Extreme Make Over continues with new fuel point at FOB Altimur

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Frazier | Army Sgt. Luke Morgan, a petroleum supply specialist, with 710th Brigade Support Battalion, Company A, attaches one of the two drainage pipes to a bladder that will become part of the new fuel point at Forward Operating Base Altimur, Nov. 7. Morgan is a native of Springfield, Mo.  

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.08.2009

Story by Sgt. Robert Frazier 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Soldiers are using their own version of Operation Extreme Make Over as they continued the renovation of their base by relocating and resizing the fuel point area at Forward Operating Base Altimur, Nov. 7.

Several months ago, Titan Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment implemented a new program called "Operation Extreme Make Over." The goal was to coordinate Afghan-led, quick projects to improve areas within the local villages, instill pride and build on the U.S. and Afghan partnership.

This is the latest improvement project for the unit, which has worked steadily for the past 11 months, to ensure they leave the FOB better than they found it. The change, according to Capt. Kamil Sztalkoper, commander, Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, offered multi-faceted benefits.

"Today we are installing two new fuel tanks to increase the fuel capacity," sthe Cleveland, Ohio, officer said. "This strengthens force protection and improves the distribution and reception points at Altimur."

Until recently, 3-71 had been using the area that was created when the 101st Airborne Division established the FOB in late 2008. However, growing concerns over its location prompted the unit to make moving it a priority before they finished their year-long tour in Logar province next month.

Army Sgt. Luke Morgan, a petroleum supply specialist, was sent from the 710th Brigade Support Battalion at FOB Shank to supervise the construction. He noticed right away the new location would be a huge asset by providing better service to traffic and a more convenient spot to refuel.

"The old location created a traffic jam," the Springfield, Mo., Soldier said. "With the new location, vehicles can pull off to the side of the road, refuel and be on their way without causing any slowdowns on the route."

Morgan, using the help of local national workers, supervised the construction of the barriers that will serve as the perimeter for the two fueling points, which will sit side-by-side.

"The Hesco walls were a big challenge," Morgan said, as an Afghan worker lowered dirt into the last remaining barriers from a front-end loader. "We have to make sure we have the right dimensions to prevent slack in the liners."

Every detail is meticulously thought out and planned which, according to Morgan, will go a long way to ensuring the efficiency and durability of the fuel point for Soldiers.

An added benefit to moving the fueling point to the new location is placing it on level ground.

"The earth work is very important," stated Morgan said. "When something like this is on a slant it messes with the gauging of the bags and the fuel count."

Due to the operational tempo, the Soldiers are installing two 50-thousand gallon bladders, which will encompass an area that measures 100 feet long and 60 feet wide.

Sztalkoper added that the size will ensure Soldiers have more than enough fuel to carry them through the long, weekly stretches of a deployment when the grueling tempo promotes an increase in movement.

Soldiers have also factored in the harsh weather that hits the region hard during the winter months by installing a backup drain system.

"We've installed two drains for each fuel point," continued Morgan. "This is essential for snow and water build-up so we can be certain the area will drain properly to prevent problems."

Within the next several days, the bladders will inflate with thousands of gallons of fuel, and the last major project for the Titan Soldiers on Altimur will be completed.

Sztalkoper said the new fueling system, along with the finished construction of the new chapel, hard structure billeting, and the doubling of the helicopter landing zone, will go a long way to helping the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment when they assume operational control of the FOB in the next few months.

"We've definitely done a lot of good things here over the past year," added Sztalkoper. "The most important thing is that each project we've done impacts the Soldiers directly in a positive way. We can confidently say that we have left this FOB better than we found it."

• Date Taken: 11.08.2009
• Date Posted: 11.08.2009 21:29
• Story ID: 41279
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF