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Naval Special Warfare Sailors Test 'Green Power' Initiatives for Deployed Units

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120313-17
3/13/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William S. Parker, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs

LITTLE CREEK, Va. (NNS) -- Seabees assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 are receiving training on solar-powered equipment this March at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

Sailors involved in the project said the equipment may be part of future NSW deployments and could reduce energy consumption by deployed units. The overall program is part of the secretary of the Navy's net-zero initiative on solar power management.

Solar powered refrigerators are being tested as a 'green' alternative to the current field units, which are powered by diesel generators, according to project organizers.

"Most camps in Afghanistan generate their electricity with diesel generators," said Chief Warrant Officer David Wolff, the officer in charge of the NSWG2 Combat Service Support Detachment. "The diesel generators require constant maintenance and refueling, and this solar powered refrigerator can be used in austere environments."

The Seabee crew also received training on the basic maintenance and specifications of the solar powered refrigerator such as the operating temperatures and how long it can run on one charge.

These green initiatives have safety benefits in a combat environment as well. Wolff said the new solar equipment can save lives by reducing the need to ship fuel by motor-vehicle convoys.

"The solar powered refrigerator is specifically designed for expeditionary camps and runs off of 100% green energy," said Wolff. "This will reduce the amount of fossil fuels used in a combat zone and will allow our expeditionary camps to be more self-sustained."

Seabees play critical roles in supporting Navy SEALs who deploy into combat zones with functional areas such as building and maintaining expeditionary camps, power generation, and ground mobility.