SOLDIERS PROVIDE FUEL, TRANSPORTATION, AND MAINTENANCE FOR QLLEX

Photo By Capt. Valencia Scott | Soldiers from the 383rd Quartermaster Company, based out of Weldon Springs, Missouri, assembled their Fuel System Supply Point ( FSSP) in support of the annual Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX), June 15 2016.An FSSP, also known as a fuel farm, takes an average of two to three days to assemble and at least 50 people. "It's like putting together a big puzzle," said Corporal Eric Martin, a fuel specialist from Sedalia, Missouri. The hoses come in several sizes have to be at least 50 feet apart for safety reasons and to allow room for trucks to navigate through while getting fuel  

FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

06.11.2016

Story by 1st Lt. Valencia Scott 

335th Signal Command (T) (P)

FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona—Known for being the home of the U.S. Army’s Intelligence Center and the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), Fort Huachuca, Arizona temporarily became home for one of the largest logistics operations for two weeks while Reserve Soldiers conduct annual training. The Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX), a multifunctional exercise that incorporates real-world training in fuel and water supply, began June, 11, 2106 at Fort Huachuca Arizona with over 400 Reserve Soldiers participating.
Over 200 Soldiers from the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command, both from the 561st Regional Support Group and the 89th Sustainment Brigade, are participating in this large annual exercise. Soldiers from the 383rd Quartermaster Company, based out of Weldon Springs, Missouri, had 120 Soldiers attend QLLEX with the primary mission to build a Fuel System Supply Point (FSSP) and supply fuel to vehicles during the exercise.
An FSSP, also known as a fuel farm, takes an average of two to three days to assemble and at least 50 people. "It's like putting together a big puzzle," said Cpl. Eric Martin, a fuel specialist from Sedalia, Missouri. The hoses come in several sizes have to be at least 50 feet apart for safety reasons and to allow room for trucks to navigate through while getting fuel.
The hoses are connected to the trucks carrying the fuel and a pump that drives the fuel into large bags at a rate of 350 gallons per minute. “Once in bags, we will recirculate the fuel and issue to customers,” said Spc. Xueqin Lin a petroleum supply specialist of Weldon Springs, Missouri. However, prior to being pumped and given to customers, the samples of the fuel must be given to petroleum laboratory specialist who test for sediments, microorganisms, and general quality assurance.
The 383rd Quartermaster Company has the equipment to build an FSSP capable of holding 300,000 gallons of fuel, however for the purposes of the exercise, they assembled a fuel farm that supports 150,000 gallons of fuel and currently have 80,000 gallons of fuel. "In a forward environment, this would supply three days’ worth of fuel for an entire area of operation," said Sergeant Aaron Forrister.
In the same area of operation were approximately 123 combined Soldiers from the 129th, 369th, and 425th Transportation Companies also supporting QLLEX. These Soldiers began training as soon as they left Kansas as they drove nearly 1,100 miles to Fort Huachuca, which took nearly three days of travel. “It provides great driver’s training,” said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Gartin, the NCOIC of the 425th Transportation Company based out of Salina, Kansas.
Driving was not the only real-world training the Soldiers conducted while at Fort Huachuca. The long-distance drive and high temperatures during QLLEX took a toll on the vehicles, which allowed the wheeled vehicle mechanics to practice vehicle maintenance. One tanker had a blown seal and several Soldiers worked together to change the seal under the supervision of Staff. Sgt. Gartin.
Col. John Phillips, the rear commander of the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and the Command Sgt. Maj. of the 451st ESC, Donald Langworthy, visited the Soldiers conducting QLLEX on June 16, 2016. Col. Paul Hettich, the brigade commander of the 561st Regional Support Group also attended to see what Soldiers were accomplishing and offer support.
Cpt. Jacob Wood, commander of the 425th Transportation Company, briefed Col. Phillips and Command Sgt. Maj. Langworthy, on what his unit completed since they began annual training. Despite the harsh desert temperatures of Arizona, the Soldiers maintained motivation and gained valuable logistics training.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2016
• Date Posted: 10.28.2016 18:48
• Story ID: 213234
• Location: FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA, US