HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The Fuels Program at the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, is coordinating with Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s leak detection program to streamline process and better align responsibilities to save money and improve customer support.
The Fuels Program provides recurring maintenance and minor repair services to the Department of Defense and other government agencies to sustain a worldwide robust fueling capability in support of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The program’s collaboration with the leak detection program builds on DLA’s 2020 fuel facilities sustainment realignment plan, which merges fuels sustainment, restoration and modernization program management and technical expertise under one command and control umbrella. The two programs established a monthly working group to closely collaborate and share responsibilities to repair small deficiencies, conduct compliance testing and return facilities to operations quicker.
“In many ways, the two programs work hand and hand with one another to keep facilities in compliance and in good working order,” said Patty Beyer, DLA Energy Recurring Maintenance and Minor Repair Program Analyst. “The goal is to work towards a quicker and more seamless handoff between the two programs’ responsibilities.”
Beyer said the programs have always communicated well between one another, but the reorganization has removed barriers allowing them to better share ideas and challenges.
“These small tweaks to the process are estimated to save an average of 70 site visits in extra mobilizations and $700,000 throughout both programs annually,” Beyer said. “The team will monitor both programs as these new initiatives are implemented and will continue to look for more synergies to ensure we are meeting the Warfighter needs efficiently.”
One recent success was the response to a Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, pipeline disruption. Working together, both programs responded within days of notification from the Air Force applying their collective expertise to troubleshoot and identify the problem. The teams were quickly able to resolve the situation, keep the site in good standing with the state environmental regulators and maintain mission success.
“The communication and coordination effort between the programs was the key to the success of this mission,” said Jesus Ramirez, Huntsville Center Fuels Program Manager. “A lot of moving parts were synchronized in a timely manner.”
Roddra Malone, Huntsville Center Fuels Program Project Manager, said it was a superb team effort.
“The entire team responded and collaborated with all personnel required to ensure the leak was repaired expeditiously so the base could continue its mission without delay,” Malone said.
Without the reorganization, Beyer said this level of collaboration wouldn’t have happened.
“We are slashing through organizational boundaries and empowering action officers to work smarter and faster and provide better service to the Warfighter.”
For more information about Huntsville Center's Fuels Program, click here.
---
Editor's Note: This article has been revised in accordance with U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center guidance and requirements.