75th LRS Fuels Management Flight best in AFMC

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Fuels Management Flight recently captured the American Petroleum Institute award for the Air Force Materiel Command’s best fuels flight in 2016.

The API award is presented annually and recognizes the unit that excels in direct mission support, innovative management and quality of life programs.

The fuels management flight here provides critical fuel and cryogenic support to five major commands and four wings.

“The API award is all about teamwork and recognizes the contributions of each flight member, from the contractors at bulk storage to the civilian and military operators who ensure the lifeblood of the Air Force is delivered clean, dry and on specification,” said Senior Master Sgt. Wade Headlee, fuels superintendent. “The mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight and win—no fuel, no fly!”

Over the last year, the 75th LRS Fuels Management Flight issued over 8 million gallons of fuel powering more than 7,000 sorties and enabling initial operational capability for the Air Force’s first combat ready F-35A Lightning II aircraft unit.

Additionally, the flight received 10 new Airmen from tech school, equating to over 1/3 of the flight’s manpower. Through effective training and innovative management, all Airmen were qualified and completed their career development courses well ahead of schedule. Taking advantage of the unique situation here, the fuels flight launched a training partnership with the 419th Fighter Wing, synchronizing UTA (Unit Training Assembly) operations and maximizing Total Force Integration with their Air Force Reserve counterparts.

Innovation is in their blood. The Hill AFB fuels team was the first to use hydrant-servicing vehicles to ‘hot pit’ the F-35A. Hot pit operations allow for a faster refueling process since the pilot does not have to shut down the aircraft.

“Over the last year, 837 F-16 and F-35 sorties received 1.2 million gallons of jet fuel through hot pit operations, sharpening pilot’s and crew’s combat quick-turn skills,” said Master Sgt. Blaine Arsenault, fuels information service center section chief. “The use of hydrant-servicing vehicles is an effective use of resources and ensures mission accomplishment.”

Congratulations to the 75th LRS Fuels Flight. Next step is competition at Air Force-level.

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