German, Spanish aircraft get a taste of the Lajes mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Whether fueling a small aircraft, marshalling a heavy airlift cargo airplane, parking transiting jets on the ramp, or responding to an in-flight emergency, Lajes Airmen are a vital part of ensuring airpower gets across the Atlantic.

Even when the crew members in transit are not flying on a U.S.-owned aircraft, the "Airmen" still offer top-notch service. This was the case for a Spanish air force C-130 Hercules that visited Lajes Field, Azores, for a mission Jan. 17.

The C-130 was at Lajes to assist ground crew in making repairs on multiple aircraft systems, including fire protection and flight deck instrumentation.

In addition, a German C-160 Transall aircraft also visited. The C-160s are twin turboprop transporters in service with the air forces of France, Germany and Turkey. The aircraft is a cantilever high-wing monoplane and is configured for transportation, paratroop drop, electronic surveillance, airborne communications relay and medical evacuation.

When used as an aeromedical-evacuation aircraft, the C-160 has a smaller capacity for transporting patients than that of the U.S. aircraft.

C-130 aircraft also perform similar roles, including airlift support, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties and natural disaster relief missions.

The C-130, known primarily for the tactical portion of the airlift mission, consumed more than 72,000 gallons of fuel supplied by the 65th LRS Airmen.

"We are responsible for refueling all aircraft that stop at Lajes," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Stellflug, Fuels Service Center NCOIC.

Anytime Lajes receives a notification about any incoming aircraft, the fuels section will get the approximate gallons needed so as to respond in a timely manner. And without any delay, the aircraft is served the amount of fuel needed before departing for its destination.

The U.S. version of the German C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force major commands.