Guard Airmen create solution, refuel evacuation efforts

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ramsey S. Hammad
  • 147th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ELLINGTON FIELD, Texas (AFPN) --  Two Texas Air National Guard Airmen created a custom-made fuel truck nozzle allowing 100 stranded buses to return to evacuation support efforts in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 23.

Master Sgt. Lynn Bailey, 147th Fighter Wing fuels shop superintendent, and Staff Sgt. Vic Taylor, 147th FW refueling mechanic, created the custom nozzle after two 5,000-gallon fuel trucks from the Texas Army National Guard arrived to refuel the buses but could not because they lacked the proper refueling nozzle.

The two Airmen devised the custom-made nozzle from various old refueling parts found in around their shop.

“It was really tough to find all of the parts, but I knew I had to find a way to help,” said Sergeant Bailey.

With the special nozzle completed, Sergeant Bailey climbed into his fuel truck and delivered the nozzle personally. Sergeant Bailey then assisted in the refueling efforts of the stranded buses.

“I was awake for 26 hours,” Sergeant Bailey said. “But, I knew the importance of what had to be done.”

The refueling mission in Beaumont was part of a Texas National Guard hurricane relief support program. Overall, the Guard refueled 260 buses being used for medical and civilian transport in Beaumont and Houston with more than 25,000 gallons of fuel.