60th LRS Fuels Management Flight to compete for the William H. Penton Award

Published Jan. 3, 2008
By Senior Airman Shaun Emery
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight is gearing up for a competition to compete for the best fuels operation in Air Mobility Command.

With a proven track record and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the 60th LRS plans on bringing the William H. Penton Award home once again.

The Fuels Management Flight has won this award previously in 2001, 2003 and 2004.
During the past year, they provided first-class support by safely and expediently accomplishing 12,000 refueling operations to deliver more than 68 million gallons of fuel in support of 2,900 transient aircraft.

All of this is accomplished with a manning structure from both the 60th LRS and 349th Logistics Readiness Flight that consists of almost 70 percent of Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-4.

"I feel that I'm lucky to have Travis as my first duty station and to be a part of this outstanding team," said Airman 1st Class Paul Gomez, fuels distribution operator. "The Fuels Management Flight has won this award three times in the last five years. It's refreshing to have a career that truly acknowledges hard work and I'm proud to be apart of it. I'm confident that I've been trained well and I'm ready for the inspectors."

And according to the fuels superintendent it's the technicians who keep day-to-day operations going.

"Our fuels technicians are the primary reason for our success and are the heart and soul of Travis' fuel support day in and day out," said Master Sgt. Brian Luci, 60th LRS fuels superintendent. "Having an opportunity to compete for an award of this caliber shows our troops they truly make a difference."

With more than 40 personnel deployed in 2007, those left behind put in the hours to ensure continuity in the mission and provided support to aircraft coming and going from Travis.

A team will use a checklist containing five major categories with 63 sub categories, encompassing everything from mission familiarity to housekeeping.

They will also look at all facets of fuel operations, including receiving products into storage tanks, verifying product quality and the upkeep of facilities, equipment and vehicles.

In addition to these items, the team will also review Air Expeditionary Force support, personnel programs, safety, training and the community involvement of the fuels squadron.

For the fuels management flight, this year's nomination presents another chance to demonstrate the dedication and teamwork that are hallmarks of the flight.

"Travis has always put their best foot forward in the past and this year will be no different," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Painter, 60th LRS fuels distribution mobile supervisor. "Our troops work very hard every day and this visit is nothing new. I feel that we have an excellent chance of winning this award."

Sergeant Luci agrees that this year the team will show that their hard work and dedication throughout 2007 will garner praise from the Air Force.

"Winning this award will validate the exceptional performance of the Fuels Management Flight and the 60th LRS as a whole," said Sergeant Luci. "Travis is the largest mobility wing in the Air Force and the Fuels Management Flight is there to ensure every mission is met."