Refueling professionals provide first impression of Travis

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In position 30 minutes in advance, in pressed uniforms and polished boots, members of Travis' Elite Refueling Team are the first of glimpse of excellence a distinguished visitor sees when they arrive at Travis. 

These Airmen, the best in their career field, provide more than a mere gas-and-go. Their attention to detail, unwavering work ethic and pride in their job makes them fitting candidates to serve as the base's first impression. 

"That first impression is extremely important to us," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Painter, a member of the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Compliance and Environmental Element. "When our visitors get off the plane and see a polished truck and sharp Airmen, they know they're getting professional service." 

Travis is the only base in Air Mobility Command that has an elite refueling program, said Sergeant Painter, and it's a job they take a lot of pride in doing. 

"We could get a call at 2 a.m. and our team is raring to go," he said. "They know it's a part of being on the team. They have great attitudes." 

Although the Travis Elite Refueling Team has been a mainstay in fuels operations since 1998, a few years ago the program started to fade until a new member joined the flight. 

Adam Ivey, a 60th LRS fuels technician, returned to the job he had as an active duty Airman, and seeing the shape the program was in, made it a priority to restore it. 

"It was important to get the program back on track," he said. "It is an important part of what we do and it gives our Airmen an opportunity to excel." 

The Airmen that make up the team are selected by shift supervisors and approved by the non-commissioned officer in charge of fuels distribution and the Elite Refueling team chief. Their selection is based on job performance, professionalism, dress and appearance, attitude and desire to excel. 

The Elite Refueling Program ensures the best of the best of the refueling operator pool preserve the pride, integrity and esprit de corps of the program, said 2nd Lt. Barton Land, fuels operations officer in charge. 

"The team not only represents the best of refueling, it demonstrates Team Travis' dedication to the mission," added Lieutenant Land. 

Recently that mission has included stops by Air Force One and the USAF Thunderbirds, during the 2008 Travis Air Expo. For team members, the chance to be front and center when visitors roll in is a worthwhile experience. 

"It's pretty cool to be standing out on the flightline as Air Force One pulls up," said Senior Airman James Williams, 60th LRS fuels operations technician. "When we meet the crews, they are always impressed to see us out there. No one else in AMC does this so it's pretty special." 

For Airman 1st Class Adam Sanchez, 60th LRS fuels operations technician, it's a more somber arrival that puts the job of the elite refuelers into perspective. 

"When we go out for the arrival of human remains I am filled with pride," he said. "The family members there see us and the amount of respect that is given to their loved one. These people died in defense of their country and it's important that they be honored." 

Serving as the first impression of Travis is an important job, and the Travis Elite Refueling Team continues to display the highest level of professionalism, giving a glimpse of Travis' dedication to the mission.