FORT CARSON- Army Petroleum Supply Specialists, assigned to A. Company, 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, battled harsh rain and low temperatures, to successfully complete aircraft refueling training and certification at Butts Army Airfield on Fort Carson, May 13, 2024.
The A. Co. Spartan Soldiers trained on the system maintenance and upkeep of a brand new fueling system that's never been used by the Army for aircraft refueling. The Modular Fuel System is one of the latest pieces of Army equipment to be used for sustainment and refueling operations. The new equipment provides major advantages over previous systems when it comes to Army sustainment operations. These advantages carry on to any refueling operation, not just helicopters and aircraft.
“So this system compared to previous systems I've used in the past is definitely a lot more expedient.” said Sgt. Steven Warner, a petroleum specialist assigned to A. Company, 68th DSSB. “It takes about 30-45 minutes to set up, it’s a hard system and it’s mobile so it’s a lot easier for us to get on ground, get set up, and get operations rolling.”
The Spartan Soldiers operated a Forward Arming and Refueling Point operations and training for over a week, to refuel the storage system, prepare the pump systems, ground guide the aircraft to the fueling point and then refuel the aircraft before they took off again. This provided multiple refueling points and could support two helicopters simultaneously. The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, supported the training by providing UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters, providing a realistic environment for the A Co. Fuelers.
The training is not only a chance for the Soldiers to try new equipment but also for them to be certified in FARP operations for an upcoming deployment. This training allows the 4th Infantry Division to lead the charge when it comes to the Army’s changing priorities to large-scale combat. Being able to refuel up to eight pieces of equipment at once expands the capability of the sustainment brigade when it comes to fueling operations. According to CW2, Johnny Frambo, a petroleum systems technician warrant officer assigned to A. Co, 68th DSSB.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Soldiers to train the way that they fight.” Said Frambo “The system is a great addition to the Army and as sustainers continue to support the Warfighter, I think that this piece of equipment is going to become critical.”
With the new fueling equipment they are on the leading edge of sustainment operations for the Army’s ever changing global mission set. With all of the A Co. Soldiers certified in aircraft refueling, they are ready for their upcoming deployment and support the Army’s overseas operations.
Date Taken: | 05.13.2024 |
Date Posted: | 05.17.2024 11:38 |
Story ID: | 471500 |
Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
Web Views: | 112 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, DSSB Conducts FARP Training With New Fueling System, by SGT Matthew Connor, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.