Elmendorf boosts aviation fuel with additive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE, Alaska --  Elmendorf became the first Air Force base in the Pacific Rim to blend a thermally stable additive known as Plus 100 to its JP-8 aviation fuel Sept. 1.

The additive prevents coking and carbon buildup in the engine. By preventing buildup in the engine, this will greatly reduce engine maintenance. 

Even before the base began using this additive, the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight team was always ready to provide gas, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Airman assigned to the FMF are responsible for refueling all aircraft assigned here and any passing through day or night. On average, the FMF team refuels between 50-60 aircraft a day from the smallest, like a C-12, to the largest, like a C-17.

Additionally the fuel is even pumped to any of those aircraft, it goes through an inspection. "The fuels laboratory is responsible for ensuring all fuel that moves on Elmendorf meets stringent Air Force standards," said Master Sgt. Eugene Cataldi, NCO in charge for the Fuels Information Service Center.

The presence of water and particles are just some of the things the flight members look for.

"Aircrew safety is our biggest priority," said Sergeant Cataldi. "Lives are on the line. If fuel doesn't meet specifications, it could result in catastrophic consequences."

The filter separator elements on refuel trucks and dispensing equipment are changed out ever three years. Sergeant Cataldi said it doesn't matter if the part was used once or 20 times. His team must be sure only clean, dry fuel is issued to the aircraft.

After the fuel is checked and meets Air Force standards, it's up to the truck drivers to get it out on the flight line and fill the aircraft.

"We have 20 plus drivers in the flight and we do multiple types of refuels," said Tech. Sgt. Karl Andrescavage, fuels distribution supervisor for the 3rd LRS FMF.

The hot pit refuels is one of the refueling methods used, which is common in deployed environments. The aircraft rolls up, without shutting down engines, to a spot where a team is ready to refuel it. After the aircraft is fueled, it takes off. Andrescavage said it's only a matter of about 10 minutes to refuel the aircraft and have it back in the air.

Elmendorf has 42 fuel outlets to support large frame aircraft and hot pit refueling for fighter aircraft. After the aircraft is directed to the refueling spot, the refueling operator attaches grounding and bonding wires, and connects the refueling hose. The pump house is equipped with computers that monitor the fuel pressure and the flow being pumped into the aircraft. The number of pumps operating is determined by the size and number of aircraft being serviced.

"Really, what it boils down to is, we fuel the wing 24/7 whether it be aviation or ground fuel support, you call we haul" said Sergeant Cataldi.