The system is only as effective as the Marines who operate it. “We’re able to employ the entire system, maintain good radio communication –with not just the pilots but internally within the TAGRS team as well, provide limited security, and sustain the entire FARP operation,” Anderson said. Not only is the TAGRS a faster refueling system but it also requires half the manpower to operate than it normally would to conduct a FARP operation. “We can pack the entire system in the back of a trailer and tow it into MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53 Super Stallions, or KC-130J Super Hercules, and drop it into an austere environment to extend the area of operations for aircraft so that they can attack further inland or pierce directly into the heart of the enemy.” “What makes this system so unique is its mobility,” said Anderson. It effectively eliminates the complications of embarkation and transportation of gear to the landing zone. The TAGRS and its operators are capable of being air-inserted making the asset expeditionary. So we’re able to establish a FARP with just this system. Jesus Jimenez, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-371 explained, “It can pump fuel faster than the helicopter expedient refueling system, and it has four filter separators in it to filter out water and sediment, along with two points and two fire extinguishers. The EABO concept advocates employing mobile, relatively low-cost capabilities such as the TAGRS to create a foot hold in order to extend the area of operations.Ĭpl. This makes it essential for expeditionary advanced base operations which seek to further distribute lethality in austere environments. The TAGRS includes all of the refueling components in one compact system allowing for rapid setup and breakdown. Steve Anderson, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-371 We issue fuel to aircraft that come in to support their objectives in the area.” “Our mission today was to support VMFA-122 with a one-point static-FARP. During this recent FARP operation, the MWSS-371 Marines refueled each F-35B Lightning II in under ten minutes. The TAGRS team, led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Moser, the MWSS-371 fuels officer, succeeded in reducing the one-point FARP establishment time by 90 percent and the total refueling time by 50 percent. The TAGRS was first implemented by MWSS-371 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-19 in October 2018. “We issue fuel to aircraft that come in to support their objectives in the area.” Steve Anderson, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-371. “Our mission today was to support VMFA-122 with a one-point static-FARP,” said Staff Sgt. This was all part of a forward arming and refueling point operation hosted by Marine Corps Air Station Yuma during which the tactical aviation ground refueling system was employed.Ī FARP is setup by a support squadron and can have one or several distributive fuel points across a landing zone that enable aircraft to land and obtain both fuel and ordnance during a mission. That’s the amount of time it took for Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 to refuel an F-35B Lightning II and get it back in the air. Julian Elliott-Drouin)FEBRU– Five minutes. The tactical aviation ground refueling system enables the MWSS to rapidly establish a high-throughput, dual-point refueling site while maintaining critical mobility in austere locations making it a valuable asset for the MAW. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG) 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd MAW, work together to refuel an F-35B Lighting II during a forward area refueling point operation at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Feb.
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