The Air Force needs to be smart about its energy consumption, both on the ground and in the air, said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. “As the largest energy user in the federal government, the Air Force must find ways to reduce our energy consumption, especially given the current economic environment,” they wrote Monday in a message to airmen marking the start of energy awareness month. The Air Force is committed to an energy posture that is “resilient, robust, and ready” to support global missions, they stated. The theme for October is “Power the Force-Fuel the Fight,” they said. “This theme seeks to highlight energy as a critical resource to our capabilities and reminds us to focus on the impact our day-to-day decisions have on the mission,” they stated. Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton told members of industry during an event Tuesday in Washington, D.C., that every dollar saved through alternative fuels and efficient energy consumption is another dollar available to ensure that airmen have the capabilities they need to succeed.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3