VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Unbeknownst to many, Vandenberg Air Force Base personnel regularly spend their time above miles of unseen water pipeline.
It’s the job of the water and fuel systems maintenance specialists of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron to regularly maintain those pipelines, as well as inspect, install and repair most facilities on Vandenberg.
“We cover a unique variety of jobs and facilities here,” said Senior Airman Yahir Segura, 30th CES water and fuel systems maintenance journeyman. “Our jobs range from broken sinks and overflowing toilets to fire suppression and water distribution.”
From the moment water reaches Vandenberg to the point it exits and becomes waste, it is the responsibility of the water and fuel systems maintenance unit.
“We’re responsible for a number of systems and jobs on a day-to-day basis,” said Airman 1st Class Kiersten Carroll, 30th CES water and fuel systems maintenance journeyman. “One day we could be doing a simple plumbing job, and then the next be overhauling our entire backflow system. It really keeps us on our toes.”
Considering the sensitive nature of the space and missile business, ensuring that the base water systems are continuously operating at full efficiency is paramount to mission success.
“We have a very important job here to maintain our water systems so that our mission of launching rockets into polar orbit remains achievable,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Schwartz, 30th CES water and fuel systems maintenance journeyman. “Without a working water system, that mission would be much more difficult to maintain.”
With water playing a crucial role in everyday operations, the water and fuel systems maintenance team continues to provide a healthy way of living for all of Team V.
“Water is essential to everything,” said Segura. “Without clean water to wash your hands, you run the risk of negatively affecting your health, and if you can’t perform your job the mission is negatively impacted.”