Members of the 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., have completed installing a solar energy system that they say will measurably cut the base’s energy consumption. The system is a 12-foot-high canopy of photovoltaic panels that covers the base’s north-side parking lot. Los Angeles is home to the Space and Missile Systems Center. The solar panels have a five-degree western tilt to maximum the effect of the afternoon sun. The energy that they collect will be used to power everything from the lighting in the base’s facilities, to their heating and cooling systems, and computer systems. Reducing the base’s energy costs will allow base funding to be spent on ways to improve the quality of life for airmen and civilian employees at the base. (Los Angeles report by P. A. Tezuka)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.