Fuelling success in Solomons for petroleum operators

A refuelling point aviation (RPA) has been deployed to Solomon Islands for the first time in support of Operation Render Safe, the ADF-led operation committed to removing the danger posed by World War 2-era explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Pacific island countries.

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers refuel a US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at a refuelling point aviation during Operation Render Safe, Honiara, Solomon Islands. Story by Sergeant David Said. Photos by Corporal Sam Price.

Based at Honiara International Airport, a team of seven petroleum operators from Townsville’s 10 Force Support Battalion, 9 Petroleum Platoon, have ensured US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft have the fuel they need to support explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians reducing ERW in the Pacific nation.

Sergeant Brock Summers said his team was able to quickly overcome the challenges of deploying an RPA and working with coalition aircraft.

“Working within a busy international airport has at times been challenging, however, good communication with Solomon Islands authorities have ensured we have been able to deliver fuel when it’s needed without impacting local airport operations,” Sergeant Summers said.

“Any technical issues we had working with the Ospreys were quickly solved and we have delivered over 12,500 litres of aviation turbine fuel so far.”

Designed to be transported in cargo aircraft or slung underneath CH-47 Chinooks, an RPA consists of pumps, bladders and hoses that can be operational within hours of arriving at a site.

Each day before pumping begins, the team conducts laboratory testing of the fuel quality.

Sergeant Summers said his team had performed well.

“They’ve performed under high stress in an unfamiliar and hot environment, in a country where this capability has never been deployed before,” he said.

“Knowing that our job is imperative to keeping the Ospreys flying gives the team a great sense of satisfaction.”

The MV-22 Osprey aircraft from the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin bring essential capability to Operation Render Safe 24-2 for aeromedical evacuation and resupply to the western province area of operations.

“Hearing stories of children playing with ERW makes me realise that my team’s role within the operation plays a vital part in helping to keep these people safe,” Sergeant Summers said.

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers after refuelling a United States Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22 Osprey at a refuelling point aviation during Operation Render Safe, Honiara, Solomon Islands. (l-r) Corporal Brodie King, Sergeant Brock Summers, Lance Corporal William O’Loughlin, Corporal Emerson Belton, Private Dylan Smith, Private Matthew McKenna, Corporal Lachlan Moore.

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