MAG-12 gets full on fuel

TINIAN—Third Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, bulk fuels specialist Marines began receiving fuel from C-130’s for flight operations during Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 May 15.

One of the primary objectives of MAG-12 operations at Tinians’ West Field is establishment of a forward refueling point to extend aviation-training operations within the Mariana Islands Range Complex airspace.

West Field provides a unique training venue because it has no bulk aviation fuel storage capacity. MAG-12 Marines have successfully installed high-volume fuel bladder storage and distribution systems to fill the gap.

Each expeditionary fuel bladder has the capability of storing more than 20,000 gallons of fuel.

Because fuel expands in the heat and MAG-12 is operating in a tropical environment on Tinian, the bladders are never filled to max capacity. This extra safety measure prevents any rupture in the liner of the bladder.

In the unlikely event a rupture were to occur, additional safety systems are applied around the bladder to ensure the fuel could be retained for further use and there would be no negative impact on the environment. A self-contained hazardous material liner lays underneath and around the bladder system as one such safety system to prevent leaked fuel from seeping into the ground.

“The protective berm around the bladder is basically a fuel safety net,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel L. Featherston, MAG-12, MWSS-171 semi-refueler operator. “That berm allows us to safely store the fuel we receive from the planes so that no fuel can leak out and harm the environment in the area.”

The fuel bladder system is a vital tool for Exercise Geiger Fury 2012.

“Without this fuel, we cannot operate any of our components,” said Sgt. Jonathan R. Cadenas, MAG-12, MWSS-171 bulk fuels specialist. “There would be no fuel for the planes, vehicles, generators as well as all other systems requiring fuel.”

The amount of time it takes to unload the fuel from the C-130 aircraft differs with the amount of fuel the plane is carrying.

“Each plane is carrying about 6,000 gallons of fuel,” said Featherston. “It can take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half to properly unload the fuel into the bladder systems.”
Supporting expeditionary flight operations with a safe and reliable forward refueling capability is a critical requirement that enables the Marine Corps aircraft to quickly respond to real-world contingencies. It’s the dedicated and continuous efforts of all MAG-12 Marines that will ensure exercise Geiger Fury 2012 provides the realistic training needed to maintain the highest levels of readiness and proficiency.