LRS Fuels completes A-10 puzzle during exercise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 442nd Fighter Wing's Fuel team worked with precision May 14, displaying their expertise for 10th Air Force inspectors who visited here to inspect the wing in what amounts to a dry run for October's operational readiness inspection.

There are many pieces to the A-10 Thunderbolt II in-flight puzzle and one that is often overlooked is the gas in the tank - and those who place it there.

Master Sgt. Bart Fellwock, 442nd Logistics Readiness Squadron NCOIC of petroleum oil and lubricants is excited to talk about his section's mission.

"It sounds simple but without us they don't fly," Sergeant Fellwock said.

"Our mission is to get fuel on the planes, as well as provide liquid oxygen (LOX) for the crew chiefs," Sergeant Fellwock said.

Sergeant Fellwock describes that the LOX exchange is much like a back-yard barbecue chef going to the store to swap out empty propane tanks.

"They bring us their empties and we fill them," he said.

In addition to providing fuel and liquid oxygen, the POL team keeps hydrants ready for the crews as well.

"But our main mission is to get fuel on the planes," Sergeant Fellwock said.

The fuel trucks hold up to 6,000 gallons of fuel and it takes an average of 20 minutes to fill an empty A-10 fuel tank. Just like every other mission, this must be accomplished even under the duress of war.

"We have to wear the gear and keep the trucks moving," he said. "Driving with a gas mask on can be tough but when the plane needs fuel we've got to have it."

He also elaborated on the fact that their reactions to threats can be a life and death situation.

"When the bombs start flying we hit a button that stops the refueling process and run for cover--the planes not going anywhere," Sergeant Fellwock said.

Sergeant Fellwock takes pride in being a small part of a big picture. POL is truly the essential puzzle piece sitting on the edge of the table waiting to complete the image.