Beale AFB, Calif., has been selected to be the lead site for the Air Force’s Resilient Energy Demonstration Initiative, which looks to bolster USAF’s energy assurance and mitigate threats to critical infrastructure. Experts from the Air Force, Department of Energy, and others will conduct a site visit and assessment on May 3 and the REDI team will begin implementing a plan for cost effective, cleaner power by the end of 2016, according to an April 28 release. The goal is for the Beale-based team to develop “innovative energy resiliency technologies and business models” that can then be deployed throughout the Air Force, states the release. Air Combat Command boss Gen. Hawk Carlisle said Beale was selected “because of its critical missions, the opportunity to collaborate with regional industry and government partners leading the way in resilient energy solutions, and the leadership and experience of Beale’s team.” Once a plan is in place, the REDI team will issue a request for information to industry to see what solutions are available, states the release. Beale is home to the U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and the Pave Paws early warning radar system. (See also: Building the FOB of the Future.)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
