Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/715089
Story continued on page 8 Above: The U.S. Army and other government agencies depend on Crowley to fuel their crucial work protecting Alaska. aircraft, including Chinook helicopters, water bombers (firefighting tanker planes) and fighter jets, in the sky. In Anchorage, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) relies on Crowley to manage its receipt of Jet fuel into the Port of Anchorage under a long- term terminal agreement in support of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Fuel is delivered via barges where it is then stored in Crowley's tank farm and pumped to the base. Crowley's Anchorage tank farm currently has capacity of 600,000 barrels (25.2 million gallons) set aside for DLA use and construction is underway to increase their storage capacity to approximately one million barrels. Additionally, Crowley is supplying fuels in support of the Alaskan Fire Service, the National Parks Service and the U.S. Army, who often need to respond to wildfires and other emergencies throughout the state. "We are proud to provide aviation fuels and services to the DLA and U.S. Army, the National Park Service and the Alaska Fire Service. These are crucial programs for Alaskans and visitors, and Crowley Fuels supports their operations by offering solutions and responsive service," said Laura Yellig, vice president, highway petroleum sales. Focus on Safety and Quality Crowley's retail aviation business relies on a dependable network of truck drivers who safely transport the fuel to terminals and stations in various parts of Alaska, setting the industry standard for fuel quality and service. Successful investments, such as ACE Fuels this year, have expanded storage, fuel options and other services to customers. And in 2012, when Chevron withdrew from the Alaska Avgas market, Crowley stepped up purchasing and transporting fuel from Chevron's Richmond, Calif., refinery via barge to Alaska. "That was a significant commitment that allowed us to expand our services in 7 Connections Summer 2016 a trailer. Last January, a moose indeed ran into the side of his truck. Fortunately, Whitlatch kept his rig safely on the road, a testament to his awareness and driving skills. "No two days are the same for me," said Whitlatch, a native of Idaho, who lived in Oregon before moving to Alaska in 2013. Driving trucks in Alaska means fewer freeway routes and more mountain grades than in the lower 48 states, with dark winter days and nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer. Crowley makes safety the utmost priority for its drivers. And while it's not quite the high drama of the "Ice Road Truckers" TV show, when there's snow and ice on a grade, safety is everything. "It's very important. Whether you are hauling 13,000 gallons of diesel or 15,000 gallons of unleaded, that safety always comes first," said Whitlatch, a father of eight. "It keeps us on the road and it keeps us driving for Crowley."