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Total force integration: 9th LRS, Reservists fuel Beale AFB aircraft

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Parsons
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --  The 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil and lubricants flight works to ensure the mission at Beale Air Force Base maintains a steady rate.

POL runs 24-hour operations to ensure the 9th Reconnaissance Wing's inventory of U-2 Dragon Ladies, RQ-4 Global Hawks and T-38 Talons receive fuel needed to execute the mission. In addition, they support the 940th Air Refueling Wing's KC-135 Stratotanker mission.

"In distribution, we are responsible for delivering fuel to all the aircraft, both at home station and transient, as well as any other facilities that need fuel,” said Staff Sgt. Kenny Mau, 9th LRS fuels distribution supervisor. "That includes working with the 940th [ARW] to make sure their aircraft are fueled up."

Mau believes it's important that his shop supports the 940th ARW mission because of the role the wing plays.

“They support missions throughout the West Coast and down range in refueling fighters and other aircraft,” said Mau. “Not just Reserves [aircraft] either, they refuel our [active duty] jets as well, helping us complete the mission.”

Besides working to keep 940th ARW aircraft ready to fly, the POL shop also works with Reserve Airmen to ensure they stay proficient in their skills by having them work on various aircraft housed at Beale AFB.

Mau said Airmen who need a refresher, or have just graduated from technical training, will work alongside active duty members to gain real-world experience.

Meeting the demand for both wings brings a high work tempo and creates challenges, which Airmen overcome everyday.

According to Airman 1st Class Matthew Crutchfield, 9th LRS POL operator, Airmen brave the elements and weather year-round during the shop’s 24-hour operations.

“At the end of the day you might be tired, but we know we have to do the job,” said Crutchfield.