The unpacking process, which began Oct. 25, removed 1,058,187 gallons of three different grades of fuel from the pipelines, according to Navy Capt. Shawn Triggs, JTF-RH Operations Officer and Commanding Officer of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor. The process was extended by two days to allow more time for the pump-assisted phase of the operation.

The operation concluded without any issues involving the handling, transport or storage of the fuel. The fuel removed from the pipelines will remain on JBPHH until it is consumed for operational purposes.

“I want to thank all those involved in the planning and preparation for the unpacking process and then all of our teammates for their professionalism and safe execution,” said Rear Adm. John Wade, JTF-RH Commander. “I also want to thank our elected representatives, the Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard for their support, attention and oversight. Today’s successful completion of unpacking allows us to move into our next phase which is to set conditions for the larger defueling effort.”

The next phase includes all necessary repairs, modifications and enhancements to the Red Hill complex to reduce risk during defueling. Additionally, JTF-RH will conduct iterative planning in partnership with the Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency to find ways to reduce the defueling timeline safely. Finally, JTF-RH will train and rehearse to be ready for defueling.

“While we go through this important phase, my team and I are fully committed to provide the media and the public with regular updates,” Wade said.

Joint Task Force - Red Hill was established by the Secretary of Defense to ensure the safe and expeditious defueling of the RHBFSF. Importantly, Joint Task Force – Red Hill is also committed to consistent engagement with local stakeholders to rebuild trust with the people of Hawaii.

For more information about JTF-Red Hill, or to provide public comment via our contact form, please visit https://www.pacom.mil/JTF-Red-Hill/.