Team that fuels the force
As waves crashed ashore at Cowley Beach, a landing craft mechanised mark 8 (LCM-8) landing craft approached carrying a critical resource that drives the force and maintains momentum.
CAPTION: Army petroleum operator Private Mason Dearing prepares to transport fuel from an LCM-8 to the beach storage area in the vicinity of Cowley Beach Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Joanne Leca.
During Exercise Overland Nautical Petros, two platoons from 17 Sustainment Brigade combined their marine and land fuel transfer specialties to deliver more than 90,000 litres of fuel from sea to land.
Officer Commanding 2 Combat Supply Company Major Joe Moormann said this year it was important to consider the tactical elements as well as the technical.
“This year we’ve applied a tactical element while training in this technical trade. This ensures our survivability and tactical awareness while conducting the technical components of sustainment operations,” Major Moormann said.
“This exercise gives us an opportunity to challenge ourselves, identify shortfalls and focus on what the future requirements of fuel storage and distribution in the littoral environment may be. So, when the brigades and other services request our support we can apply the desired effect.
“If our vehicles don’t move, logistical assets don’t move, which affects the momentum and advancement of combat teams.”
All skills levels participated in the training, giving the newer members a chance to put theory into practice.
It was Private Matthew Mckenna’s first time on the exercise.
“For the past two weeks I’ve been here learning from the experienced petroleum operators,” Private Mckenna said.
“There is so much to get from this exercise; it really develops the role of petroleum operators.
“I entered this trade [ECN 269] because it offers a variety of opportunities; you can easily jump from aviation, marine and land aspects of fuel specialisation.”
Private Mckenna said he recently experienced the highlight of his year when he deployed to Solomon Islands.
“I have just returned from a deployment on Operation Render Safe in Solomon Islands, where I was refuelling an MV-22 Osprey with a great group of people. It is definitely a career highlight,” he said.
CAPTION:Army petroleum operators, Corporal Bradley Cope and Private Gavin Howell, receive fuel transported from the beach storage area during Exercise Overland Nautical Petros in Queensland.
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