News>Kyrgyz environmental group visits Transit Center
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Col. James Jacobson and Abdykalyk Rustamov sit at the head of the table during an environmental meeting at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, March 15, 2012. An eight-person Kyrgyz environmental delegation visited the Transit Center to see firsthand how the Air Force conducts its daily missions in an environmentally conscious manner. Jacobson is the Transit Center director. Rustamov is the leader of the Kyrgyz delegation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Bob Everdeen)
Abdykalyk Rustamov asks questions during an environmental visit at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, March 15, 2012. Rustamov led an eight-person Kyrgyz delegation that received an overview of the Transit Center missions of aerial refueling and coalition troop and cargo movements. The group also discussed specific environmental measures followed by U.S. military units around the world, with specific emphasis on so-called 'hot topics' related to the Transit Center. The discussions covered fuel jettisoning, solid waste disposal, water usage and the economic impact of the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Bob Everdeen)
U.S. Air Force personnel and an eight-person Kyrgyz environmental delegation stand above fuel tanks at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, March 15, 2012. The environmental group toured the Transit Center and Manas International Airport to see firsthand how the Air Force conducts its daily missions in an environmentally conscious manner. The Transit Center supports international efforts in Afghanistan through aerial refueling and coalition troop and cargo movements. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Bob Everdeen)
by Maj. Bob Everdeen
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
3/19/2012 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- An eight-person Kyrgyz environmental delegation visited the Transit Center at Manas March 15 to see firsthand how the Air Force conducts its daily missions in an environmentally responsible manner.
The group, led by Abdykalyk Rustamov, received an overview of the Transit Center missions of aerial refueling and coalition troop and cargo movements. The briefing, led by Transit Center Director Col. James Jacobson, then moved to specific environmental measures followed by U.S. military units around the world, with direct emphasis on issues related to the Transit Center. The delegation received extensive responses to their questions regarding fuel jettisoning, solid waste disposal, water usage and the economic impact of the installation.
"This is a friendly visit and I welcome you in our country," Rustamov said through an interpreter. "On behalf of the entire working group, I would like to thank you for inviting us to the Transit Center today to share this information."
The environmental group was most interested in fuel jettison. The delegation learned that the last time a Transit Center aircraft jettisoned fuel was more than three years ago during an in-flight emergency in a remote area far from human habitation. During that event, the cabin of the aircraft began to fill with smoke and it was determined that lives were in danger. Fuel jettison is extremely rare and would only happen in cases in which human lives are at risk. In addition to Transit Center aircrew following identical procedures and flight patterns as the other users of Manas International Airport, Jacobson added that aircrews must also contact him before jettisoning fuel.
"In this type of emergency, the flight crew would immediately contact the controllers at Kyrgyz Air Navigation and I would notify the U.S. Embassy, who in turn would coordinate with officials from the Kyrgyz Republic government," he said.
During the tour portion of the visit, the environmental working group members took the opportunity to walk through dorms, dining facilities, the medical clinic and common-use areas. They also toured the airport and reviewed military aircraft, facilities and operations, including fuel storage areas.
The environmental delegation ended the visit with a promise to work closely together with the Transit Center in the coming months and years.
"You are always welcome to visit us," Jacobson said. "We will remain open and transparent on our efforts to be good stewards of the environment here and we look forward to the continued partnership between your group, the Transit Center, U.S. Embassy in Bishkek and the Kyrgyz government."
