376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron sets refueling record

MANAS AIR BASE, Kygryz Republic -- Airman 1st Class Gregory Coburn, a fuels distribution operator with the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III, July 7, at Manas AB, Kyrgyz Republic. After completing eight refueling runs in a single day, Airman Coburn is fast approaching his one millionth gallon pumped. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ruth Holcomb)

Airman Dockery approaches one million gallons pumped

Airman 1st Class Cory Dockery, 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, fuels distribution operator, fuels a C-17 Globemaster, July 7, 2008, Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic. After completing eight refueling runs in one day, Airman Dockery is fast approaching one million gallons pumped. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ruth Holcomb)

Manas Air Base fuels flight continues to break records

Published July 10, 2008
By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan -- The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight continues to break single-day fueling records as part of the vital function in delivering fuel to Air Force KC-135 and C-17 aircraft supporting military operations in Afghanistan.

On July 4, the Airmen of the 376th ELRS POL flight at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, set not only the single day refueling record by delivering 468,102 gallons of JP-8 on 103 refueling runs, but exceeded the last single day record by 17 percent.

With 16 R-11 fuel trucks and more than 40 personnel including leadership, the tight knit crew is responsible for the storage and delivery of more than two million gallons of fuel each day.

What is more significant about the flight is the average age of the drivers of these fuel trucks is in their early 20s, with many attending basic military training just eight months earlier.

The 376th ELRS POL flight "top pumper" of the day was Airman 1st Class Corey Dockery, who issued more than 44,000 gallons of fuel during eight runs to and from the flightline.

The 20-year-old Broxton, Ga., native is a prime example of the demographic in the POL fight, deploying here only two months ago and looking to do all he can to make the mission of the flight a success.

"I want to be the first in the flight to pump a million gallons of fuel. We all do," said Airman Dockery. "The faster we pump the fuel, the faster the pilots can fly, finish the mission and we can go home."

Airman Dockery is not the exception in the POL flight; he is an example of the norm.

Airman 1st Class Gregory Coburn, who graduated high school in 2007, was named the POL flight "Top Pumper of the Month" for June.

"We provide the fuel to continue the mission success in Afghanistan, and that is all the motivation I need," said Airman Coburn.

During the course of the record setting day, the 376th ELRS POL flight worked around the clock refueling more than 30 mobility aircraft.

"It was truly a remarkable day watching the dedication of these Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Hamel, 376th ELRS Chief Enlisted Manager. "They literally race each other to get the next fuel run."

The 23-year Air Force veteran said, "We haven't had one mission delay due to fuel since I have been here and that is simply because of the efforts of these young Airmen."