By James Murray,
NAVSUP Public Affairs
& Dino W. Buchanan,
Honolulu District Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM -- The U.S. Navy unveiled a new hydrant system that markedly enhances its aircraft fueling function at a ribbon cutting ceremony held July 18 at the Air Mobility Command’s Hydrant System Pump House, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The $32 million project completed by Watts Construction under contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District, saw the replacement of the old hydrant system with a state-of-the-art pressurized hydrant loop; a pump house capable of delivering 3,600 gallons of fuel per minute; 12 single hydrant outlets; an emergency generator; cathodic protection; microprocessor controls; and various other features that will enhance aircraft refueling.
The 12 hydrant outlets were designed specifically to meet current strategic airlift demands during “surge” conditions. One of the surge requirements was the ability to simultaneously refuel multiple C-5 aircraft. Other requirements were determined in accordance with the Wartime Aircraft Activity Report and the Defense Planning Guide.
Constructing the complex hydrant fuel system demanded stringent quality control in the tight tolerances of welding, pipe slopes and cleanliness. Through diligent quality assurance (QA) efforts by Corps construction representatives Steve Mora and Deane Shephard, the independent commissioning subcontractor stated that the new system was the by far the cleanest they had seen in more than 30 years of project evaluations.
The Air Mobility Command (AMC) provides essential services in the support and deployment of U.S. forces across the globe. Many special duty and operational support aircraft, including Air Force One, are also assigned to AMC; and, during “surge” periods, it is vital that AMC aircraft can be swiftly and safely refueled. The new hydrant system will help to ensure fuel is readily available during times of urgency.
As part of the military Ohana on Oahu and throughout the Pacific, the importance of joint efforts and valuable partnership of PACAF, the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), the Honolulu District and the design-build team of Watts Construction to deliver essential mission capabilities for our military men and women is essential.
The Hydrant System facility is operated by the Fuel Department, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor.