The United States Army
11/02/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/02/2023 12:36
21st Theater Sustainment Command Participates in Central European Pipeline System Proof of Principle Exercise
[Link] 1 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Sgt. Steve William, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, guides a M1088 Medium Tactical Vehicle towards a Jet-A1 fuel pump at the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. The vehicle was towing an M969 semi-trailer tank, a fuel servicing tanker capable of receiving, transporting and depositing over 18,900 liters of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Spc. Ryan Colombo, a motor transport specialist (left), and Sgt. Robert Lewis, a petroleum supply specialist, both assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, prepare to pour corrosion inhibitor and lubricity inhibitor into Jet-A1 fuel in a M969 semi-trailer tanker at the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. Agents designed to inhibit corrosion, ice and static electricity are mixed into the standard Jet-A1 fuel used in commercial aviation to produce the JP-8 fuel used in U.S. Air Force aircraft for improved fire safety and combat survivability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Spc. Ryan Colombo, a motor transport specialist (left), and Sgt. Robert Lewis, a petroleum supply specialist, both assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, pour Fuel System Icing Inhibitor into Jet-A1 fuel in a M969 semi-trailer tanker at the Central Europe Pipeline System's (CEPS) Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. Soldiers with 18 CSSB mixed several agents with Jet-A1 fuel drawn from CEPS in Bitburg to produce JP-8 jet fuel for the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's fuel storage at nearby Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Sgt. Robert Lewis, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, examines a dip stick to verify how much Jet-A1 fuel is in a M969 semi-trailer tanker at the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. The M969 semi-trailer tank is a fuel servicing tanker capable of receiving, transporting and depositing over 18,900 liters of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 5 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Sgt. Carlos Arvelo, a petroleum supply specialist (left), and Spc. Ryan Colombo, a motor transportation specialist, both assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, circulate JP-8 jet fuel in a M969 semi-trailer tanker at the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. The Soldiers circulated the fuel by using the M969's fuel lines to pump fuel out and back into its tank, which ensures the necessary agents for JP-8 are properly mixed into the Jet-A1 fuel base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 6 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Sgt. Latoya Boyce, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, views a fuel sample through a refractometer to conduct a Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII) test at the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot, Sept. 29, 2023. The FSII test measures the amount of the ice-inhibiting agent present in a jet fuel sample, a necessary test to ensure JP-8 jet fuel for U.S Air Force aircraft is produced properly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 7 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, pump JP-8 jet fuel from a M969 semi-trailer tanker into the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's fuel storage at Spangdahlem Air Base, Sept. 29, 2023. 18 CSSB tested their ability to draw, mix and test JP-8 jet fuel from the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot to deliver to Spangdahlem in the event that the base was unable to receive their fuel directly from CEPS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 8 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Airman 1st Class Matthew Jones, a fuels management specialist assigned to the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's fuels flight, draws a sample of JP-8 jet fuel from a M969 semi-trailer tanker at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 29, 2023. Jones drew the sample so the fuel could be tested to ensure it met the standards for aircraft use prior to being received into 52 LRS's fuel storage at Spangdahlem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 9 / 9Show Caption +Hide Caption -Sgt. Latoya Boyce, a petroleum supply specialist (left), and Pfc. Luke. G. Harris, a motor transport specialist, both assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, secure a line pumping JP-8 jet fuel from a M969 semi-trailer tanker into the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's fuel storage at Spangdahlem Air Base, Sept. 29, 2023. The 18 CSSB tested their ability to draw, mix and test JP-8 jet fuel from the Central Europe Pipeline System's Bitburg, Germany depot to deliver to Spangdahlem in the event that the base was unable to receive their fuel directly from CEPS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)VIEW ORIGINAL
BITBURG, Germany - The 16th Sustainment Brigade Support Operations Petroleum and Water Branch, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, provided command and control for 15 U.S. Army sustainment Soldiers during the Central European Pipeline System (CEPS) Proof of Principle on Spangdahlem Air Force Base Sept. 27-29.
The overall purpose of the mission was focused on the conversion of fuel and showcased the capability to deliver fuel to partners and allies throughout Europe. The core objectives were to safely and efficiently draw fuel, blend it with additives, and supply top-tier fuel products to bolster critical European theater operations if traditional supply methods become unfeasible.
"The focus on the conversion of Jet-A1 fuel to JP-8, along with the capability to deliver fuel to partners and allies during pipeline disruptions, is critically important for several reasons," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Milton Rivera Ferrer, a petroleum systems technician and the petroleum and water branch OIC (officer in charge), 16th SB. "Being able to supply fuel to partners and Allies during times of crisis or disruption strengthens international alliances and partnerships. It demonstrates a commitment to collective defense and support amongst nations."
The CEPS is the largest NATO pipeline system designed to meet the Central European operational requirements in times of peace, crisis, and conflict. It can quickly provide the military with fuel for aircraft, vehicles, and equipment when it is required within Central Europe.
This comprehensive and meticulous approach underlines the 21st TSCs commitment to mission success and ensuring the reliability of the fuel supply chain that is critical to all military operations.
"The successful execution of the Proof of Principle exercise within the CEPS framework is a significant achievement that underscores the importance of fuel resilience for military operations in Central Europe," said Rivera Ferrer. "The CEPS framework remains a cornerstone of military logistics and readiness in Central Europe, and the successful demonstration of alternative fuel delivery capabilities strengthens the region's defense and security posture."
This mission brought a unique experience that provided all participants with valuable knowledge that will familiarize and prepare them for future exercises and operations.
"Participating as a petroleum systems technician, my involvement in this proof of principle endeavor represented a unique and uncharted territory within both my personal experience and our professional community," said Rivera Ferrer. "Participating in this initiative was a valuable learning experience for me, as well as for those who were involved, and the knowledge gained from this endeavor has the potential to greatly facilitate future petroleum operations under similar conditions, ultimately enhancing our capabilities and effectiveness in limited environments concerning the procurement of JP-8."
This mission was a joint operation spearheaded by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Joint Petroleum Office, United States European Command, and Defense Logistics Agency Energy. This joint operation ensured a secure and reliable source of fuel for military operations and readiness.