New complex ensures safe, simple aircraft fueling

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  A ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 28 celebrating the completion of a new petroleum-oil-lubricant complex here. 

The $5 million dollar complex, located near the south end of the flight line, boosts the capability needed to supply fuel for flight training and aircraft operations. 

Replacing the former system was required to maintain an adequate and safe supply of aircraft fuel storage, said Master Sgt. Charles Larouche, 919th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels superintendent. Increased pumping and dispensing capabilities were needed to support the mission. 

At the former POL complex, located in the center of Duke Field, fuel distribution technicians were required to block off streets while refueling trucks. Fuel was transferred with hoses that were pulled through the fence to the refueling trucks parked in the street. 

For safety reasons, it will be nice having the aircraft fuel storage tanks removed from the middle of the base, said Sergeant Larouche. 

The improved site is also easily accessible for fuel deliveries both to the complex and to aircraft on the flight line. 

Future plans include a road from the complex leading directly to the flight line and a paved extension of Drone Street to the complex, he said. This will minimize traffic and safety hazards posed during fuel transport, loading and dispensing. 

Additional environmental safety measures were also included in the complex. 

New above-ground tanks and fuel transfer piping ensure visible leak detection, should any occur, said Sergeant Larouche. 

Both fuel tanks are surrounded by concrete dikes designed to contain more than the entire capacity of the tanks, and the four fuel stands are located in a slight dip in the parking area to channel any possible spillage into a holding area, he said. The fuel stands are also covered, protecting reservists from the elements. 

The two steel 2,500-barrel above-ground tanks can hold up to 250,000 gallons of aircraft fuel. In comparison, the existing 40-year-old fuel storage complex had a 110,000 gallon fuel capacity, he said. Also, the fuel stands are capable of pumping up to 600 gallons per minute, doubling the previous capability. 

The new complex includes additions that give reservists opportunities to upgrade their training, such as a fuels laboratory, resource control center and pump house. 

"The fuel lab gives us the capability to ensure that fuel meets specifications and that it contains no impurities," said Senior Airman Christopher Latsko, 919th LRS fuels distribution journeyman. 

Prior to this facility, the only laboratory to perform fuel tests was at Eglin Air Force Base, said Airman Latsko. Active-duty fuels lab technicians had to come up to Duke Field to collect samples and test them back there. 

The improvements that have come with the new facility are a morale booster for the nine reservists, four active-duty Airmen and three civilians assigned here, said Sergeant Larouche. 

Personnel now have a 1,250 square foot facility to work in, said Capt. Melissa N. Tims, 919th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. They have some "elbow room" as compared to the mere 450 square-foot facility they worked in before. 

"The new complex is a great addition to the 919th LRS," she said. "It has already enhanced our mission in expediting aircraft fuels delivery and testing capabilities, as well as promoting a safer and healthier work environment for our reservists."