It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ... train?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Yesterday afternoon, Team Osan members near the Morin gate observed what may have seemed an unusual sight - a train slowly rumbling down the railroad tracks.

Soon, it will not seem as strange - trains capable of transporting more than 60,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel with each delivery are projected to make three visits each month to Osan. The May 11 delivery marked the first time the rail line has been utilized for fuel delivery since July 2006.

"Delivery via rail allows a greater quantity of fuel to be delivered at one time using the same manpower that would be required to receive a fraction of the total quantity using truck delivery," said Maj. Sean Wade, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander.

While the Trans Korea Pipeline will remain the primary means of fuel receipt for the base, Capt. Amy Bishop, 51st LRS fuels management flight commander, said the railroad is the most efficient alternate method and will be used concurrently.

"As far as efficiency and time, it surpasses the previous alternate receipt mode, which was via tank truck," said Captain Bishop. "It would take 25 trucks and 13 hours a month to accomplish the amount of receipt that our rail can provide."

The higher number of trucks required also increases safety hazards and the potential for spills to occur, she said. "Rail cars allow fewer hook-ups in approximately half the time, decreasing the overall safety risk."

Once the decision was made to reutilize the rail lines as Osan's alternate mode of fuel receipt, the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron coordinated with community partners to "grease the rails" - after years of inactivity, the rail lines needed repairs and upgrades before deliveries could start again.

The squadron facilitated repairs to six-tenths of a kilometer of rail line on base from the Morin gate to the delivery site, said 1st Lt. Lucas Smith, 51st CES. The project began in September 2009 and was completed just before Christmas.

"While (the 51st) LRS worked out the delivery details, we worked to get the train 'back on track'," said Lieutenant Smith. "It was a great partnership ... we worked really well together."

Captain Bishop agreed, "We've really worked as a team, putting our blood, sweat and heart into securing Osan's alternate fuel receipt capability."

"It's a true milestone and we're proud to see our efforts put into action," she said.