Water and fuel are Airmen's duties not just porcelain patrol

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Katie Batchelder
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  The water and fuel maintenance members of the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron do much more than unclog toilets.

The Airmen used to be known as plumbers, but their career field merged two years ago into water and fuel maintenance, giving them more responsibility and a higher level of expertise.

On a slow day at Travis, Staff Sgt. Adam Hitchcock, Senior Airman Nicholas Webber and Senior Airman Justin Vaughn respond to 10 to 20 calls. On a busy day they respond to 20 to 30 calls. They take care of more than 1,200 buildings on base, except base housing.

Their everyday jobs include cleaning and repairing water and sewage lines, natural gas breaks, leaks or spills, fire suppression, hydrant maintenance, valve maintenance, area checks, grease traps and backflows.

"The base wouldn't function without us," said Sergeant Hitchcock. "The two most important things are water and the runway, and we take pride in our contributions to keep them clean and functioning."

Master Sgt. Barry Gahl, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the water and fuel maintenance shop, said that Sergeant Hitchcock, Airman Vaughn and Airman Webber are exceptionally motivated.

"They are very knowledgeable and they have a great impact on the base and the mission," he said.

Although the job requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work, the Airmen take pride in their work.

"We get to work with our hands, get dirty, be flexible and have fun," said Airman Vaughn. "Somebody's got to do it."