9th ESB, ROK Marines conduct bulk-fuel training course

CAMP MU JUK, SOUTH KOREA

10.12.2007

Story by Lance Cpl. Bobby Yarbrough 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP MU JUK, POHANG, Republic of Korea – Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group's 9th Engineer Support Battalion conducted a bulk-fuel operations course for Republic of Korea Marines with Amphibious Support Group, Sept. 28.

During the bilateral exercise, 17 bulk-fuel Marines worked alongside and taught ROK Marines how to construct and operate a fuel farm and how to maintain a hose reel system.

"It's an enlightening experience to work with the ROK Marines," said Lance Cpl. Garrett J.M. Sheaffer, a bulk-fuel specialist with 9th ESB. "They're hard workers and are eager to learn."

For most ROK Marines, bulk-fuel operations are a new concept. U.S. Marines spent their time teaching the different jobs associated with the system.

Through broken English and hand signals, Marines explained such basic bulk-fuel skills as how to operate a pump and repair a torn storage bladder.

"This is usually not our job," said ROK Marine Cpl. Jung, a food preparation technician with ASG. "Our jobs are mostly computer programming and food preparation. I am glad Marines are taking time to teach us a new skill."

The Marines built a terrain model and used it in a presentation to show Col. Son, the commanding officer of ASG, how a bulk-fuel system works. With help from an interpreter, both ROK and U.S. Marines demonstrated each section of the 1.1 mile hose reel system and why it's important in the success of the overall operation.

Son expressed his gratitude for 9th ESB's training and for allowing his Marines to work on the fuel farm.

"Combined training is essential to building a strong relationship," Son said. "We look forward to building camaraderie and working with 9th ESB in future exercises."

• Date Taken: 10.12.2007
• Date Posted: 10.13.2007 23:22
• Story ID: 12967
• Location: CAMP MU JUK, KR