'Brew Crew' has one of coolest jobs in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  It's the middle of summer at Incirlik, so any temperature below 72 degrees is hard to fathom, let alone sub-zero temperatures. For one section here, their business is sub-z cold every day. They literally have one of the coolest jobs in the Air Force.

A crew-of-three known as the "Brew Crew" make up the base cryogenics section. Their mission is to maintain large storage tanks of liquid oxygen or LOX, and facilitate the transfer of the super-cold liquid from the tanks to aircraft that use it.

"Cryogenics is cool because not a lot of people get to do this in our career field," said Staff Sgt. Lee Gore, a 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management technician.

LOX is used for aircraft systems that utilize liquid oxygen as a means of distributing breathable air to aircrew members and passengers above 10,000 feet above sea level. The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is one of the main users of LOX; it can hold about 155 gallons.

"Our job is a vital key to an aircraft's successful operation," said Tech. Sgt. Omar Rich, 39th LRS fuels management and cryogenics noncommissioned officer in charge. "What we provide is very important because it allows the aircrews to function at high altitudes."

The LOX is held in giant holding tanks that act as thermostats, protecting the liquid from the heat. The temperature of the liquid hovers around minus 297 degrees.

When it's time for the LOX to make its way to an aircraft, members of the crew fill portable 55 gallon tanks, conducting quality control checks throughout the process.

Sergeant Gore said a very important part of their job is punctual documentation. Specific regulations such as ensuring the liquid is "pure" oxygen, meaning its oxygen content level doesn't fall under 99.5 percent, keep the Brew Crew busy checking and double checking the liquid.

"It's all about checks and balances," Sergeant Rich said. "We don't send tanks away until we know for sure the purity levels are perfect. One of the main functions here is quality control -- all the way through."

If, for example, oxygen levels are incorrect, the aircrew runs the risk of experiencing hypoxia. Hypoxia is when the body experiences a deficiency of oxygen, leading to possible health complications.

An aspect of the job that may match its importance is its high risk of danger.

Pure oxygen is extremely flammable. The tanks and the area around it are closely monitored for possible safety mishaps. The area is splashed with "No Smoking within 50 Feet" warnings to prevent fire. The holding and portable tanks are grounded to prevent static electricity ignitions. Additionally, anyone who comes in close contact with the oxygen is advised not to smoke for a brief time after because LOX can settle in clothing and shoes.

When dealing with LOX, the crew wears protective jumpsuits, two pairs of thick gloves and a face protector.

The cryogenic facility here used to produce LOX, but nowadays it serves only as a storage facility. Aircraft that land here are the main users of the LOX, but the facility is capable of supporting deployed locations if need be.

While it is indeed a relief to work with cold temperatures in such a hot climate, the Brew Crew works hard, diligently and carefully to execute their mission, which turns out, is pretty "cool."