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FARP
fueling 3rd
MAW
success
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200452104615
Story by Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.
AL TAQQADUM, Iraq (May 2, 2004) —
Providing
unrelenting support to aviation assets here, the Marines of Forward Arming
and Refueling Point, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support
Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, work around-the-clock to make certain
3rd MAW planes and helicopters have the fuel they need to "stay in
the fight."
"Our job is to refuel any and all aircraft that come here, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week," said Gunnery Sgt. David J. Flaishans, staff
non-commissioned officer in charge, FARP, MWSS-374. "We have two
7-man teams that work 12 hours on and 12 hours off to keep things
rolling."
According to Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Conklin, bulk fuel specialist, FARP,
MWSS-374, and 22-year-old San Diego native, the importance of the FARP's
mission in a combat environment motivates them to deliver the best service
possible.
"It's real life out here, not just practice," he said. "In
the case of a CH-46 (medical evacuation), getting fuel to (aircraft)
faster could be the key to saving another Marine's life.
"Also, keeping the (AH-1W Super) Cobras out there providing security
for MEDEVACs and other missions makes a big difference."
While speed is an essential part of refueling aircraft in a combat
environment, safety also plays an integral part in the daily operations of
the FARP, said Flaishans, a 37-year-old Trenton, Mich., native.
"We continuously stress following our unit's (standard operating
procedures) by making sure we wear all of our safety gear and protective
equipment," he said. "We keep our sleeves down and wear goggles,
cranials, as well as using hearing protection. My Marines are also very
careful to avoid spilling fuel on themselves or the flight line.
"When our crew gets to work, we generally take a look around the fuel
farm and make sure that there aren't any leaks or anything else that could
compromise safety," added Lance Cpl. William J. Mueller, bulk fuel
specialist, FARP, MWSS-374.
The 30-year-old, Appleton, Wis., native commented that the adrenaline
surge associated with refueling aircraft makes the FARP Marines' long
hours worthwhile.
"I love refueling birds," he said. "It's kind of a charge
actually, because we can hear (the helicopters) coming in. A lot of times
we have to take off running, or else they'll beat us to the refueling
spot. When the (CH-46s) come in we have to guide them in, which is a real
rush."
Although the space the FARP Marines occupy may reside outside of the
spotlight, the satisfaction they receive from performing a critical
function is reward enough.
"We know that anytime an aircraft comes in here, somebody's life
could be on the line," said Flaishans. "The bottom line is, if
the fuel don't flow, the proud don't go".
"It feels great to help accomplish the mission," Conklin
emphasized. "You know you're doing something good when you feel like
this."
Story provided by USMC
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| Updated: 10 January 2009 |
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Born on 09 January 2006 |