Air Force Leaders Explore Ways to Conserve Fuel

Special to American Forces Press Service

Jan. 4, 2007 – Air Force leaders are looking at ways to conserve fuel without interfering with mission readiness and ongoing military operations around the world in support of the war on terror. Leaders from all the major Air Force commands met here recently to explore how to reduce fuel consumption through simulation, aircraft training, logistics efficiencies, scheduling, acquisition and technology developments and flying operation, said Col. Anne Dunlap, Air Force Conduct Air, Space and Cyber Operations core team leader at the Pentagon.

As the Department of Defense's greatest fuel consumer, the Air Force must examine every aspect of fuel consumption while maintaining its core competencies and power-projection capabilities, she said.

" The group used Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century techniques during the event, looking at the Air Force vision for fuels efficiency, goals for air operations and barriers to success to build a game plan for how to best conserve fuel efficiently and effectively.

Dunlap said AFSO 21, which standardizes work practices to eliminate waste, works best when used continually to improve processes.

"Certainly, Air Force fuel conservation awareness must filter down to the lowest organizational level," Dunlap said, "and become part of every airman's daily activities."

All airmen are encouraged to submit their ideas for conserving fuel by email to afa35.casco@pentagon.af.mil, she said..

"The team's vision states it best:aircraft are extremely expensive to operate," Dunlap said. "Fuel is a vital national resource and the Air Force is committed to save every ounce without degrading overall effectiveness or readiness."

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