HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Tech. Sgt. Daniel Fraga, master welder for the 49th Maintenance Squadron, welds a crack on the undercarriage of an R-11 fuel truck, Oct. 14, 2010. Sergeant Fraga used welding filler wire to add to the molten pool created by the welding process. This welding task began when the nondestructive nspection flight discovered a six-inch crack in the fuel tank. The weld was the first attempt of its kind at Holloman. The metals technology flight took precautions in planning for the project, starting with airing out the fuel tank for more than a month. They used a nonreactive gas while welding to prevent the tank from exploding. Firefighters from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron inspected the area and stayed on site during the project to ensure safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Joshua Turner)

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Slideshow: Holloman Airmen repair fuel truck using unique weld

Published Oct. 25, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Joshua Turner
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airmen from the 49th Maintenance Squadron Metals Technology Flight performed a unique weld on an R-11 fuel truck, Oct. 14.

The welding task began when members of the nondestructive inspection flight noticed a six-inch crack in the fuel tank. The weld was the first attempt of its kind at Holloman.

Members of the flight took every precaution necessary for the welding job, beginning with airing the fuel tank out for almost a month. Firefighters with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron were also on hand to inspect the area and ensure safety.

View the complete slideshow here.