Fuelers supply 'lifeblood' of infantry in daily runs

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Gregory Certain, A Co., 26th FSB, fueler, checks the fuel level of his tanker during a delivery mission to Camp Hope, Iraq, Sept. 19.  

RUSTAMIYAH, IRAQ

10.17.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Ben Brody

2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO



CAMP RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq -- With three blasts from the "war horn," the 26th Forward Support Battalion fuelers are on their way, delivering JP8 diesel fuel across the 2nd Brigade Combat Team area of operations in east Baghdad.

The fuelers conduct daily runs to the bases of the 2nd BCT, keeping fuel tanks full and the brigade Soldiers mobile.

"Everything runs on JP8 -- it's the lifeblood of the ground force," said Staff Sgt. Larry Grate, A Company, 26th FSB, fueler section sergeant.

Every Army vehicle, from the mightiest M1 Abrams battle tank to the most stripped-down humvee, uses JP8. Even Army helicopters use it, though they use a more refined version.

A Co. Soldiers recently brought 10,000 gallons of JP8 to Camp Hope and filled two stationary fuel tanks there.

The fuelers conduct two basic delivery missions -- bulk and retail, said Sgt. Shonette Durham, fueler with A Co., 26th FSB.

During a bulk mission, fuelers transfer JP8 from their tanker trucks to stationary tanks, which hold 5,000 gallons each. Retail means they set up an improvised gas station, and refuel military vehicles as they come.

"The missions are going smoothly -- people are good about telling us what they need and when -- then we make it happen," Durham said. "Good security is the most important thing when we're rolling out with the fuel."

Members of 26th FSB's security platoon keep the fuelers safe by providing an escort on missions.

"The war horn gets us motivated for the mission when we roll out with the fuelers," said Capt. Jim Gerbisz, 26th FSB, security platoon leader, referring to the deafening Viking horn attached to his humvee.

A Co. is responsible for camps Hope, Loyalty and Rustamiyah, as well as Butler Range Complex, east of Baghdad.

"Our fuelers work hard to keep the force moving," Grate said. "It's a tough, dangerous job, but they make it look easy."

• Date Taken: 10.17.2005
• Date Posted: 10.17.2005 13:04
• Story ID: 3378
• Location: RUSTAMIYAH, IQ