CAPTION: Test mechanic Adrian Williams prepares the LPD 28 JP5 pump room.
Shipbuilders recently loaded the first 50,000 gallons of aircraft fuel aboard Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).
Fort Lauderdale will become a platform for multiple types of Marine Corps aircraft, including MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters.
“A lot of preparation is necessary, because everything must be in place and ready when the fuel starts pumping,” said Timothy Finney, fuel king.
The Test team followed very detailed requirements and ensured ventilation, damage control systems and tank closures were functioning. They also pretested all equipment to load and flush the system.
This first compliment of JP5 aircraft fuel will support flushing of JP5 piping systems and tanks. It will also allow for testing of all pumps, valves, purifiers and hose reel stations that will load fuel into aircraft.