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FARP crew in Iraq is the "NASCAR pit crew of aviation"

By Spc. Darriel Swatts

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - One thing the pilots of the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade don't have to worry about when executing a plan is fuel, thanks to the Soldiers who operate the post's Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP).

"We are like the NASCAR pit crew of aviation," said 1st Lt. Marcellus Richardson, FARP officer in charge, and a native of Los Angeles. "Pilots fly in for a quick pit stop and we fuel them, arm them, and send them on their way."

Spc. Christian Almeyda watches as two AH-64 Apaches take off from the FARP after receiving fuel on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Pilots are able to fly into the FARP at anytime to receive fuel. The FARP is run by Soldiers of the 640th Aviation Support Battalion, from Los Alamitos, Calif. who are deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

"We run 24-hour operations here," said Richardson. "So far on this deployment I have overseen more than 200,000 gallons of fuel into more than 1,500 aircraft."

Two UH-60 Black Hawks (left) and two AH-64 Apaches (right) prepare to take off from the FARP after receiving fuel on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

On any average day the FARP pumps more than 7,000 gallons of gas and up to 40,000 gallons a week, said Spc. Susana Lopez, a resident of San Jose, Calif. and fuel accountant at the FARP.

"When we fuel the aircraft, we've got to do it fast," said Sgt. Michael Hamlett, an aircraft refueler from El Cajon, Calif. "The pilots have a mission to do so we get them out as quickly and safely as possible."

Sgt. Jerry James gives a hand signal to the fuel pump operator to start the flow of JP-8 to a UH-60 Black Hawk at the FARP on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

When dealing with helicopters, safety is of the utmost of importance, commented Staff Sgt. Maritza Marquez, non-commissioned officer in charge of the FARP.

"The Soldiers here take their job very seriously," said Marquez, who is from Riverside, Calif. "They love what they do and it shows in their work. They're safe, fast, professional and get the job done."

Sgt. Michael Hamlett refuels a UH-60 Blac Hawk on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

(Left to Right) Pvt. Ivan Rodriguez, Spc. Christian Almeyda and Pfc. John Martin attend to an AH-64 Apache helicopter at the FARP on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Cpl. Jose Valencia prepares to refuel an Iraqi Bell 407 helicopter on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Cpl. Jose Valencia prepares to refuel an Iraqi Bell 407 helicopter on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Sg.t Michael Hamlett walks away from an Iraqi Bell 407 helicopter after it has been refueled on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Sgt. Stacy Murray refuels a HH-60M Blackhawk on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Sgt. Michael Hamlett provides over watch security for fires as Sgt. Stacy Murray refuels a HH-60M Black Hawk on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Pfc. John Martin adjusts the fuel line before putting it away after refueling a HH-60M Black Hawk on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Sgt. Richard Osborn adjusts the fuel line prior to signaling a UH-60 Black Hawk forward to refuel it on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Two UH-60 Black Hawks and two AH-64 Apaches prepare to take off from the FARP after receiving fuel on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)

Sgt. Michael Hamlett refuels a UH-60 Black Hawk on the FARP located on Camp Taji, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts, Public Affairs, 40th CAB)