Leaders Look To Cut Dependence On Foreign Oil
Secretary of the Air Force Michael
W. Wynne welcomed members of the energy industry to the Air Force
Energy Forum in Arlington, VA last week.
"The interesting thing that we are looking for in the Air Force
is to actually change the environment that we operate in so that we
can operate from a position of ultimate strength, knowing full well
that our economy and our industry, as well as ourselves are working
from domestic resources," said Secretary Wynne.
Also participating in the forum were representatives from the
Departments of Defense, Army, Navy and Energy. as well as the
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture and the
Federal Aviation Administration.
"I'm proud to say the Air Force leads the way in using
alternative and renewable energy sources and finding new ways to
conserve," said Secretary Wynne. "But, as anyone with a tough boss
knows, that's great, but, "What have you done for me lately?"
To that end, Secretary Wynne said the Air Force is testing
synthetic fuels in order to move towards being self reliant for
energy sources, because of the fluctuating oil prices and rise in
fuel costs in the last few years.
"The forum will focus on energy issues from both the supply and
demand side, as it relates to infrastructure, vehicles and
aircraft," said Secretary Wynne.
The secretary discussed his vision to create a culture where
Airmen incorporate energy consideration into everything they do.
His September Letter to Airmen focused on energy conversation and
is now incorporated into Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st
Century.
"Under the auspices of AFSO 21, I have asked every Airman to
make energy a priority and to bring ideas forward on how we can be
more energy efficient," said the secretary.
The secretary urged all Airmen to make energy a priority and to
work closely with the Air Force's outside partners.
Three of those partners followed Secretary Wynne. Each one
discussed reasons to move toward a cleaner and self-reliant energy
program in the US. They included the Honorable Marion C. Blakey,
administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; George Muellner,
president, Advanced Systems and The Boeing Company; and Daniel
Yering, chairman, Cambridge Energy Research Associates were the
other panelists.
(Aero-News salutes Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young, Air Force
Print News)