Whiteman AFB dedicated to energy initiatives

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Not a day goes by when we don't rely on energy. It is nearly impossible not to use energy as part of our daily life; however, it is possible to limit the amount we consume.

While Whiteman AFB is seeing substantial growth, it is not stopping Jack Allen, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron energy base manager and Andrea Goodson, 509th CES chief of asset optimization, from supporting the Air Force's energy goals.

The duo is responsible for assessing future and current energy projects, tracking energy consumption and recognizing new solutions for projects to help save energy.

"Our goal is to implement cost-effective energy conservation measures while supporting the base's mission," Allen said.

The base energy manager also works to promote efficiency and reduce costs as much as possible without jeopardizing mission capabilities or reducing the quality of life for Department of Defense personnel.

Another part of their job is to optimize energy use and emphasize to the base populace the economic and environmental importance of energy conservation. The energy team continually works to investigate new opportunities to find cost savings and strategically plan for future projects.

The most recent project the pair is overseeing is the replacement of existing overhead lighting in the B-2 Spirit docks with energy efficient light bulbs which began Feb. 15.

"As a result of installing new lighting in the B-2 docks a 45 percent energy savings is expected," Allen said.

"The old lights were becoming a foreign-object debris hazard," said Goodson. "The new lights are instant-on T5 High Output Fluorescent Lighting Technology. They are more energy efficient and produce better quality light."

As part of the project the dock floors will be cleaned and repainted to improve light reflection and make it easier for Airmen to work while they maintain the aircraft, according to Allen.

"We tied a mission need in with the energy program to capture the energy focus fund and set aside money to help the mission," Allen said. "It will produce a better and brighter light for the maintainers."

As the population rises, the pair recommends and encourages everyone to do their part to reduce energy consumption where they can.

For more information on how to conserve, log on to www.energysavers.gov or contact the base energy manager at 660-687-4936 or search Air Force Energy Program via Facebook.