SAN DIEGO – Five years after Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus introduced his ambitious energy goals, the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) continues its energy conservation practices in time for Earth Day, April 22.
In October 2009, Mabus encouraged all commands, both afloat and ashore, to pave the way in improving energy efficiency and security by establishing conservation programs and fostering an energy-conscious environment.
Peleliu has since put in place measures and implemented methods of conserving natural resources, reducing emissions, and minimizing the use of fossil fuels. In 2013, Peleliu was able to burn 24 percent less fuel and use 11 percent less energy, on average, compared to other amphibious assault class ships.
”The more efficiently we run our plants, the more water we conserve, that’s less fuel that we have to use to make steam,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Edwin Sanchez, the ship’s oil king on board Peleliu. “If we keep our boilers and our plants tight and reintroduce the steam back into the basic steam cycle, we can continue to [conserve] energy.”
Peleliu’s engineering department plays a major role in the efficiency of the steam-powered ship ensuring main space equipment is working in a continuously economical configuration. A 24-hour log is maintained with each system and is used to help identify and correct possible problems, such as steam leaks.
“Maintenance is the cornerstone of efficiency for our boilers and our plants,” said Sanchez. “We have to be thorough in our inspections when we are aligning systems and make sure all our equipment is working properly.”
Peleliu’s crew is able to help the steam plant by ensuring sculleries and laundry services are used in moderation to save water and that air conditioning boundaries are constantly maintained. The navigation department and the bridge watch teams select optimum routes during underway transits in order to preserve fuel for mission-critical operations.
“It’s important that energy conservation practices become habits, part of the planning and execution of our daily operations,” said, Cmdr. Jamie Burts, Peleliu’s operations officer, in a recent interview with Currents, the Navy’s energy and environmental magazine. “Conserving energy will not only help us save money, which can then be used by our senior leaders to invest in other critical programs, but it will also allow us to spend valuable time and savings on more important combat capabilities, such as supporting the warfighter.”
Burts was recognized by Currents for his initiative in promoting energy conservation in the planning process of ship operations as well as encouraging junior personnel to develop effective efficiency habits.
It was this culmination of team effort that led to Peleliu receiving the SECNAV 2013 Energy Conservation Award for the large ship category awarded Oct. 29, 2013.
The crew of Peleliu was also thanked Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in a Navy-wide message announcing the 2013 energy conservation award winners, for executing comprehensive efficiency programs with senior-level command involvement, well-staffed and trained energy teams, aggressive awareness campaigns, innovative energy efficiency measures, and consistent reduction in energy consumption.
With the award, Peleliu is authorized to fly the SECNAV Energy flag for one year and was awarded $30,000 to continue implementing new energy saving measures and work towards the goal of a more efficient Navy.
Peleliu is conducting sea trials in preparation for a future deployment.