Workhorse fuel operations contribute to aviation readiness

By Spc. Scott LindblomFebruary 11, 2016

Workhorse fuel operations contributes aviation readiness
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from Company A, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade work together during a training exercise as they set up a jump Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Hunter Army Airfield Feb. 9. (Photo by Spc. Scott Lindblom 3rd... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Workhorse fuel operations contributes aviation readiness
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga.- Soldiers from Company A, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade perfected their skill during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point training exercise on Hunter Army Airfield Feb. 9.

The wind and muddy conditions only increased the difficulty in this realistic training as the Soldiers scrambled to set up their fuel points. Senior leaders instructed junior petroleum specialists as well as other Soldiers on systems such as the Army Advanced Forward Area Refueling System.

The AAFARS is a deployable refueling system that can fit in a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter and deploy to the front lines in support of the mission. Deploying this system as a jump FARP allows aircraft to remain close to the mission instead of returning to the main fuel point.

Staff Sgt. Alonzo Gamble, Co. A, 603rd ASB is the subject matter expert when it comes to the AAFARS, and walked every Soldier through the system to ensure the unit is fully trained.

"We are training with this new system, a system that is primarily used for a jump FARP," Gamble said. "We are learning to set it up, how to sling load it, and it also gives the Soldiers the ability not only to know their job, but also to cross train and be a more effective unit"

Soldiers walked through the systems discussing allotted time for setup and equipment requirements to support the variety of helicopters in the Army's inventory. The muddy field was a challenge as teams raced to set up fuel points.

Spc. Crecia Murray Co. A, 603rd ASB led one of the teams as well as training new Soldiers.

"The AAFARS system will be very useful in a tactical environment, it will be the go-to system for a jump FARP," Murray said. "I really enjoy this training I think it is very productive for the Soldiers and noncommissioned officers to learn what we need to do in that type of environment."

Pvt. Michael Johnson, horizontal construction engineer, Co. A, 603rd ASB took the opportunity to cross train and expand his knowledge, so he could be a greater asset in his unit.

"They have taught me the different systems and how the different systems work on the aircraft so I am able to jump in and support the mission," Johnson said.