Fueling RED FLAG-Alaska

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  RED FLAG-Alaska brings a diverse group of aircraft and personnel to Eielson Air Force Base to engage in aerial combat and to support the maintenance needs of million dollar resources. In order for the exercise participants to reach mission success, they depend on one resource that makes the fight happen - fuel. 

The petroleum, oils, and lubricants flight, or POL, from the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron handles the base and RF-A units fuel requirements. But putting fuel in to a jet or vehicle isn't as simple as it sounds. 

"There are a lot of misconceptions about our job," said Senior Airman Jason Barnhardt, 354th LRS, POL fuels lab technician. "We don't just drive around fuel trucks; we have a lab, cryogenics, control center and maintenance section that are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year." 

During the two week exercise, approximately 2.6 million gallons of fuel will be used for the participating aircraft, costing about $6.5 million. The average fuel use for non-exercise months averages out to 700,000 gallons. 

"Before the fuel can be put in to use, we have to quality control it," said Airman Barnhardt. "We perform about 331 monthly tests and samples of fuel from the bases supply to ensure it's safe to use." 

Some of the things that POL looks for when inspecting the fuel is particles, contaminate, water, and proper color. Most of these things can be checked visually; however, POL uses an arsenal of tools to ensure every gallon of fuel is pure. 

"Our guys use everything from inline samplers, various filters and flash point testers to make sure the fuel is good to go," Staff Sgt. Scott Eggleston, 354th LRS, POL noncommissioned officer in charge of fuels laboratory. "If we don't ensure the fuel is good quality then something catastrophic could happen; an aircraft might crash because of tainted fuel." 

POL performs around 1,400 refuels to aircraft throughout RF-A using 29 fuel trucks. With manning at around 37 percent, the POL section cannot solely provide the exercise support. Units participating in RF-A regularly send POL airmen from their home station to assist with the high demand of fueling needs. 

"We're really grateful to have people come and help supplement our requirements here," said Sergeant Eggleston. "Personnel from Osan Air Base to MacDill AFB, and several guard units have helped us get this mission done. It's been excellent so far and RF-A wouldn't be as successful without them here." 

After working long hours processing millions of gallons of fuel, it's very rewarding for POL Airmen to see the aircraft take off with their assistance. 

"I love being outdoors and working around the best aircraft in the world," said Sergeant Eggleston. "Every time a jet takes off I know I had a hand in it."