Extraction exercise tests several agencies Published June 9, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Working inside the fuel tanks of aircraft is not for the claustrophobic, but for a few Team Dover Airmen, it is their everyday job. They should rest easy knowing that if an accident were to occur, base agencies are ready to respond. Airmen of the 436th Maintenance Squadron's fuel systems shop and Team Dover emergency responders from the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron and 436th Medical Operations Squadron conducted an in-wing fuel cell extraction exercise June 8, 2015, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. "If we have a real world scenario, we are equipped for it and can respond as quickly as possible," said Lorie Bellamy, 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office ground safety manager. "This is all about saving someone's life." The purpose of the exercise was to familiarize the maintenance personnel, who work in the confined fuel tanks of C-5M Super Galaxies and C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, on the proper safety procedures during confined space extraction of an incapacitated individual. Along with this, it was also practice for the Dover AFB Fire Department, and other Team Dover agencies. Airman 1st Class Cody Potter, 436th MXS fuels systems mechanic, participated in the exercise. "This gave me a better understanding if someone gets into the tank and gets hurt," Potter said. "The Fire Department and I worked very well together." A trainer cross section of a C-5 wing was used to practice the extraction. A 180 pound mannequin dummy was used during the extraction, simulating if a maintainer was working inside the tank, hit their head, and was knocked unconscious. Agencies from across the base responded in a timely manner and extracted the dummy from the fuel tank safely. "I think everyone did amazing," said Tech. Sgt. Lawrence Bortner, 436th MXS aircraft fuel systems section chief. "Thanks everybody for coming, it took a lot of people to put this together." According to Bortner, there are many things that could occur inside a fuel tank that could be dangerous to a maintainer. These include engulfment, lack of oxygen, too much oxygen flammability and the confined space. John Melvin, 436th CES Fire Department assistant chief for health and safety, took part in the exercise as well. "This was good training; a joint effort between fuels maintenance personnel and the fire department," Melvin said. The in-wing fuel cell extraction exercise is required annually in order to remain current. "I look forward to doing more exercises," Potter said. "Hopefully, this doesn't happen in the real world."