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News | June 28, 2021

New commander tours Europe and Africa fuel lab

By Connie Braesch DLA Energy Public Affairs

One of five Defense Logistics Agency Energy fuel laboratories worldwide, the Europe & Africa facility at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Germany tests around 2,000 fuel samples each year including routine quality surveillance, investigations of possible contamination as well as testing for secured fuels.

DLA Energy Europe & Africa’s new commander Army Lt. Col. Benverren Fortune visited the lab to learn more about its capabilities and services June 10.   

“The Quality Assurance Division expanded my knowledge of the importance of what they do,” Fortune said. “Their mission to provide in-depth testing of fuels in our region covering over 104 countries is vital to ensuring the fuel is on-spec keeping the Warfighter and their equipment safe.” 

Fortune took command on June 4 and immediately began getting familiar with region’s fuel missions and resources. During a brief, the DLA Energy Quality Assurance Division Manager Mike Crutcher explained the division’s responsibility to administer the DLA Energy contract quality assurance and surveillance program.

“All DLA Energy products procured, shipped, stored, and issued to U.S. Forces throughout U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command are tested in the lab to ensure they meet military fuel specifications,” Crutcher said. “Including secure fuel operations for the President of the United States. “ 

Lab Chemists Elena Van Meter and Dr. Elmar Mohrhardt, Lab Technician Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas McCall and Quality Assurance Representative Army Master Sgt. Marcus Wilson provided an overview of the testing capabilities, equipment and walked Fortune through a test of aviation turbine fuel. 

"As many people do not know the work in a laboratory, I think it was a great idea to come to the lab and see with his own eyes how the job in the lab is done,” Mohrhardt said. “It’s also a good opportunity to get to know the new commander."

Fortune is on a 60-day tour conducting various local key engagements with Warfighters and customers to understand the DLA Energy initiatives throughout the region.