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USS Mitscher Sailors Think 'Green'

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081001-14
Release Date: 10/1/2008 4:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Grieco, Commander Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

USS MITSCHER, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) is thinking 'green' this October as the ship makes its transit across the Atlantic Ocean to participate in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior.

Sailors aboard Mitscher are exploring ways to conserve resources and contribute to a cleaner planet.

"One of the biggest pursuits in the Navy is the use of electric drive systems," said Lt. Robert Laird, Mitscher's chief engineer. "Right now on Mitscher we have gas turbine propulsion and gas turbine generators."

Laird said it can be difficult to balance the load between generating ship power and generating propulsion. But Laird said ships could potentially conserve energy by utilizing new technology to work alongside gas turbine engines.

"The electric drive would allow us to use smaller gas turbines than we have now," said Laird. "This would help save energy and resources."

Energy and resource management aren't the only environmental initiatives in today's greener Navy. Mitscher Sailors are pursing innovative ways to recycle resources that reach the end of their useful life cycle.

Mitscher's Supply Officer, Lt. Dan Vetsch, said the ship's engineering department received new filters recently and decided to recycle the old aluminum filter casings.

"Instead of just disposing them, we chose to take the casings to the aluminum recycling plant," said Vetsch. "With the money we received from recycling the casings, we raised nearly 3,000 dollars for MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation) that went back to benefit the crew."

Laird said involvement by deckplate Sailors is key to success with environmental stewardship.

"I would ask Sailors to speak up if they see something that can be done more efficiently," said Laird. "They are the ones who directly work with the ship's equipment every day and they're the ones who will shape the greener Navy of tomorrow."

Vetsch said he also believes Sailors play a significant role in conserving resources and protecting the environment.

"Just as Sailors must be vigilant in the global war on terrorism, they should also be sure to protect this green planet that humanity calls home," said Vetsch.

Led by Destroyer Squadron 24, Mitscher, USS Hawes (FFG 53), USS Doyle (FFG 39), USS Klakring (FFG 42), and USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) are underway in the Atlantic Ocean in preparation for exercise Joint Warrior.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.