Team Mildenhall welcomes DASD OE

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Team Mildenhall leadership welcomed distinguished guests July 28, 2016. Amanda Simpson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy, and Robert Warshel, Director of Operations, Operational Energy Plans and Programs, took part in a tour of the installation, hosted by the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron. The fuel is why the base is here, getting fuel to the fight is its mission. Simpson took the time to speak to the shop personnel to see what they do, and what could be improved.

“Planning for Ms. Simpson's visit, we wanted to highlight what improvements we have made here at RAF Mildenhall in terms of operational energy as well as showcasing our aircraft and mission, while giving her the opportunity to meet with Airmen to know how their jobs relate to operational energy,” said Capt. Jessica Schneider, 100th LRS director of operations. “She was able to see the latest in technology at the refurbished North Tank as well as the new Air Force Petroleum Agency lab where she had hands on interaction with fuel that arrived via pipeline.”

Schneider was keen for the guests to see the whole fueling process, right up until the tanker takes to the skies to keep jets fueled on missions. Not just the fuel, but what the fuel does for national security.

“She was also able to see current upgrades in progress at Petroleum Storage Installation 9 as well as a KC-135 undergoing isochronal maintenance work which showcased just how old our infrastructure and aircraft are. As well as how our Airmen and contractors work around the clock, to ensure everything is in working condition to get the mission accomplished,” Schneider added. “Simpson mentioned early on in the day that it’s not about money saved, but it’s about increasing combat/operational efficiency, which was refreshing as we are constantly looking for ways to save money and time. But we also need to look at the impacts on the overall mission.”

The guests began day two of their visit with a mission brief from Team Mildenhall leadership. Here, they received a brief on base history, heritage of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the mission, vision and priorities, as well as the units stationed on RAF Mildenhall. The various leaders explained what their unit and Airmen do as part of the mission.

The guests listened and asked questions before speaking with leaders. They described how, regarding energy use, no organization is perfect, but the Air Force is innovative and encourages change to save resources.

“What we are is effective,” said Simpson.

Delivering agile and responsive global air refueling, and forward-based power projection requires energy, not just the physical energy of the many men and women serving their country – but fuel. The distinguished visitors explained how the bigger picture is vital to consider in securing the future of generations to come.

“[We need to look at] what we can do today, what we should do tomorrow, and what we must do in the future,” said Simpson.

In order to better understand, first hand, the daily operations of the base, the visitors met one-on-one with many Airmen from various units around base to find out what they do, and what they would like to do better. Improvements can be made in any system, and Simpson wanted to find out from the Airmen who carry out the mission – from those pumping the gas to the tankers, to those analyzing the fuel used — to see what she can do for them.

“Meeting Ms. Simpson was great because it's always rewarding to know that there are people out there who care and take time out of their day to see just how we operate day in and day out in the fuels laboratory,” said Senior Airman Nickolaus Barnes, 100th LRS fuels laboratory technician. “I hope she got a better understanding of how we operate here at RAF Mildenhall and why the fuels laboratory team is the first line of defense for all fuel coming onto the base.”

The two took an active role in understanding the mission. They visited the newly refurbished fuel tanks and participated in a Forward Area Refueling Point demonstration by pushing the manifold cart and pulling hoses before partaking in lunch with Airmen.

In the afternoon they met with Airmen from 100th Maintenance Squadron to see the fuel cells up close, as well as the tankers that carry them – and carry this valuable fuel to the fight.

The distinguished visitors also received a fuel laboratory presentation during their presentation. Here, they saw up close (so close safety goggles were required) how Airmen ensure only clean fuel makes it into the aircraft.

This fuel is what saves the lives of fighter pilots, pilots on their fuel reserves while securing safe passage to bring their wingmen home. And it’s what keeps billion-dollar government assets airborne, so Simpson wanted to see how the fuel is protected and checked. She took part in experiments used to analyze the fuel and saw the equipment used day in, day out.

Energy has been vital throughout the ages to any military operations. From food fueling the soldiers of the War of Independence and hay to feed the horses of World War I, to petroleum fueling the tanks during conflicts of today, conflicts can’t be resolved without energy. The guests left knowing the fuel on RAF Mildenhall is fueling the fight, and that the men and women entrusted to be stewards of providing gas to the tankers, and all the processes that make that happen, are doing a job well done.

“I appreciate the day,” said Simpson. “It was informative to see the infrastructure and personnel that we have here at RAF Mildenhall that support and care for, not just the machinery, but also understanding the importance of energy to the mission to ensure we are ready to support our Airmen, wherever they are around the world and certainly in this region. I’ve been very impressed!”