By Capt. Katherine O. Zyla
Task Force 449
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A diverse group of Soldiers help ensure aviation crews are always ready to conduct show of force, reconnaissance and presence patrols throughout Multi-National Division - Center.
Soldiers of the Distribution Platoon with 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment are responsible for the battalion's fuel, water and ammunition. The platoon is made up of petroleum supply and ammunition specialists as well as truck drivers, who are all critical to battalion operations.
"We are the unheard giant," said 2nd. Lt. James A. Barnett, Distribution Platoon leader. "Our helicopters fly missions every day to help keep guys on the ground safe; we help keep our air crews safe and operational by providing them with fuel and ammunition."
The Soldiers have pumped more than 830,000 gallons ($1.76 million) of fuel, managed 48 Hellfire missiles valued at $16.8 million and delivered more than 233 pallets of water, valued at $1.5 million, in the eight months they have been in theater.
"The aircrews do not have the time to think about loading ammunition and fuel, or the effort it takes to arm the helicopter with missiles and get the helicopter where it needs to be. Our goal is to help them be fully functional," said Barnett, a Marietta, Ga., native.
Aviation operations are constant and the Distribution Platoon operates 24 hours a day. Generally, the Soldiers work 12-hour shifts, ensuring the AH-64D Apache Helicopters have fuel and ammunition and the battalion has water and chow.
The platoon's aviation fuelers pump approximately 300 gallons of cold gas per aircraft. Cold gas is pumped after pilots have completed a mission and the aircraft is shut down.
The fuelers are also capable of setting up a Forward Arming and Refueling Point and conducting hot-refueling missions, where the helicopter lands while remaining powered-up, gets refueled and back in the air within minutes.
The fuelers currently have a static set up, where they pump cold gas; however, they have the capability to be mobile, which offers aviation units flexibility.
"We can set up where the aircraft need us, to reach out and touch them," said Sgt. Michael T. Square, petroleum supply specialist and Moore, Okla., native. "Without fuel, helicopters cannot fly – they turn into expensive paper weights."
The Apache's primary mission is to conduct rear, close and shaping missions as well as conduct distribution operations, precision strikes against relocatable targets and to provide armed reconnaissance when required.
"In the eight months we have been here, we have had no failed missions, every helicopter has received its ammunition and there has been good accountability," said Sgt. Johnathen D. Morgan, an ammunition specialist and an Erett, Wash., native.
The platoon focuses on cross training its Soldiers because they are called to do many different missions.
"We never know when one of our Soldiers could be tasked to set up a FARP, work at a different Forward Operating Base, etc.," said Barnett, "My guys still have to be able to meet mission requirements here because the battalion cannot conduct operations without fuel and ammunition."
The ammunition specialists and fuelers are not the only ones who have to cross train; the platoon's truck drivers have also learned how to re-fuel an aircraft.
"I have enjoyed learning something different, it makes the time go faster," said Staff Sgt. Phillip L. Parker, a truck driver, who is primarily responsible for picking up and delivering water and chow.
The Columbia, S.C. native also added, "Learning new skills, makes my job unique, and it gives us [truck drivers] an opportunity for a little friendly competition to see how much fuel we can pump compared to the fuelers."