Joint training fuels Air Force, Marine synergy

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Thom Saintelus, a fuels distribution operator from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight, operates an R-11 fuel truck during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. The fuel truck, which can hold up to 6,000 gallons of fuel, was used to fill two fuel bladders. This joint operation allows U.S. Marines to test their capability to fuel an aircraft rapidly, and for the U.S. Air Force to test their capability to support the Marine’s mission by providing fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

A U.S. Marine from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, writes a receipt for fuel during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. Working together to support one mission, the U.S. Air Force provided the area and fuel for the training, while the Marines brought the mobilized portable fuel system and E-2D Hawkeye aircraft. With different operating procedures and technical jargon between services, this type of joint training is vital to working together during real-world operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

U.S. Marines from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. The Helicopter Expedient Refueling System used during the training is described as versatile, easy to transport and quick to set up. With a pumping capability of 150 gallons per minute, HERS is designed for refueling operations in forward areas and remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Brenden Breeden, a line safety NCO from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, tests fuel during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan March 11, 2021. The fuel is quality tested before filling the fuel bladder, and passes through a filter that pulls out water and sediment while being pumped. To make the exercise as accurate to a real-world scenario as possible, protocol is followed and the fuel is tested for impurities again after filling the bladder. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Brenden Breeden, a line safety NCO from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, monitors the fuel bladder during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. Two collapsible fuel tanks were used during training, a 3,000 gallon bladder and 500 gallon backup bladder. The ability to quickly transport and assemble these fuel bladders aids in providing agile combat support in contingency situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

A U.S. Marine from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, controls the hose connection on the collapsible fuel tank during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. Thirteen Marines participated in the joint training, some in a shadowing capacity to observe and learn. Hands-on training like this teaches service members to solve real-world problems that could occur in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

U.S. Marines from Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. Once the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft is ready, the process of refueling takes approximately 10 minutes from start to finish. Innovating the refueling process can save time and manpower, which is essential to the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

A U.S. Navy E-2D Hawkeye lands during joint training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. The E-2D Hawkeye is an all-weather aircraft equipped with aerial refueling capabilities. The joint training allows U.S. Marines to practice refueling an aircraft, while working in partnership with the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)