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)

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