Navy Host Fourth Annual Energy Forum

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike James, Defense Media Activity - Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy hosted the fourth annual Naval Energy Forum Oct. 17 at the Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington.

This year's theme, "The Art of the Long View," highlighted the importance of using energy to enhance combat capability and conserve resources through education, the use of renewable energy, and energy conservation.

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Ray Mabus and other key representatives from the Navy, Marine Corps, industry, and the international community spoke at the forum.

"There is clear and compelling evidence that the efforts the Navy is making to use energy more efficiently will improve national security, will save money and save lives," said Mabus.

Mabus gave several examples the Navy has taken toward energy conservation in 2012; among them, the use of a 50/50 biofuel blend in every vessel participating in the Rim of the Pacific 2012 exercise and the construction of a solar farm at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, which produces more than 30 percent of the stations annual energy consumption.

"No one ever did anything big by being timid," said Mabus. "We have seen that the biggest changes have come when every Sailor and Marine buys into the idea of energy conservation."

Panelists and speakers presented various topics including expeditionary energy, energy in acquisition, international impacts, and industry perspectives. Key speakers included SECNAV, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs, Sharon Burke; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, Vice Adm. Phil Cullom; Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Lt. Gen. Richard Mills and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.