Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Dangel
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the course of the last month, leaders from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, have implemented a mix of versatile training scenarios aimed to validate contingency refueling operations for additional aircraft sustainment capabilities while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Recently, the "Iron Eagle" brigade's subordinate battalions cycled through an exercise to recertify on mobile refueling operations aptly named a jump forward arming and refueling point at Camp Taji during the month of November.
The training exercise primarily focused on the recertification of a system known as the Advanced Aviation Forward Area Refueling System.
The AAFARS is a modular, portable, lightweight refueling apparatus designed for rapid refueling of forward-area military aircraft, said Capt. Romaine Aguon, commander, Company E, 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment "Gambler Guns."
"This system is very field expedient," explained the native of Guam. "Typically, you would use this system in a heavily wooded area in order to camouflage the system components, allowing only the hoses to be exposed for refueling operations."
The AAFARS consists of multiple, high-capacity collapsible fuel drums powered by a 17 shaft-horsepower engine capable of pumping 240 gallons per minute. The system is characterized as extremely beneficial in a combat environment due its small size, reliability and ease of use.
"The best thing about this type of refueling operation is that it can be set-up at anytime," said Sgt. Matthew Tate, armament avionics electronic technician, Company D, 4th Bn., 4th Avn. Regt., who hails from Broken Arrow, Okla.
"When we get the call, it is as easy as getting the equipment together and moving to the site. This system is a great asset for both the battalion and the brigade," he added.
The AAFARS is both helicopter-transportable and Soldier-portable and typically can be assembled in about 20 minutes, depending on mission constraints.
The system is also low-velocity, air-drop certified, and it can be dropped into place from the air out of the back of a CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter or similar cargo variant.
Aguon's company, along with armament Soldiers from Co. D, set-up the system in about 11 minutes, which is extremely fast, according to the prescribed assembly time.
Aguon, along with 1st Sgt. Michael Libby, a Portland, Maine, native, who is Co. E's top enlisted leader, said they were both impressed with the efficiency the Soldier's displayed during the exercise.
"Typically, our Soldiers use the HEMTT [Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck] Tanker Aviation Refueling System when conducting refueling operations." Aguon said. "Today was the first time that this group used the AATARS system as a team, and the Soldiers did a great job."
The Soldiers themselves said they felt this skill set is important to help enhance the brigade's capabilities.
"It is important to let our leaders know that we are capable of employing any of our tactical systems in the event we are called to perform this operation sometime during the course of our mission here in Iraq," said Sgt. Kevin Brodine, a petroleum specialist assigned to Co. E, who hails from San Diego. "In Iraq or any other combat environment, you never know what you're going to get into, and it is important to remain proficient in all aspects pertaining to your job and the tasks you are asked to perform."
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.29.2008 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 26948 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 273 |
| Downloads: | 191 |
This work, CAB Soldiers continue versatile training, recertify on mobile refueling systems, by SPC Jason Dangel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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