RIMPAC: 19 Million Gallons of Fuel Issued

The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on O‘ahu has issued over 19 million gallons of fuel to U.S. and foreign ships and aircraft participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

Hawai‘i (Jan. 24, 2018) NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor ensures quality fuel is delivered on time to those who need it. The fuels department makes sure to distribute what is called clean, clear and bright fuel that is within Navy Standards. PC: U.S. Navy photo by Shannon R. Haney

Red Hill, operated by Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Pearl Harbor’s Fuel Department, consists of 20 tanks, each able to store 12 million gallons of fuel.

RIMPAC’s theme is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.” With ‘Capable’ being an important part of the theme of this exercise, it is clear that Red Hill and the fuel it delivers is one of the most important factors of RIMPAC 2018.

“Red Hill enables fleet readiness and is a key component of operations in the Pacific,” said Lt. Cmdr. Blake Whittle, fuel department director. “We are capable of fueling three fleet replenishment oilers simultaneously via pier connection to conduct quick turnarounds to get the vessels back underway to conduct replenishments-at-sea (RASs).”

The RASs allow the surface ships participating in RIMPAC 2018 to maintain the proper amount of fuel and supplies so the ships can continue the exercise without pulling into port for logistical needs.

A gravity-fed distribution system delivers fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility tanks to Pearl Harbor, three-and-a- half miles away. The facility can operate manually, requiring no connection to the Internet or outside power source.

“Red Hill is reliable and delivers fuel quickly, three times faster than comparable facilities”, said Whittle. “It is also two times faster than refueling from a barge or truck. The faster the fueling evolution progresses, the less likely a mishap will occur.”

Red Hill fuel is used by each of the military services in Hawai‘i, including the U.S. Coast Guard, which frequently conducts rescue missions in Hawaiian waters. Along with the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, which is also fueled by Red Hill, the Coast Guard assisted in relief and reconnaissance efforts in Kaua‘i and the Big Island of Hawai‘i in recent months.

“The Red Hill fuel facility is considered essential for providing the fuel necessary to defend our nation, safeguard our national interests and support humanitarian missions,” said Whittle.

RIMPAC 2018 is the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Twenty-five nations, more than 45 surface ships and submarines, 17 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are taking part in a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s interconnected oceans.

NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.