CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Some military occupational specialties are organic to the air craft assets and others to the ground forces of the Marine Corps, and some specialties are necessary to every detail of operations across the board.
The responsibilities of those jobs can vary depending on where a Marine is stationed, such as the job of a bulk fuel specialist.
While stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., bulk fuel Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group specialize in refueling tactical vehicles. If these Marines were stationed aboard an air station, they would refuel aircraft.
The battalion wanted to ensure their Marines had the broadest skill level possible, and conducted an exercise to provide Lejeune-based bulk fuel specialists the opportunity to work with aircraft aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., April 23-27.
“I’ve been in seven years, and this is the first time I’ve ever worked with aircraft,” said Sgt. Jonathon R. Ialongo, a bulk fuel specialist with 8th ESB.
The week-long exercise consisted of refueling two different types of aircrafts – the AV-8B Harrier and V-22 Osprey.
It also included preparing pumps and hoses to run through 20,000-gallon collapsible tanks. Marines checked the tanks for any tears, rips or holes as they were being filled.
“The Marines learned how to check the containers for leaks or discrepancies,” said Ialongo, a Millbrook, N.Y., native. “They need to know how to do it just as much as they need to know how to refuel vehicles. It’s an important part of our job.”
Staff Sgt. Ronnie Johnson, a platoon sergeant with Bulk Fuel Co., said the Marines worked extremely hard to conquer the new mission.
“They came out here and got the job done,” Johnson said. “They didn’t complain, and I didn’t have to double check anything. Everyone from the new Marines to the [noncommissioned officers] stepped up. They all did a tremendous job.”