Fuels Management Flight breaks refueling record during Presidential visit

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen from the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight set a new base refueling record Dec. 15 during a short Presidential visit. 

It took six R-11 fuel trucks to pump 30,948 gallons of gas to Air Force One - which was their first and only priority - in just 37 minutes. 

"Our average response time to that side of the ramp is about 22 minutes," said Master Sgt. David Vanwinkle, 100th LRS Fuels Management Flight, Distribution Section chief. "It's the quickest refueling we've accomplished for an airplane at RAF Mildenhall. To pump six trucks, it should take about an hour and a half." 

Sixteen Airmen were directly involved in the Herculean refueling effort. Twelve Airmen were on the flightline delivering the fuel and ensuring the vehicles ran flawlessly. Four remained in the flight pulling fuel samples or dispatching vehicles. 

The 100th LRS provided even more assistance through Vehicle Operations by providing security vehicles, passenger vans and buses for possible movement of Presidential staff. Sergeant Vanwinkle said it took the entire flight to successfully complete an operation of that scope. 

An R-11 truck carries 6,000 gallons and typically takes about 20 minutes to offload. In order to accelerate the process, the trucks were prefilled and standing by. After Air Force One arrived, four trucks refilled its fuel tanks simultaneously, drastically reducing the total time required. 

During the visit, President George W. Bush took time to meet Airmen like Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Carley, a 100th LRS fuels operator, who was waiting in an R-11 to offload fuel. 

"There was a call over the radio to exit the vehicle," he said. "So, we got out and ran over as quick as we could, wondering what was going on. Then the President turned around. We were a little shocked, but still managed to stand at attention. 

"He shook our hands, and thanked us. It was amazing. I have never refueled Air Force One before, or met the President. It was really spectacular." 

Senior Airman Keith Garrie, 100th Security Forces Squadron response force member, was pulled off patrol to meet the President as well. 

"The President doesn't normally exit the aircraft, so it was a surprise," Airman Garrie said. "He shook hands with everyone and thanked them for their service, and he took a bunch of pictures with people. I've never met the President before - he's a really nice guy." 

The President spent about an hour on the ramp greeting RAF Mildenhall personnel and taking photos. RAF Mildenhall was just one stop during a tour of locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"The success of this mission is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of our logistics readiness Airmen," said Col. Eden J. Murrie, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander. "It's a point of pride for me to say not only that we directly supported our commander in chief, but that we did it faster than ever before. Too often in an air refueling wing, do we forget about the unsung heroes in fuels management who keep the lifeblood of the wing pumping. This is remarkable work. Many others from the 100th ARW as well contributed greatly to this no-notice visit, ensuring it went like clockwork ... as always our team did awesome!" 

Colonel Murrie also spoke highly of the cooperation with RAF Lakenheath in supporting the mission.

"RAF Lakenheath did great by us with helicopters, explosive ordnance disposal and medical support."