New base service station opens

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. John Hughel
  • 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. --  After nearly three years of planning and construction, a new fueling station for base government vehicles opened here yesterday during a formal ceremony hosted by the 142nd Fighter Wing Logical Readiness Squadron (LRS).

"I am really happy to have this place open," remarked Col. Jeff Hwang, 142nd Fighter Wing Vice Commander, prior to cutting the tape to open the facility. "I am sure this will work when we turn it on."

On Aug. 1, 2011, the former base service station was closed because of the risk associated with the locations proximity to the munitions compound on base. Soon after the closure, the process to secure a new location for a base service station began.

According to Lt. Col. Meredith Page, 142nd Fighter Wing LRS Commander, with the service station closure, the base needed a viable method of dispensing fuel locally for the convenience of base operations and needed to secure a method to control cost.

"The 142nd LRS obtained permission via an exception to policy to dispense fuel from an excess R11 while we worked on a permanent solution, she said. "The only drawback to this solution was that it was a manpower cost, as the R11 must be operated by a trained fuels operator."

Lt. Col. Page found the Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants (POL) section issued a total of 202,106 gallons from alternate means in the last three years, utilizing 2,175 man-hours to pump and an additional 250 man-hours to account manually for the fuel charges to individual unit accounts.

The team effort from the 142nd Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron, and a collaborative effort from Roger Rein in environmental services, contracts were awarded for $743,355 to build the new service station. An additional project for $360,199 resulted in a Department of Environmental Quality storm water requirement that will protect the base and local environment in the case of accident.

With a base firefighting truck and Security Forces vehicles already parked for the first fill up, Page acknowledge those that will benefit from the new station. "This service station is here for you - it is for the readiness of the base."

Lt. Col. Page also acknowledged several members for their contributions to the new facility to include Senior Master Sgt. Steven Stenkamp and Master Sgt. Daniel Murphy from the POL section, and from the base Civil Engineering Squadron Captain's Scott Ferre, Jonathan Corrigan, and Lucas Smith along with Mr. Harry Danberg.

In addition, she thanked the 142nd Communications Flight members, Senior Master Sgt. Glen Moody, Master Sgt. Andrew Foland, Tech. Sgt. Dusty Kimmons and Staff Sgt. Dion Rives.

Page said, prior to the opening, "These members worked quickly to ensure the station would be operational."