86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
1/30/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen assigned to the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight refueled Air Force One on Ramstein, Jan. 25 and 27.
President Barack Obama and other U.S. leaders stopped at Ramstein on their way to Saudi Arabia.
Fuels Airmen were determined to break their previous record-time during refueling on Obama's last visit in 2014.
"It was stressful and chaotic but we had excellent management out there," said Airman 1st Class Anthony Williams, 86th LRS fuels journeyman. "At any point I knew where I was going to be or where to go and that allowed us to execute the mission. The President doesn't land at every base, but this has definitely been a staple for me and I am going to cherish it. I have very high standards after working with this team."
The team prepared for two weeks to ensure all logistics and planning was set so they could flawlessly complete the mission. They fueled both the Air Force One and accompanying aircraft, by connecting them both directly to the fuel lines which allowed them to pump 500,000 pounds of fuel into two jets.
Even with the busy grind of the Ramstein mission, the fuels team performed to the best of their abilities and were able to complete the refueling of two aircraft in a record-time of 1 hour and ten minutes.
According to Williams, one of the most impressive things to witness was the large number of Airmen who worked on this mission who were able to get things done without any safety issues.
"Under the high stress situation, this team performed flawlessly," said Senior Airman Thomas Valaire, 86th LRS mobile distribution supervisor. "There were no safety mishaps reported. As fuels experts we ensure that there is no spillage or fuel dropped at all."
Senior leadership helped to mentor and motivate their team, said Valaire.
"Seeing my senior leadership out there leading the way gets me pumped up,"
Valaire said. "It builds up excitement to do my job to the best of my ability. When the group sees our leaders taking the first step forward, it motivates everyone and shows the camaraderie that we have which helps us as Airmen get the job done."
Not only do their leaders motivate the fuels Airmen, but also teach them how to lead from the front.
"It definitely helps me grow because it allows me to look at the big picture and learn how to be an effective leader on such a big mission," said Williams.
Ramstein's mission is unlike any other in the Air Force and with such busy workloads, Airmen are challenged to perform to the best of their abilities.
"Hearing the expectations of Ramstein coming from a stateside base, I was told you are going to work," said Valaire. "The mission here is a beast, but with our team we can conquer anything--we are the best. It was an honor to work with Air Force One."
Not only was it an honor according to Valaire, but his entire fuels team echoed his appreciation.
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