The Air Force leadership is kicking off Fiscal 2011 with a new service-wide theme entitled “a new culture: energy as an operations enabler.” Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz introduced this to airmen in a letter that urges them to reduce energy demand, increase supply, and change the service’s energy culture. “In order to meet our strategic energy goals, we must continue to instill energy efficiency and conservation into our daily routines within our aviation and our installation communities,” reads the Sept. 30 missive. Achieving these goals will require “sustained effort, a systematic approach, determined leadership, and a firm commitment from all of us,” it states. Among the benefits, funding may be freed up for other USAF priorities through greater energy efficiency, it notes. The service’s previous theme, the Year of the Air Force Family, formally concluded in July.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.