Smells like work Published Dec. 8, 2011 By 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Senior Airman Whitney Stanfield SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C -- The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron (CMS) fuel systems Airmen support the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron with any fuel component related issues. Fuel systems is a mechanic based-job that requires hard work. The more work, the faster the time flies, even though you will smell like fuel, said Senior Airman Benjamin Kaplan, 4 CMS fuel systems journeyman. "Fixing planes, regardless of the smell, is why I'm here," said Kaplan. The fuels system shop has approximately 55 active duty Airmen that maintain aircraft fuel maintenance and the tank farm. Aircraft fuel maintenance goes on scene to troubleshoot transfer pumps, fuel leaks and any aircraft component containing fuel systems. The tank farm deals with external, conformal and plyon tanks. External tanks transfer fuel to the internal tanks by regulating engine bleed air pressure. A conformal tank is an extra fuel tank that can hold up to 849 gallons. Plyon tanks are located on each wing to transfer fuel from the tank to the wing. Fuel systems Airmen work as a team. Helping each other during all projects to ensure the work is efficient. One person will oversee a maintenance project and another person will grab the necessary tools. These Airmen work three eight-hour shifts and have a stand-by team. The stand-by team consists of a four Airmen with a minimum of a fuels system craftsman and journeyman personnel present. Stand-by only occurs over the weekend. If a call is received, the entire team responds to troubleshoot the aircraft. During a troubleshoot, if a problem cannot be fixed on the spot then they will order parts that are needed. "We have a direct impact on the aircraft mission," said Master Sgt. Brandon Hill, 4 CMS aircraft fuel systems assistant section chief. "If our components are not working properly, the aircraft is unable to fly." Benzene is one danger that comes along with working with fuels daily. Once a year, fuel system Airmen are required to have their blood tested for benzene. Benzene is a colorless, flammable, sweet-smelling liquid usually combined with various compounds present in petroleum. If inhaled or ingested in relatively large amounts, benzene can cause serious health problems such as cancer or death. "The only thing that matters is hearing a sortie take off and land safety, which gives me a sense of accomplishment," said Kaplan.