A breath of fresh air

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Airmen of the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight not only supply aircraft with fuel, but also supply the pilots with the necessary oxygen during high altitude flights. Two 6,000-gallon storage tanks are used to supply the smaller 50-gallon, portable tanks with liquid oxygen also known as LOX.  LOX is a cryogenic compound and is stored at -397 degrees Fahrenheit. Safety is vital and Airmen must wear the proper personal protective equipment when dealing with the frigid compound. When hydrocarbons like oil and other petroleum products come into contact with the LOX, it can be combustible or explosive. The 19th LRS refills the 50-gallon, portable tanks so maintainers are able to recharge the C-130s' oxygen supply. The LOX must have a purity level of 99.5 percent according to Air Force Instruction, and Little Rock Air Force Base must meet that standard or higher. Routine testing of the compound is done for every tank filled by taking samples and doing an odor test. After the LOX has evaporated, they literally execute a sniff test to ensure there are no odors such as the smell of rotten eggs. If the odor test fails, the tank is flushed and purged to clean out any contaminates. Samples are also sent to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, every 90 days to ensure the quality of the liquid oxygen. In fiscal year 2014, more than 49,000 gallons of liquid oxygen were issued for Little Rock AFB aircraft. Without the 19th LRS, pilots and the aircrew would be left breathless and unable to accomplish high altitude missions.