31 CES 'plumbers' plunge more than just toilets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Many have experienced a busted pipe, toilet or even a clogged sink.

When Aviano Air Base Wyverns experience plumbing issues, a wrench wielding water and fuels systems maintenance journeyman from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron comes to the rescue to keep the mission flowing.

The CE Airmen are commonly known for constructing and maintaining infrastructures and ensuring there's potable water throughout the base. What many may not know, these Airmen maintain the pipeline that delivers fuel to the 510th and 555th Fighter Squadrons so the 31st Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcons can deter and defend within the European theatre. They also manage and test each facilities fire suppression systems.

"It's just two of us who are in charge of maintaining and testing over 65 fire suppression systems," said Senior Airman Colton Correll, 31st CES water and fuels systems maintenance journeyman. "It's quite the task, but we work well together to get the job done quickly and efficiently."

With miles of pipeline running through the buildings on base, it may be hard to imagine why these Airmen often go unseen.

"I like to say, 'We work on the pipes you never see.'" said Correll. "They're in the walls, ceilings and below the feet of everyone working here."

Many of the agencies that work around the flightline have equipment stored indoors and outdoors, where both wet and dry fire suppression systems are used. According to the team, a dry suppression system contains water and air. Indoor pipes are filled with water while outdoor pipes are filled with pressurized air. When a fire is detected and the system is activated, the pressurized air is replaced with water to extinguish the flames.

"It gets pretty cold here during the winter months, so water would freeze inside the pipes of the outdoor systems," mentioned Senior Airman Jacob Neeb, 31st CES water and fuels systems maintenance journeyman. "That's why we use both water and air suppression systems."

According to the 31st Comptroller Squadron, in fiscal year 2015 Aviano AB spent more than $100 million on day-to-day operations and development expenses.

"It's important that every structure is protected," explained Correll. "We have an important mission at Aviano AB. If the mission was to come to a halt because of a fire and these systems weren't able to properly extinguish it before it damages our jets or equipment, it would not be a good day."

31st Fighter Wing Airmen work in facilities that are essential to conducting the wings mission. Without the CE Airmen and the responsibilities they procure, Aviano wouldn't be able to perform its mission.

"Our commander says it best, 'Without ops, everything stops,"' said Neeb. "I love my job, and it's very rewarding to know how important it is to the mission. Not a single facility would be functional without potable water and without these fire protection systems. It's important that the millions of dollars of equipment are fire protected as well as the Airmen who use them."