ASB Soldiers sustain the fight in OIR

Courtesy Photo | The sun sets on a forward arming and refueling point under construction on July 21, 2017 in Southwest Asia. FARPs operated by the 449th Aviation Support Battalion expand the reach and capabilities of aviation assets conducting missions in support of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (Courtesy photo)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

09.19.2017

Story by 1st Lt. Leyda Kanzler 

29th Combat Aviation Brigade

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Soldiers from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade provide support at a remote Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP). Their job is to make sure that before any aircraft leave their station they are fully loaded with ammo and fuel to continue with their mission.

The 449th Aviation Support Battalion, or 449th ASB supports rotary-wing assets by standing up multiple FARPs, which are critical for sustaining the fight against ISIS by servicing over 380 aircraft and issuing over 257,000 gallons of fuel, which has expanded the reach of aircraft throughout Operation Inherent Resolve.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Aldrete is the support operations-petroleum noncommissioned officer in charge for the 449th ASB and relies on 20 years of experience as a fueler.

In order to develop each FARP and manage them safely, 449th Soldiers needed to conduct site survey analysis, study the wind directions of each location, complete routine fuel testing and calculate expected resupply, said Aldrete, who is on his second deployment with the 449th ASB. Aldrete’s experience in the field helps him lead the Soldiers who’re executing these mission critical tasks and complete the planning required to stand up new FARPS.

The 449th ASB Soldiers constantly assessed their operations and made changes as appropriate, which led to safer and more combat effective FARPs throughout the region, said Capt. Jonathan Ireland, who assisted with planning and resourcing these vital locations.

Soldiers are relied on to fill multiple roles, which include anything from helicopter repairer to fueling.

Spc. Omar Reyes and Sgt. Sidney Lopez, from Company B, 449th ASB and natives of Houston, Texas, operated one of the FARPs.

This type of work allowed both Soldiers the opportunity to see the aircraft they work on in a different capacity. “We see our birds in action,” said Lopez.

As AH-64E Apache maintainers they were able to assess and provide repairs when needed while providing additional services to ensure safe operations for the pilots.

Reyes saw this opportunity to develop himself and use his skills which he considers “the bread and butter of our MOS.”

Working on a FARP has given the ASB Soldiers a sense of pride in how they are able to see the helicopters that they work on continue their missions due to the services that they provide at the FARP, said Lopez.

These Soldiers were the first ones on site and also guaranteed that it was safe to refuel the aircraft and even guided pilots to land in “brown out” conditions.

No matter the location or the challenge, the Soldiers of the 449th ASB stand ready to accomplish and sustain coalition forces throughout the fight against ISIS in Operation Inherent Resolve.

The 29th CAB, an Army National Guard brigade, provides aviation assets, operational and logistical support to Operation Inherent Resolve, the campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

• Date Taken: 09.19.2017
• Date Posted: 10.01.2017 04:46
• Story ID: 250206
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US
• Hometown: SAN ANTONIO, TX, US