# DLA Energy saves money and more for QLLEX 2017

/ Published Aug. 8, 2017
FORT BELVOIR, Virginia, Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas at Houston performed command and control functions for jet fuel in support of the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, July 17-28.QLLEX, which began in the 1980s, is the largest Army-wide petroleum and water transportation exercise conducted in the continental U.S. The U.S. Army Reserve conducts QLLEX to provide experience to their soldiers using equipment in the critical tasks of loading, unloading and transporting fuel as well as storing fuel via collapsible bladders.“The exercise establishes a real-world water and petroleum distribution support site in a combat training environment,” said DLA Energy Logistics Management Specialist Richard Vanschoor. “QLLEX aims to show readiness at the company level for liquid logistic sustainment operations."During the exercise, Task Force Americas Command element at JB MDL assisted 28 region customers supported by six Defense Fuel Support Points. The task force was made up of a five-person team from DLA Energy Americas at Houston. The U.S. Army Reserve deployed 4,500 personnel and more than 250 tank trucks to military installations in geographical proximity to support the DFSPs. By the end of the exercise, the Army Reserve battalions distributed more than 2 million gallons of Jet-A fuel and JP-5.“We are excited to support this tremendous training event,” said DLA Energy Deputy Commander Guy Beougher. “DLA is saving money by using Army fuel trucks and DLA Energy is practicing how to command and control the Federal Emergency Management Agency Contingency Fuels contract, and we are exercising the Domestic Transportation Contract for U.S. Strategic Command while integrating Army fuel trucks for that mission.”DLA Energy Americas at Houston was co-located with the 475th Quartermaster Group from Farrell, Pennsylvania at JB MDL.Six Army Reserve battalions and one National Guard battalion operated from Camp Pendleton, California; Camp Blanding, Florida; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base McGuire-Dix, New Jersey and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington participated in the exercise.Air Force Capt. Alexander Yee is a DLA Energy liaison officer. He worked as a critical planner and alongside 402nd Quarter Master Battalion during the exercise.“I was able to provide advice as part of DLA Energy Americas at Houston,” Yee said. “I ensured fuels operations were accomplished without any issues even with some of the challenges such as the separation of customers from the DFSPs.”The annual QLLEX exercise highlight the joint support capability between Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, he said. This year marked the introduction of the DLA Mobile Command Vehicle providing in time command and control.DLA Energy Americas at Houston Commander Army Lt. Col. Josiel Carrasquillo-Morales saw firsthand how the use of the MCV enabled the battalions and DLA to provide uninterrupted logistics support.“The MCV capability enhanced our ability to command and control DLA Energy operations in support of QLLEX 17 while operating from a forward deployed site at Fort Dix,” Carrasquillo-Morales said. “Task Force Americas’ communication systems were immediately up and running and in contact with all five outside locations.”TF Americas informed the battalions were kept informed on requirements to maintain fuel accountability as well as attend briefings and Joint Movement Boards while working alongside the 475th Group.“There is no better accomplishment than to find a group of dedicated logisticians at all levels providing uninterrupted fuel support, maintaining freedom of movement in support of QLLEX while achieving their training objectives, and capturing lessons learned to improve future events,” Carrasquillo-Morales said.