Whiteman Airman helps Manas Air Base fuels flight break records

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kygryz Republic --  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.

Airman 1st Class Gregory Coburn, currently deployed from Whiteman AFB, Mo., was named the POL flight "Top Pumper of the Month" for June and has reached a special milestone among the ranks of fuels Airmen; one million gallons of fuel pumped since deploying to Manas AB only two months ago.

"We provide the fuel to continue the mission success in Afghanistan, and that is all the motivation I need," said Airman Coburn. "With two more months to go, I'm really hoping to hit the two million gallon mark before I return to Whiteman."

The 19-year-old Hersher, Ill., native is a prime example of the demographic in the POL fight, just over a year out of high school and looking to do all he can to make the mission of the flight a success.

"I want to be one of the few to reach the two million gallon mark," said Airman Coburn.

Airman Coburn's enthusiasm is not the exception in the POL flight; it represents the norm.

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."