The US Marine Corps Systems Command has begun developing a new expeditionary fuel dispensing technology (EFDS) to meet the fuel requirements of future battlefields.
The technology can reconfigure legacy fuel systems, including the amphibious assault fuel systems and the tactical airfield fuel dispensing systems “into smaller, more agile expedient capabilities.”
The compact fuel dispenser enables commanders to utilize tailored bulk fuel capabilities in place of inconvenient and aging fuel systems during missions.
“EFDS allows Marine Corps Systems Command to replace legacy systems,” EFDS Lead Logistician Linnis Hobbs said.
“We’re looking at a much smaller footprint. EFDS allows us to take a 1.1-million-gallon fuel farm and break it down into much smaller pieces,” Master Sgt. Vidal Rojas Giron added. “It really makes things much more manageable.”
Bolstering Fuel Dispensing Operability
According to the US Marines, logistical failures during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the decentralization of fuel systems. This observation was adapted for developing the marine’s latest EFDS capability.
“Unlike the logistical buildup seen in past conflicts, our competitors — as named in the recently released National Security Strategy — can identify our ‘liquid mountains’ with their ISR assets and range us with their weapon system capabilities,” Maj. Craig Warner explained.
“Understanding that fuel is the pacing commodity, EFDS enables the fleet commander to understand the mission they have been assigned and then select their equipment sets to fit that specific scenario while operating and sustaining inside the enemy’s Weapons Engagement Zone.”
Better Understanding of Inventory
Following the introduction of the latest EFDS, systems command is inspecting the fuel systems at hand.
The US Marine Program Manager Engineer Systems, II Expeditionary Force, Logistics Command, and Storage Command conducted an inventory of all bulk fuel assets at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.
The logistics base in Barstow, California, is slated to undergo a similar inventory in 2023.
“We now have a much better understanding of our inventory. We’ll be able to immediately send equipment to the Fleet, thus improving their material readiness, and we now have better data to support our acquisitions and lifestyle cost estimate development,” Hobbs noted.
