Garden State native making mark in aircraft fuel systems Published Aug. 30, 2018 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A native of Tuckerton, New Jersey, completed his technical training in high fashion when he made perfect scores on his block exams, earning the ace student award. Airman 1st Class Andrew Tonneson took his final test Aug. 29, 2018, go finish his perfect run in the 361st Training Squadron’s aircraft fuel systems apprentice course. He graduated from technical training Aug. 30. Tonneson and other airmen in the 36-day course learned about basic maintenance fundamentals, aircraft fuel systems operations, fuel tank entry, fuel cell familiarization and integral fuel tank familiarization. Aircraft fuel systems Airmen are required to climb inside fuel cells to inspect and detect issues with the bladders as well as perform installation and removal procedures. Rank and name: Airman 1st Class Andrew W. Tonneson Unit: 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, Atlantic City Air National Guard Base Duty title: Aircraft fuel systems apprentice Hometown: Tuckerton, New Jersey Time in Service: 9 months Why you joined the Air Force: I joined to serve my country alongside my brother, and to continue the Air Force tradition in my family. Family: Parents, Wayne and Karen; brother, Capt. W. Alex Tonneson Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, decoy carving, woodworking Favorite aspect of job: Troubleshooting, which allows me to think about the task at hand. Most memorable Air Force experience: Proving to myself I could actually fit inside a fuel tank, and growing to enjoy the tank-entry portion of the job. How do you make responsible choices: I always think in my head, “Would I do/say this in front of my mother?” Instructor comment: “Airman Tonneson is a perfect recipient for the ace award. He’s intelligent, driven, very capable and will make an excellent asset to the Air Force.” – Tech. Sgt. Jacob Asher, 361st Training Squadron aircraft fuel systems instructor