GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Montana National Guard marked another step toward the 120th Airlift Wing’s transition to the C-130J Super Hercules Aug. 7 with the opening of a new petroleum, oil and lubricants, or POL, complex, improving fuel distribution, maintenance access and environmental protection while supporting the wing’s future aircraft requirements.
The new complex at the Montana Air National Guard Base replaces an approximately 70-year-old fuel system. The facility includes aboveground storage tanks, a constant-pressure system and updated testing and operations facilities.
“The new infrastructure drastically simplifies routine maintenance and enhances ecological safety,” said Col. Jason Green, commander of the 120th Airlift Wing.
The complex is part of the infrastructure modernization supporting the wing’s planned conversion from the C-130H Hercules to the C-130J Super Hercules. The new aircraft will provide increased cargo and passenger capacity and expand the wing’s capabilities for strategic airlift and airdrop operations. The C-130J’s larger, 6,750-gallon fuel tanks also increase fueling requirements, making the new complex an important part of preparing the wing for the transition.
To meet those requirements, the complex includes new jet fuel, gasoline and diesel systems and a dedicated POL operations building. New fuel lines and a double-fill stand allow fuel trucks to resupply at rates of up to 600 gallons per minute, about twice the rate of the previous system. The aboveground configuration also provides easier access for maintenance and future upgrades.
Brittan Schwarz, vice president of MEB General Contractors Inc., said the number of systems incorporated into the project set it apart from typical fuel facility construction.
“There are four big components to this project,” Schwarz said. “We do a lot of these systems throughout the U.S., but usually we’re only doing one or two of those. I would call this more of a brand-new fuel complex rather than just a fuel facility.”
Construction of the complex required coordination among military, government and civilian organizations. The project brought together members of the Montana National Guard’s 120th Civil Engineer Squadron and 219th RED HORSE Squadron, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, the Defense Logistics Agency, MEB General Contractors and Calumet Montana Refining.
“When we were awarded the job, they relocated here and spent a lot of long days, weekends and a lot of sweat to get this project where it is,” Schwarz said.
Montana National Guard leaders and project partners formally dedicated the complex during the Aug. 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project supporting the wing’s future mission.
While the ceremony marked the facility’s formal dedication, work continues to fully integrate the new systems. The 120th Maintenance Group POL flight will complete final system integrations and alarm testing before transitioning local refueling operations to the new complex in September.
The new complex provides the 120th Airlift Wing with updated fueling infrastructure to support current operations while preparing the Montana National Guard for the transition to the C-130J Super Hercules.