Army Raptors educate Sailors on Army refueling

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryan Lewis | Army Sgt. Carlos Diaz, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade rapid refuel point noncommissioned officer in charge, explains AH-64E Apache helicopter refueling procedures to Navy fuelers from the U.S.S. John C. Stennis. The training is in preparation for future joint training operations.  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

03.17.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Bryan Lewis 

16th Combat Aviation Brigade

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Refuel Soldiers with 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade hosted Army aviation training March 17 at the rapid refuel point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in order for Sailors in the air department of the USS John C. Stennis to become familiarized with Army aircraft.

“The training mainly covers an overview of the aircraft, how we [Army aviation] conduct refuel operations and working on interchanging how the Navy handles incoming aircraft and how we do it,” said Sgt. Carlos Diaz, rapid refuel point noncommissioned officer in charge.

The refuel training was one more preparation step for the brigade’s upcoming deck landing qualifications, where 16th CAB aircraft will land on a Navy aircraft carrier with Navy personnel conducting refuel operations.

“We have to make sure what the Army does and what the Navy does is on the same page when it comes to being on the flight deck. Our biggest concern in safety because there are going to be so many moving parts and so many people working,” said Chief Petty Officer 3 Rick Hayes, air department section leader.

But before the deck landings can commence, the Seamen had to become familiar with the AH-64E Apache helicopter and the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.

“What we did today was come out here to get familiar with this aircraft because a lot of these junior guys have never had to deal with this before. Our thought process was to come talk to some of the pilots and let our refuel guys see where they’ll be attaching the hoses to,” Hayes explained.

“One of the biggest differences is the fuel hookup being on the starboard side instead of the port side. Now we have to readjust some of our procedures to make sure everything is safe and efficient,” he added.

Refuel personnel and pilots from both sides finished the collaborative training event more educated about their sister branch and ready to conduct the upcoming deck landing training.

“They [Navy personnel] were very involved and very interactive the whole time by asking questions and having handouts that they brought down with them,” Diaz said. “I think they’ll do just fine with having to adjust for our helicopters.”

• Date Taken: 03.17.2015
• Date Posted: 03.24.2015 18:13
• Story ID: 157940
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US