Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, inspects a C-130J auxiliary tank Aug. 14, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The auxiliary tank can hold up to 500 pounds of fuel and is located on the wing of the C-130J. Stephenson-Shipp ensured there weren’t structural weaknesses and other discrepancies inside the fuel tank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Airman Tyler Bartels, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems apprentice, tightens a bolt on a C-130J fuel tank Aug. 14, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Fuels Airmen enter confined spaces less than two feet in circumference to diagnose malfunctions, seal and maintain components of the fuel tank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Airmen from the 19th Maintenance Squadron Fuels Flight enter a C-130J fuel tank Aug. 8, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Three Airmen are required to perform maintenance on the fuel tanks at all times. Their positions are: the attendant, the entrant and the runner. The entrant is in charge of maintenance, the attendant is responsible for overseeing the well-being of the entrant during the process and the runner gathers tools. The entrant checks for leaks and parts that aren’t operating properly and makes repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Tech Sgt. Darel Somer, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems craftsman, assists Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuels system journeyman, exit a C-130J dry bay Aug. 8, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Airmen performing or assisting with maintenance on a dry bay must be harnessed for protection in case they fall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, dons an air respirator before entering a C-130J dry bay Aug. 8, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Fuels Airmen wear respirators, coveralls, boots and gloves to protect their face and skin from hazardous materials they come into contact with on the job. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, enters a C-130J dry bay Aug. 8, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The fuel systems team works 24 hours to inspect and repair the 19th Airlift Wing’s C-130J fleet. Without these specialists, the C-130J wouldn’t get off the ground to deliver critical cargo and support across the globe, making fuels systems a key component to fueling the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, enters a C-130J dry bay to reinstall a fuel manifold August 8, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. All personnel entering a fuel tank or dry bay with open fuel lines are required to have a supplied air respirator on to prevent exposure to fumes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

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Fuel: Lifeblood of aircraft

Published Aug. 17, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Senior Airman Stefan Stephenson-Shipp, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems journeyman, inspects a C-130J auxiliary tank Aug. 14, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The auxiliary tank can hold up to 500 pounds of fuel and is located on the wing of the C-130J. Stephenson-Shipp ensured there weren’t structural weaknesses and other discrepancies inside the fuel tank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)