Deployed Airman breaks Air Force refueling record

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ross M. Tweten
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Gas, gas, gas ...

Nope, this isn't a chemical warfare drill; this is what's been on Airman 1st Class Zechariah Coe's mind the entire month.

Airman Coe, deployed here from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as a fuels distribution operator with the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, broke the Air Force-wide record for most fuel pumped in one month Feb. 25 when he issued 36,213 gallons, giving him a total of 3,580,489 gallons pumped, with four days left to go in the month. His final tally for the month and new Air Force record is 4,132,656 gallons.

"As far as my Air Force career goes, this is my greatest accomplishment," said Airman Coe. "It's good to know I'm on the top of the list, but I couldn't have done it without the non-stop support of my fellow operators."

Airman Coe said breaking a record like this is truly a team effort. Resource controllers, bulk storage, preventative maintenance, cew chiefs, expeditors, and the fuels lab, all had key roles in helping Airman Coe achieve his goal. 

This record is huge in the fuels world, said Tech. Sgt. Donna Smith, 380th ELRS fuels distribution.

"It can take as long as six months to pump one million gallons stateside," she said. "To pump over four million in a month is an astonishing achievement."

Airman Coe's job is to fuel aircraft in a safe and efficient manner. 

He did run into some difficulties throughout the month, he said, such as high winds and cold weather.

The reward of being recognized among his peers was worth it, he said.

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