BAUMHOLDER, Germany (Oct. 6, 2015) -- The fuel and water platoon, from 240th Quartermaster Support Company, or QMSC, 18th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, is accustomed to having diverse equipment as it is composed of three military occupational specialties, or MOSs, requiring unique equipment.
The platoon's fleet of equipment grew upon receipt of 13 water tank racks, commonly known as the Hippo, and three Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, or HEMTTs, capable of holding 2,500 gallons of fuel. The expansion also included a Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced - a mobile laboratory for testing fuel.
The fuel and water platoon is the largest bulk fuel and water asset in U.S. Army Europe, and its Soldiers provide forward support throughout the continent.
Before the fielding, the platoon could distribute almost 50 thousand gallons of fuel a day and store almost a million gallons if they used all platoon assets simultaneously. With the addition of the three HEMTTs, the platoon's distribution capacity increased to almost 55 thousand gallons a day.
The HEMTTs increase the ability to fuel aviation missions and the Hippos have a similar effect on the unit's water capabilities. By gaining the Hippos, 240th QMSC's water distribution capability increased by 26 thousand gallons, giving them a capacity of more than 30 thousand gallons a day.
The Hippos provide vital life support during field exercises and missions. They supply field showers, laundry, dining facilities, and potable water points. They provide the company with a more mobile water fleet that can move within the battle space as support requirements change.
As the specialists in petroleum supply and water treatment train on the new equipment, the platoon's Soldiers become skilled in functions not within their original MOS.
"Having HEMTTs on ground is awesome because they are a much more up to date fueling asset," said Spc. Fernando Lara, a petroleum supply specialist with the 240th Quartermaster Support Company and a California native.
With multiple types of fuel equipment, petroleum specialists in 240th QMSC have the opportunity to maintain proficiency on the various systems.
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