The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing will become the test wing for new fuels mobility support equipment during its stint in Southwest Asia. USAF plans to install the equipment by Jan. 3, followed by an operational utility evaluation. The new system will require fewer personnel to operate it and fewer storage bladders and mobile refueling trucks. It shortens the fueling process by pumping fuel directly from storage bladders into servicing platforms. Officials expect a big improvement over the 1960s-vintage equipment currently in use.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
