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FUELS: Keeping the Marine Corps running worldwide

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200332117237
Story by Cpl. James S. McGregor

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR(March 20, 2003) -- Throughout its historic existence, the Marine Corps has been known worldwide as America's 911 force in readiness. Marines are ready to go at a moments notice to conduct any mission, in any clime and place, at any given time. But if they ran out of fuel, there would be no mission.

Thanks to the Marines that occupy the Fuels Section, here, that should never be an issue. It is fuels Marines that keep the Marine Corps running, Gunnery Sgt. Roosevelt L. Howard, fuels non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar said.

Their mission is to receive, store and issue bulk petroleum product. They issue fuel to all assigned units' aircraft aboard Miramar and visiting and transit aircraft. Marines also run de-fueling missions and ensure they are trained in their daily routine as well as pipeline operations. During these operations, they receive 32,000-68,000 barrels of fuel through a pipeline from a port in Long Beach. Additionally, the Fuels Section is responsible for keeping accounts of all ground products - 720 fuel keys, diesel and unleaded fuel.

To ensure quality fuel, two samples are pulled from each fuel point and tested for sediment and water every Monday. Full visual inspections are performed Tuesday through Friday, where Marines continue their search for sediment and water in the fuel. They also run recirculation of fuel through a filter system that isolates water. During its storage time, fuel is held in one above-ground and four underground tanks.

According to Howard, the Marines accomplish this mission successfully by working in three shifts. Along with carrying out these tasks on a daily basis, the 37 Marines are also given a unique opportunity to work along-side one Sailor and 22 civilians, Howard said.

"Coming out of boot camp to work with civilians is not really a challenge, but just a new environment," Howard explained. "There's a good relationship where we all work hand-in-hand. We support them and they support us. They all have military background, and that makes the working relationship easier on us all," the Georgia native added.

While this working environment certainly makes the Marines' job unique, there is another aspect of the job that is even more significant, according to Cpl. William O. Knowlson.

"Our mission goal is to give squadrons the utmost support at any time, and we're here for their use," Knowlson explained. "We make sure every squadron has fuel when they need it, and there are no complaints. In my eyes, we support (Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron) 101, which in turn trains pilots for combat missions. So, we basically ensure the pilots are able to train for combat," the Deadwood, Ore., native added.

Echoing Knowlson, Howard noted the magnitude of the Fuels mission and piece in the overall Marine Corps puzzle.

"Everything runs on fuel, and if the support of fuelers wasn't there, vehicles would not run out," Howard said. "As you look over the Marine Corps, Fuels support is very important to the Corps' mission."