US Navy Puts Energy Initiatives on Display

Navy displays energy initiatives aboard USS Kearsrge 

The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) hosted the Senate Committee for Energy and Natural Resources and Chair of the Subcommittee on Water and Power, to discuss Navy and Marine Corps energy initiative programs.

The committee members toured exhibits showcasing new green technologies which will help the military conserve energy and improve consumption efficiency. Each exhibit provided a glimpse of environmentally friendly equipment that will enhance operational, tactical and fuel efficiency which is critical to the today's military.

"Energy is at the core of everything," said Senate staff member Charles F. Stanton. "With any company, even the Navy, we need to identify our weakness when it comes to energy. With events like this one we can see what new technologies are out there and implement them with today's military. It not only saves money but it is the right thing to do."

The members stopped at each booth, receiving demonstrations by technical experts on alternative fuels and information on programs that provide cleaner forms of energy to help make the military more self sufficient. With record oil prices and the ever-rising cost of energy, maintaining energy security is a priority in today's military.

"Our vessels are powered by fuel," said Rear Adm. Ann C. Phillips, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO. "So anything we can do as the Navy to provide efficiency and flexibility on how - and what - we use to provide that energy, is going to provide us with battle capabilities in the future."

The demonstrations educated the committee on energy saving technologies, which will improve operational readiness, lower mission cost, and decrease dependency on foreign oil.