Fueling freedom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Every specialty in the Air Force has an important role in achieving air dominance and superiority. The 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Tyndall is no different, providing clean and efficient fuel for flying missions.

The 325th LRS specializes in fuel distribution and quality. Although fueling an aircraft may seem simple, there are multiple precautions taken by the fuels flight to ensure that only the highest quality fuel is approved to fly.

“All of our daily checks have high importance,” said Tech. Sgt. William Overton, 325th LRS non-commissioned officer in charge of fuels distribution. “The checks guarantee that the pilots are receiving the highest quality product that we can give them. We have a filtration system that ensures fuel is filtered at least three times before it meets the aircraft.”

The fuel is filtered to make certain there is no excess water or sediment present to avoid a potentially hazardous situation. The temperature of the fuel is also monitored.

“The biggest unseen part in our job is how we account for our fuel,” said Overton. “We have to account for thermal expansion to ensure when the temperature rises we are not gaining or losing fuel. That way when it cools down we can ensure we have the proper amount to avoid leaks.”

Overton said Tyndall used 4.1 million gallons of fuel last year and that he has zero doubt in the 325th LRS’ ability to continue providing the best possible fuel.

“The most rewarding part of our job is the instant gratification,” said Overton. “We are the last puzzle piece before the aircraft goes up, then we hear our job getting done. The sound of our fuel burning is the sound of freedom.”