PHOENIX – The Force Support Squadron of the 161st Air Refueling Wing received a new Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer (DRMKT) on August 2, expanding the unit’s ability to mobilize disaster relief operations. Once the DRMKT has 50 gallons of water for cooking and cleaning, it is considered completely self-sufficient, uses a built-in generator, and is solar compatible. It is also designed to serve 1,100 meals per meal period using Unitized Group Rations. “This food service trailer expands our feeding capacity when facilities are closed or inaccessible,” said Capt. Ariana Ocampo, flight commander for maintenance services at the 161st FSS. The device’s maker, Babington Technology, came to Phoenix for three days to operate the Airmen of the 161st Airmen to feed the Arizona National Guard State leadership, demonstrating the skills of the trailer and 161st FSS personnel, “A typical food truck runs on propane. However, since the DRMKT runs on diesel fuel, it can be transported by air or towed by the Ford F-650 that came with it. Since the DRMKT was developed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, these units have provided disaster relief assistance such as hurricanes and forest fires, and other domestic operations such as the presidential inauguration. “Our unit’s ability to activate and mobilize, especially for domestic operations, is critical,” said Col Denise Sweeney, commander of the 161st Mission Support Group. “This mobile kitchen will enable us to offer service members and communities the highest level of support that we were not able to do before.” With over 800 airmen, the 161, forest fires and post-fire floods, COVID relief efforts and the mission on the southwest border.
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