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Ramstein aircraft deicing operators will soon have enhanced capabilities when servicing aircraft this winter with the installation of a more efficiently designed deicing chemical refueling facility.
The new facility, set to be operating next month, will increase fluid storage capacity, operator safety and the ability for deicing vehicles to turn around. It will also lower vehicle congestion and reduce the risk of environmental damage.
“This facility alleviates load time and no longer requires Airmen climbing on top of a deicer to refuel during hazardous winter conditions,” said Master Sgt. Michael Bagley, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft support flight supervisor.
Airmen safety was a priority during the design of the new facility. Procedures to produce the correct mixtures of chemicals as well as environmental concerns caused by spills and overfill will be improved by the facility.
“New pumps feature an automated mixture system to ensure the correct amount of chemicals are combined and pumped into the vehicles,” Bagley said. “The pumps also have features that prevent major spills and overflows when refilling a deicing vehicle’s tank.”
Adapters required to previously fill vehicles are now eliminated. In addition, turnaround times of vehicles will be enhanced with the newly designed drive-thru system for operators.
“With the removal of the old system that required a fire hydrant and adapters to refuel a tank, operators can more effectively and safely complete their mission,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Strong, 721st AMXS support flight NCOIC. “With the improvements to our winter capabilities, we can only expect Ramstein’s mission of providing combat airlift and operating the Air Force’s premier installation to enable and ensure strategic capabilities to be enhanced.”
