First 4th CAB refueling of German ‘Pave Low’

Photo By Sgt. Sean Harriman | Soldiers from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas fuel a German Army CH-53 Pave Low using the 4th CAB's forward arming and refueling point, Aug 5. Since having arrived in theater, this refueling operation is the first time that German soldiers have utilized the CAB's FARP.  

CAMP MARMAL, AFGHANISTAN

08.05.2010

Story by Sgt. Sean Harriman 

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade continues to make history as two German helicopters refueled at the 4th CAB's nearly established forward arming and refueling point or ‘FARP’ here on Aug 5.

The German CH-53 ‘Pave Low’ aircraft landed near the 4th CAB FARP, were guided in by soldiers from the 404th Aviation Support Battalion, TF Provider, and were then refueled while running in under 20 minutes.

A FARP allows aircraft to perform “hot refueling” or, refueling and rearming with engines still running, enabling the aircraft to fly missions almost non-stop.

“It’s a faster way of fueling so that you can push birds out into formation,” said Sgt. Miguel Melendez-Medina, a petroleum supply specialist and the NCO in charge of the FARP with A Company, 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Infantry Division.

Although excited about the “opportunity to show them” how we operate, Melendez-Medina understands that successful cooperation is a two-way road.

“It all depends on them,” he said.

The soldiers manning the FARP are positive about their current mission and the idea of working together with other nations to accomplish their goals.

“It’s good how they wanted to come down here and see how we run things,” said Spc. Walter Clement, also a petroleum supply specialist in A Company.

Capt. Andrej Classen, a pilot and aircraft commander of one of the CH-53's to be refueled, and an officer in the German Army was positive about the 4th CAB's arrival and impact in northern Afghanistan.

“You [Americans] do everything very big,” said Classen. “When you come here you bring everything in big amounts.”

“When you do something, you do it right,” he said.

Since the FARP became operational July 28, it has refueled more than 96 aircraft, including the two CH-53's and dispensed more than 22,500 gallons of fuel.

• Date Taken: 08.05.2010
• Date Posted: 10.12.2010 06:49
• Story ID: 57926
• Location: CAMP MARMAL, AF