EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Eglin’s new underground fuel pipeline is officially complete with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony June 30 here.
The $36-million project, 10 years in the making, brings fuel from 96th Test Wing bulk storage tanks to the 33rd Fighter Wing’s bulk fuel storage area.
The 22,300 feet of piping delivers fuel at 600 gallons-per-minute from 96th TW side of the base to the 33rd FW’s tanks that support flying operations.
“This pipeline is a huge capability to have back,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Mansfield, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. “The cost-savings are incredible. It saves man-hours, contracts, equipment and so much more. Most importantly, it improves our effectiveness and as we say in LRS, our ability to move the warfighter.”
The construction project took place largely during the COVID-19 pandemic finished four months ahead of schedule and began use in May.