Naval Energy Forum 2011: Smart Energy Choices Can Save Lives, Improve Combat Capability
The Navy held its 3rd annual Naval Energy Forum Oct. 13-14 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington.
Highlighted were energy efficient technologies and alternative energy sources that enhance combat capability of warfighters and improve energy security for the Department of the Navy (DON) and the nation.
The forum, hosted by DON with help from the National Defense Industrial Association, brought together energy experts from DON, industry, and academia to explore the importance of energy as a combat enabler and strategic advantage, especially in the pursuit of national energy security and independence.
"When it comes to energy, everything we're doing is to make us better warfighters and more secure," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Energy conservation and efficiency increase our combat range and endurance."
His message was echoed by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert. "Energy translates to warfighting now and it translates in the future," said Greenert. We are making tangible progress on the [energy] challenge the Secretary has given us.
PHOTO: Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert delivers the keynote speach at the Naval Energy Forum at the Ronald Reagan Building. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon E. Renfroe/Released)
Greenert also emphasized that in light of budget challenges ahead that it is important to be judicious with all resources. "We have to be deliberate and disciplined and continue moving forward," said Greenert. "We are entering a time of judiciousness in just about everything we do. We need to be judicious with people's time, with people, with money and with energy."
The distinguished list of speakers addressed a wide variety of energy issues that impact DON and the nation, such as retooling the existing fleet for better energy efficiency, changing the culture to a more frugal Spartan mindset that values energy as a vital resource, mandating energy efficient acquisitions, and seeking game-changing solutions that enhance energy security.
Some of the other distinguished speakers included Dr. Arun Majumdar, director, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy; Tom Vilsack, secretary of Agriculture; James Hornfischer, New York Times Best-selling author; Adm, John C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Vinod Khosla, Khosla Ventures; and Tom Hicks, deputy, assistant secretary of the Navy.
Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director, Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, and director, Task Force Energy, summarized the event. "This Forum was about taking an unflinching look at our new and enduring energy reality, a reality driven by volatile global forces that demand innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges, both today and in the future.
"There's still time to get it right and secure our energy future, but no one group-not the military-and not industry- can do it alone. We must leverage our combined skills and resources and form an enduring synergy. Each of us must continue doing our part-becoming modern-day Spartan energy warriors, in perpetuity. In doing so, we will successfully confront our energy challenges as a Navy, as a government, and as a nation. Nothing less than our future depends on it."
For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/local/cno/.
Source: U.S. Navy