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HMH-463 tops off exercise with rapid ground refueling

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 2003325194234
Story by Lance Cpl. Dave Boni

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- BASCO ISLAND, Philippines - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 wasted no time improving unit readiness with a rapid ground refueling exercise while en route to their recent deployment to the Republic of the Philippines.

With the help of a KC-130 squadron from Okinawa, Japan, two waves of three CH-53D helicopters received fuel without turning off their engines.

"This is one of the few times HMH-463 has done a rapid ground refueling exercise probably since the Gulf War," said Lt. Col. Scott Kerchner, commanding officer of HMH-463.

Kerchner went on to explain that during a rapid ground refueling exercise, a KC-130, predominantly used for aircraft refueling, lands, but doesn't turn off its engines. Equipped with a special hose system with three to four fueling stations, the KC-130s proceed to fuel the helicopters while they are running.

"It's like a flying gas station in a way. We don't have enough fuel to get from Okinawa to the Republic of the Philippines, so this gives us a great chance to not only practice this important exercise, but also put on a show for the locals," he said.

Basco Island, a small island en route to the Philippines, offered HMH-463 a small landing strip just over a mountain that suited the squadron just fine.

"The people of Basco are great hosts, and to show our appreciation we try to drop off toys, medicine or anything else we think they might need. The last time we were here the governor was gracious enough to invite us to dinner at his home," said Kerchner.

With all exercises involving refueling Kerchner said risks are assumed, but for the most part the operation is very safe.

"The crew and pilots are trained to deal with any problems that may arise. There are fire extinguishers next to every fueling station as another safety precaution as well," he said.

Lance Cpl. Bryan Bush, HMH-463 crew chief, added that during a rapid ground refueling exercise it's the crewmembers job to make sure the CH-53Ds are safe while taking on fuel.

Bush was also excited to see the local people enjoying the sight of the exercise.

"It's really neat to see the people so impressed with us. Most of the time we just fly over places and never actually get to see anyone, but being near them and seeing their reaction gave me a whole different perspective of Filipino people," he said.