5 CES Airmen build refueling station

by Airman 1st Class Sahara L. Fales
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

1/26/2015 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron teamed up to build a new fuel station on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota in January 2015.

The idea first came about after the heavy equipment engineers began constantly running into difficulties whenever they needed to re-fuel their machines.

"Just getting on and off of the flightline would take 30 minutes," said Senior Airman Adam Rivers, 5th CES water and fuels system journeyman. "That doesn't include the time it takes to get to the fuel station and back."

Also the heavy machinery drained diesel tanks faster, causing more work for the petroleum, oil and lubrication section, said Rivers.

Another challenge the Airmen faced while driving the heavy equipment was navigating the roads on base and maneuvering around traffic.

"In order for these vehicles to refuel, they must travel approximately two miles to the base fuel
station," said Master Sgt. Aaron Carroll, 5th CES water and fuels systems maintenance section chief. "Not only is this an unnecessary waste of time, as the driver has to complete two rolling foreign object and debris stops, it is also a huge safety concern with traffic on the road ways."

"The brooms on the plows take up both lanes, so there's no way to get around them," Rivers added.

Not only do they occupy both lanes, but they can also be hazardous while waiting in line to refuel.

"The plows and brooms aren't meant to be in traffic," said Airman 1st Class Ricardo Naranjo, 5th CES water and fuels system apprentice. "Especially if a pump is being used by someone else; they back up traffic while they wait."

The 12,000 gallon tank was refurbished out of an old tank that was originally used at Dock 7 for fueling a boiler.

"Since the boiler is no longer in use we thought it'd be a good idea to repurpose the tank for use out on the flightline," Naranjo said.

Four CES Airmen worked on re-piping the issue line and dispenser, all in all assembling around 100 ft. of black iron pipe. In addition, the electricians laid down about 200 ft. of wiring.

After approximately two weeks of working in below zero temperatures, the re-fueling station was finally completed.

Positioned for easier access, the new station will allow heavy equipment on the flightline to receive much needed fuel without ever having to leave the flightline.

Now that the tank is filled with fuel, the pump is slated to be ready for use by late January.