Logistics In Action - Editor's note: article originally appeared on the official Oklahoma National Guard website.

TULSA, Okla. - The Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, August 13, 2024, celebrating the opening of a fuels complex and a commercial inspection facility.

The 138th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels complex was built to provide better availability of fuel and increase fuel capacity by 400 percent to maintain operational readiness. "It's been 34 years since the 138th Fighter Wing had the initial vision to build a fuel complex. It's been a long road, and the day has finally arrived," according to Col. Chad Phillips, 138th Fighter Wing commander.

The $21.5 million complex took three years to construct and provides a reliable fuel system for the 138th's F-16 fighter jets as well as Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters stationed nearby, ground transportation, and support operations at the air alert detachment in Houston, Texas. Col. Mike Meason, Oklahoma Air National Guard Director, Plans and Programs, emphasized the importance of this project. This critical piece of infrastructure allows airmen "the capability to project air power anywhere in the world, anytime."

The 138th Security Forces Squadron commercial inspection facility was also opened and provides increased security for the wing. The structure expands overall operational effectiveness to meet the Air Force and DoD Unified Facilities Criteria standards. According to Meason, the addition allows the
capability "to isolate incoming shipments and inspect them more safely."

The inspection facility took a year and a half to construct at a cost of $5.6 million and increases the security of Air Force personnel, assets, and mission readiness. "As our threats increase, the commercial inspection facility will allow 138th Fighter Wing Security Forces airmen to provide more security to the wing," Phillips said.

The outpouring of support from the community, government officials, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bodell construction not only made it possible for airmen to maintain mission readiness now but for years ahead.

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