DV jet fuels at Lajes, continues training mission

  • Published
  • By Capt. Naomi Evangelista
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  A C-40 on a training mission stopped at Lajes for a "gas-n-go" Nov. 14-15 on its way to Gander International Airport, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada.

The C-40 is assigned to the 73rd Airlift Squadron, part of the 932nd Airlift Wing based out of Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

While here, the military's version of the Boeing 737-700C transport aircraft, which is used to provide safe, comfortable and reliable transport for U.S. leaders to locations around the world, was provided a variety of services by Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal.

"We are responsible for refueling all aircraft that stop at Lajes," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Stellflug, 65th ABW Fuels Service Center NCOIC. "When the aircraft came in, we received a call from transient alert, and we immediately dispatched our driver and the refueling unit."

The fuels section usually receives notification from transient alert or the command post, depending on the hours of the day that the call is made. When the call is made, the fuels section will get an approximate gallons of fuel needed and find out where the aircraft is located in order to respond.

"When we arrive at (the location) of the aircraft, we hook up and refuel the plane, and both the crew chief and driver have to sign a (hand receipt) for our records - it's the accountable - billing document," added Sergeant Stellflug.

The 65th Operations Support Squadron also provided support to the high-priority personnel transport aircraft.

"We communicate to the pilot of the aircraft by marshaling them to their appropriate parking area and tell the pilot to engage the motors to start, tell them the tires are clear and the chalks are removed and I direct the pilot in what direction for him to go," said Senior Airman Chance Kimpton, 65th OSS Transient Alert crew chief.

"Our support to DVs differs from other aircraft because we park them in different areas and more TA members will provide assistance," said Airman Kimpton.

"For the C-40s, only a fire bottle and two sets of chalks were required - it was just a gas-and-go. We also provided follow-me service when the aircraft landed and then directed them to their parking spot," he added.

The 65th Air Base Wing and Lajes Field is the U.S. Air Force's pre-imminent, en route, expeditionary-focused, combat support organization for aircraft and crew members traveling across the Atlantic.