Logistics specialists save lives and help active forces by supplying fuel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
  • 916th ARW/PA
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC --  For three members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, an out of cycle Air Expeditionary Force rotation to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam helping to fuel Navy rescue helicopters was a great opportunity to keep fresh on an operation that they rarely see at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

"These operations had a direct impact on saving the lives of 19 Guam residents and tourists during our rotation," said Master Sergeant Jamie Applequist

These reservists helped refuel the helicopters that provided vital support to rescues performed at sea when swimmers were taken out by rip tides or boats became disabled.

Sergeant Applequist explained that upon arrival at Andersen Air Force Base it was conveyed to her that there was no previous standard established on how reservists would perform their duties. Some reservists chose to take care of refueling their own aircraft, while others decided to integrate with the active duty shop.

"The active duty shop was extremely undermanned and fortunately we were able to provide some much needed assistance," said Sergeant Applequist. "I stepped into the role of dayshift operation supervisor, and the right thing to do in my opinion was to merge with the shop."

As reservists, there were a few occasions in which 916th members were the only personnel qualified to support concurrent, multi-source and hot refueling/defueling operations, where the aircraft is still running for another quick take-off.

Staff Sgt. Rory Tart was the lead trainer on dayshift and directly responsible for training and qualifying four new Airmen out of technical school on refueling and defueling operations.

With little experience in a refueling truck, Senior Airman Ruffin Bowman rose to the occasion and was recognized as 'Pumper of the Month' while deployed, despite working a few less days than the active duty drivers.

The first two weeks of the deployment were met with a very high operations tempo in direct support of aircraft deployed to the region. Although the final two and a half weeks slowed down, the workload was steady each day.

In a combined effort, Team Seymour pumped approximately 500,000 gallons of fuel accounting for nearly 70 percent of the total fuel issued on dayshift.

Prior to their departure, the active duty shop recognized their support with a cookout in their honor in which they were all given coins by the commander of the 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"This was the best Reservist group that has come through Guam," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Cordeiro, flight chief with the 36th LRS.

"The recognition, especially for my two younger guys was awesome," said Sergeant Applequist. "However, we simply did the right thing while we were in Guam and took care of our extended family just like they may do for us sometime in the future."