefighting capabilities during any emergencies at the airport.
At Tokua Airport, 26-year old Ruth Tenanga, the only female in a Team of 10 Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters is tasked to operate this specialized vehicle.
That would make her the first Papua New Guinean female to operate an aviation fire-fighting vehicle in the country. The other airports who have these specialized aviation fire fighting vehicles are operated by her male colleagues.
“To be honest, I never thought I'd end up as a Tender Operator (Aviation Fire Truck Operator) but when the opportunity came, I took it and became part of the ARFF Team.
“NAC have mentored and trained me to be who I am today and I am thankful to the ARFF trainers for their tireless efforts, dedication and commitment,” she recalled.
Ruth believes that stepping into this new area particularly one that is male dominated, had a positive impact on her growth and has been motivating, inspiring and empowering.
“As long as there is respect, having an opening mind, trust and teamwork, there is a team regardless of gender," Miss Tenanga explained.
The job of a tender operator role requires stamina, top coordination skills, excellent physical fitness and mental toughness among others and Ruth has been the perfect fit, says George Kalago, who is the Tokua Airport Fire Chief and also Ruth's immediate supervisor and mentor.
"I have known Ruth since she was recruited in July 2019. She is a brilliant lady and she is very brave in performing the drills and has been involved in two emergency turnouts as an operator for Rescuel (Global Striker) here in Tokua of which she's performed exceptionally well,” said Kalago.
"Since her recruitment, Miss Tenanga has undergone in-house trainings of Basic Firemanship, Topography, Radio and Fire Control Centre Procedure, Aircraft Familiarization, Fire Vehicle Operation and Pump Operation Trainings and is competent in her job," Mr Kalago added.
Ruth's advice to young women who may wish to take up the role in male dominated environment is to never let fear stop them from achieving their goals or their dream job.
"Go for the job you desire regardless of the gender.”