No Flow, No Go; 6 AMW Fuel Cell Keeps Em' Flying

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  No component of the 6th Air Mobility Wing's flying mission is dispensable, but it's hard to argue that fuel itself isn't at the top of the list of "must-haves." Without it, and without the 6th Maintenance Squadron's Aircraft Fuel Systems Repair team, nothing ever leaves the ground.

Fuel Cell, as it's known, is responsible for a broad range of fuel-related maintenance and repair functions, covering everything between the engine and the refueling booms. If it pumps, pipes or contains fuel, Fuel Cell keeps it operating, and the high tech plumbers of the hard-working unit don't rest unless every drop of petroleum gets from point "A" to point "B."

It's the leaks between those two points that occupy most of the team's time, said Master Sgt. Stephen Bright, assistant section chief of Aircraft Fuel Systems Repair. Leaking pumps, valves, lines and cells are common amongst the aging KC-135 tankers at MacDill, and keeping up with them is a fulltime job.

"We identify it, classify it and then repair it," said Sergeant Bright, adding that the repair could be anything from a quick patch to a major repair that requires the plane be grounded.

Leak classifications range from "A" through "D," with "D" being the worst. Too dangerous or critical to be simply patched, serious leaks require grouinding, replacement parts and refitting, which the 19 active duty and five Reservists take pride in accomplishing quickly and professionally.

"We've got a great crew here," said Sergeant Bright. One of the more challenging aspects of Fuel Cell's jobs is repairing or replacing fuel bladders inside the wings of the tankers. A tight squeeze, the interior space of the wing requires dexterity, patience, and most of all, the absence of claustrophobia.

For Senior Airman Jeremy Smith, a fuels systems journeyman, the most challenging job is inspection and repair of the aft body cell.

"There are a lot of technical details, and putting it (the fuel cell) in can be a nasty job."

Like any job, the tasks of Fuel Cell become routine over time, but the duty is underscored daily by a sense of importance that escapes no one on the team. A leak in the wrong place, at the wrong time, or a fuel system failure while in the air, and the consequences could be disastrous.

"There's a lot riding on what we do," said Sergeant Bright. "There's no question about that."