Fuel's continous stream

Published May 23, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AFB, Calif. -- In the chain of how Jet Propellant-8 finds its way to Travis aircraft, there is one very critical link. The fuel comes from an off-base refinery and is stored in bulk storage tanks on base, but it still must be delivered to the aircraft to keep the mission moving. This is where the fuels distribution technicians in the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron come in to complete the process.

"Our job within the Air Force is without a doubt one of the most critical and highly depended upon (career fields)," said Airman 1st Class Connie Smith, 60th LRS fuels distribution technician. "Without the distribution of JP-8, we would not be able to complete our airborne mission."

With the constant buzz of activity on the Travis flightline, the fuels distribution technicians must work around the clock to provide a continuous stream of JP-8 to the aircraft, Smith said.

"From our bulk storage tanks, we transfer JP-8 to four different hydrant areas on base," said Staff Sgt. Rich Kalakosky, 60th LRS fuels distribution supervisor. "These four hydrant areas provide the fuel to different areas on the flightline. Our hydrant servicing vehicles then hook up to outlets located in pits on the flightline and pump the JP-8 directly onto the aircraft."

Another way to bring gas to the jets is in the large tanker trucks people may be more familiar with. The tankers hold up to 6,000 gallons of JP-8 and are called R-11 refuel units, but the fuels technicians have given them the moniker of "Big Green," Kalakosky said.

When dealing with such large amounts of JP-8, the fuels technicians must take safety as the highest priority. The fuel only leaves their area of responsibility in the safest way possible, Smith said.

"JP-8 is obviously flammable because it is a fuel," Kalakosky said. "We take precautions because it is flammable, for example, grounding ourselves and removing spark-producing items. We use (personal protection equipment) to protect our skin and eyes from JP-8 as well."

Absorption, ingestion and inhalation are just a few of the risks that are part of the fuels distribution technician's daily job when it comes to the safe handling of the JP-8 fuel product, Smith said.

Even with the inherent risks involved in handling the fuel, the Travis Airmen still have no problem finding the benefits of their service.

"We put JP-8 onto any aircraft that flies into Travis and needs fuel," Kalakosky said. "This includes many distinguished visitors and even Air Force One. Some members have the privilege to refuel those unique aircraft."

"When working a weekend night shift, I get to witness the phenomenal view of the Travis sunset, as well as the sunrise," Smith said.