The Air National Guard (ANG) C-130 fleet faces critical operational challenges in austere environments where traditional ground power infrastructure is lacking, necessitating rapid fuel transfer capabilities. The current reliance on ground-based fuel trucks is inadequate for time-sensitive Special Fuel Operations (SFO) and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) missions. Implementing a man-portable system capable of transferring 18,000 pounds of fuel within 60 minutes, utilizing only aircraft power, directly addresses this operational necessity. This capability is mission-critical, enhancing both combat operations and domestic response capabilities by extending the reach of aviation and ground transportation assets, particularly during critical disaster response and combat operations. Moreover, the proposed system significantly improves operational efficiency and reduces response times. Funding for this essential equipment is a candidate for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account (NGREA) Appropriation 0350. Furthermore, this also increases safety by decreasing the time an aircraft is on the ground in potentially dangerous locations.

Recommend modifying the existing C-130 Refueling/Defueling Capability resolution (Resolution #9J) to advocate for the procurement and implementation of a man-portable system capable of on-loading and off-loading 18,000 pounds of fuel within 60 minutes from C-130 aircraft, utilizing only aircraft power. This system must be compatible with all C-130 variants and deployable to all ANG C-130 locations, both CONUS and OCONUS, to ensure the ANG C-130 fleet can effectively support SFO and ACE missions in any environment.