Energy Efficiency in the Armed Forces: Focus on the U.S. Navy

To many Americans, energy efficiency means lower utility bills. For the U.S. Navy, it also means saving lives.

On March 12, 2012, Alliance Board of Directors Chair Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Board member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) convened a hearing of the U.S. Energy Subcommittee on Water and Power to discuss the armed forces’ energy efficiency initiatives.

With a focus on the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the hearing was held at the naval station in Norfolk, Va., aboard the USS Kearsarge – an amphibious assault ship known for its energy initiatives. The event marked the first time in over 50 years that a Senate hearing was held on board a Navy ship, according to a press release from Warner’s office.

Saving Energy, Saving Lives in the Navy

The hearing highlighted the Navy and Marine Corps’ operational and on-shore energy initiatives, including smart metering projects. Under the direction of U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, the Navy is working to reduce 50% of its petroleum use in its commercial vehicle fleet by 2015 and make half of all Navy bases, stations and schools net-zero-energy by 2020, among many other ambitious goals.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, who testified with other military personnel at the hearing, said energy energy efficiency and conservation are key to helping the Navy save money and save lives. Because the Marines have one fatality for every 50 refueling convoys, better fuel efficiency could mean fewer refueling trips and fewer risks.

These sentiments were echoed by Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group TWO. Phillips said energy efficiency expands battle capabilities and is the first step in the Navy’s larger energy goals, according to a Navy press release.

More on the Navy and Energy Efficiency

• Details on the May 13 hearing in HR Military.
• The Alliance’s 2011 and 2009 coverage of the Navy’s Jackalyne Pfannensteil.
• Navy ship USS Chafee installed over 600 LEDs to save $50,000 annually; read about it in LEDs Magazine.