Kaiserslautern American, Mar. 6, 2015

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March 6, 2015

Kaiserslautern American

HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

March 6, 2015

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Volume 39, number 9

Water is emitted through foam generators during a biennial fire suppression system test Feb. 19 on Ramstein. There are two water storage tanks, each of which takes approximately 26 minutes to empty and run through the drainage system.

Sprinklers come alive in hangar five

Recently, hangar five suspended operations for two consecutive days due to a biennial fire suppression system test and inspection. Underneath the hangar floor lie two 150-cubic-meter storage tanks filled with water to be pumped through pipes and out of foam generators

located in the ceiling of the hangar in the event of an aircraft fire. These tanks were emptied to test the system. Each storage tank takes approximately 26 minutes to empty and drain back through the piping system beneath the floor. Once the storage tanks are empty, Airmen from the 786th Civil Engineer Squadron clean and inspect the large reservoirs. “We had about 4,500 gallons of water coming out per minute from a 40,000 gallon tank,” said Airman 1st

Class Thomas Gordon, 786th CES water and fuel systems maintainer. “It takes us several hours to clean and inspect each tank. We pressure wash the walls and inspect for any cracks or damage to the structure.” Gordon said it’s a two-day process because they follow a checklist for each tank to ensure safety, compliance and effectiveness. Not only is the test crucial for ensuring the system is constantly working, but Senior Master Sgt. Brian Eshleman,

NEWS

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday in the United States and March 29 in Europe. During those three weeks, time zone differences between most of the U.S. and Europe will be one hour less than usual.

FEATURES

Tip of the Week Airman named best clinical nurse specialist, Page 8

721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance superintendent, said it’s also good for rapport with the public. “It’s important for us to do this test to know the facility is running properly and environmentally,” Eshleman said. “We’re doing everything we can to prevent pollution that could possibly spill into this hangar, exit the facility and enter the environment. We want to give the German community the confidence that See HANGAR FIVE, Page 2

SCHOOLS

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Larissa Greatwood 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Birthday bash marks Scouting anniversary, Page 11

KHS culinary team chops up competition, Page 19


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