Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Vol. 6, No. 16
Patriot Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, April 24, 2015
Fuel Tank Extraction exercise tests first responders
Airman 1st Class Emilee Sharp, 437th Maintenance Squadron, gets inside of a fuel tank on the top of a C-17 Globemaster III April 17, 2015 during a Fuel Tank Extraction exercise at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The exercise simulated an Airman being overcome by fumes inside a fuel tank requiring first responders from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron to conduct an extraction.
Story and photos by Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Airmen from the 437th Maintenance Squadron and firemen from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in a Fuel Tank Extraction exercise April 17, 2015, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The exercise simulated an Airman losing consciousness inside a fuel tank aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, requiring rescue by first responders. "The purpose of this exercise is to provide a realistic experience to first responders of a situation which we would all hate to happen," said Tech. Sgt. Keadrick Williams, 437th MXS aircraft fuel systems repair craftsman. "Having an unconscious Airman inside of a fuel tank is a serious problem due to the small size of the entrance and the restrictive layout of the tanks." Fuel systems Airmen perform routine maintenance inside fuel tanks to fix cracks, check for damage, replace fuel system components and remove foreign objects. Fuel vapors can overcome an Airman if the required respirator fails while working inside a tank. The exercise scenario began with Airman 1st Class Brandon Batista, noticing his wingman, Airman 1st Class Emilee Sharp inside the fuel tank and unresponsive. The fire department was notified immediately. When first responders arrived on scene, they simulated extracting Sharp from the tank by carrying a 200 pound mannequin off of the C-17. "If this were a real situation, I would have done
everything in my power to get my wingman to safety," said Batista, a 437th MXS aircraft fuel systems repair journeyman. "Being the smallest guy in the shop, I am grateful first responders have practiced in case I was ever in this situation." A C-17 can hold approximately 180,000 pounds of fuel and has four tanks which run along the wings of the jet. A C-17 with an extended range carries six tanks and can hold 240,000 pounds of fuel. Each tank has an entrance which measures approximately 11 by 8 inches. "Getting inside of a fuel tank can be a challenge and we usually use our smaller Airmen for the task," Williams said. "The tanks range in size from as big as a walk in closet to as small as a coffin." Although extractions from a C-17's fuel tank are a rare, fuel extraction exercises are a necessity, Williams said. "Luckily I've never known anyone to pass-out inside of a fuel tank and I am glad these types of situations are tested," he added. "The exercise was a success and the relationship between the 437th MXS and the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron has grown. Every time we have an Airman go inside of a fuel tank, we notify the fire department. We actually work closer with them than most people would think."
Firemen from the 628th Civil Engineer squadron extract Airman 1st Class Emilee Sharp from a fuel tank on the top of a C-17 Globemaster III April 17, 2015 during a Fuel Tank Extraction exercise at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Airman 1st Class Brandon Batista, 437th Maintenance Squadron, looks into a fuel tank on the top of a C-17 Globemaster III April 17, 2015 during a Fuel Tank Extraction exercise at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
SAPR director visits Joint Base Charleston
INSIDE
Maj. Gen. Gina Grosso, director of Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, listens to Mrs. Florine King, Joint Base Charleston SAPR program manager during a meeting April 21, 2015, at the headquarters building on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The JB Charleston SAPR program provides 24-hours, seven-days a week sexual assault response capability for all active duty members and dependents 18 years and older. Anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault may contact the appropriate office.
A look at the Month of the Military Child
MILITARY KIDS Page 3
The battle against domestic violence
ADVOCACY Page 4
U.S. Air Force photos / Airman 1st Class Clayton Cupit
Maj. Gen. Gina Grosso, director of Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, discusses the future of SAPR with Joint Base Charleston leadership April 21, 2015, at the headquarters building on JB Charleston, S.C.
Joint Base Charleston recognizes locals
VOLUNTEERS Page 6
WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATE for Joint Base Charleston, SC Mostly Sunny
Friday, April 24
(0% precip)
High 74º Low 58º
Thunder Showers Saturday, April 25
(90% precip)
High 76º Low 67º
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MAGENTA-OAOO
YELLOW-OOAO
BLACK 01/29/08
Mostly Sunny
Sunday, April 26
(20% precip)
High 86º Low 58º