GREAT FALLS — The Montana National Guard officially opened a new petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) complex Aug. 7 at the Montana Air National Guard Base, a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at supporting the 120th Airlift Wing’s upcoming conversion to the C-130J Super Hercules.
Replacing aging infrastructure
The facility replaces a nearly 70-year-old fuel system and brings updated storage, pumping and testing capabilities to the base. Officials said the modernization improves fuel distribution efficiency, streamlines maintenance access and boosts environmental safeguards.
New equipment at the complex includes aboveground storage tanks, a constant-pressure system and updated testing and operations spaces. The layout is intended to allow easier servicing and future upgrades compared with the older, buried systems it replaces.
“The new infrastructure drastically simplifies routine maintenance and enhances ecological safety,” said Col. Jason Green, commander of the 120th Airlift Wing.
Prepared for larger aircraft and higher fueling needs
The fuel complex is part of the larger effort to ready the wing to transition from the legacy C-130H Hercules to the newer C-130J Super Hercules. The C-130J carries a greater fuel volume — with factory tanks rated at about 6,750 gallons — which increases fueling demand at the base.
To meet that demand, the new complex supplies jet fuel, gasoline and diesel through upgraded piping and a dedicated POL operations building. A notable operational improvement is a double-fill stand and new fuel lines that permit resupply at higher flow rates.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aboveground storage tanks | Easier maintenance and future upgrades |
| Double-fill stand | Higher refueling throughput for aircraft and fuel trucks |
| Constant-pressure system | More consistent fuel delivery and testing capability |
Project leaders said the complex allows fuel trucks to resupply at rates up to 600 gallons per minute, roughly double what the previous system could manage. That increase should speed turnaround times during flight operations and training evolutions.
Complexity and coordination
Contractors described the project as more than a routine fuel facility install. Brittan Schwarz, vice president of MEB General Contractors Inc., said the job combined multiple systems that are often built separately on other projects.
“There are four big components to this project,” Schwarz said. “We do a lot of these systems throughout the U.S., but usually we’re only doing one or two of those. I would call this more of a brand-new fuel complex rather than just a fuel facility.”
Construction required coordination across military, government and civilian teams to align operational needs, environmental compliance and logistics. Officials did not disclose the total cost of the project in the release but characterized the work as a necessary step in supporting the wing’s future aircraft and mission sets.
Operational impact for the 120th Airlift Wing
Air Guard leaders say the C-130J will increase the wing’s cargo and personnel capacity and broaden its capability for strategic airlift and airdrop missions. The upgraded POL infrastructure is one of several base improvements intended to ensure the wing can support the aircraft’s larger fuel capacity and altered fueling profiles.
For local communities, the base upgrade represents continued federal investment in Great Falls and a signal that the 120th’s mission will remain robust in the coming years. Project partners noted the aboveground tank configuration and updated systems were chosen to boost both operational readiness and environmental protections for the surrounding area.
What to expect next
- Further infrastructure and training changes as the wing phases in the C-130J fleet.
- Operational testing of the new fuel complex to validate flow rates, safety systems and maintenance procedures.
- Ongoing coordination with civilian contractors for future upgrades and maintenance scheduling.
Officials framed the new POL complex as a foundational upgrade tied directly to the wing’s modernization timeline. The facility is now in service as Great Falls prepares for the expanded fueling and logistical requirements of the C-130J era.
