WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- October is Energy Action Month, an opportunity for Airmen to learn more about the impact of energy to the Air Force's mission as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy.

This year's theme, "I am Air Force Energy," puts the Airman at the center of the campaign. The goal is to inspire the total force to be more efficient so they can give the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace.

Beginning this month, the Air Force will highlight specific steps Airmen can take in their jobs to be more energy aware. More efficient flight decent procedures, new ways of loading cargo, and vehicle idle time reduction are just a few of the ways Airmen can help the Air Force achieve its energy goals and maximize its energy advantage to support the mission.

Activities during the month include on base energy days, training, facility versus facility energy competitions, videos, fact sheets and articles distributed via the Air Force website.

These efforts will share best practices and celebrate the innovative ideas and accomplishments of Airmen at all levels across the country and around the world who have reduced energy and water use and saved money.

"In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force saved more than $1.5 billion through smarter buildings, new technologies, and more efficient flight operations," said Eric Fanning, Acting Secretary of the Air Force. "The smart use of energy means flying our aircraft farther, transporting more cargo, and accomplishing our mission in a more efficient and effective way."

In fiscal 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy.

"Every gallon of fuel and watt of electricity we save allows us to have more resources to meet other Air Force priorities," said Kathleen Ferguson, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Logistics.

Hundreds of Airmen have gone above and beyond to help increase our energy security. A few examples include:

· The 509th CES Energy Team at Whiteman Air Force Base recently implemented an exciting lighting upgrade project. Existing 400-watt metal halide high-bay lights were replaced with energy efficient LED light fixtures. The new LED lights use 53 percent less energy per fixture while providing better and brighter quality light. Aircraft maintainers have been extremely pleased with this win-win project - saving energy while supporting the mission!

· U.S. Air Force Europe energy manager Kelly Jaramillo oversaw an energy program that included 46 projects that are estimated to save more than $5.5 million a year. She also implemented an energy awareness campaign that engaged the residents in Military Family Housing and helped them reduce energy consumption 25 percent and natural gas 17 percent.


Airmen are encouraged to take an online energy module available to all personnel on the Advanced Distance Learning System https://afcesa.csd.disa.mil.

Links for further information: http://www.af.mil/energyinitiatives/index.asp http://www.facebook.com/AirForceEnergy
http://www.facebook.com/WhitemanEnergyProgram
http://www.youtube.com/user/AFBlueTube