Operation Free: Our Military Should Not Be Dependent on Foreign Oil
Posted: 07/12/2012 8:30 am
Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip is former Commander, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. where he was responsible for the operational readiness of 12th Air Force-gained wings of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, including an additional 18,800 personnel and more than 200 aircraft. He is also a surrogate for the energy security campaign Operation Free, a bi-partisan coalition of veterans from across the country.
The United States military has always served as a force for American innovation in its mission to keep America safe. That's why I am proud that the military is leading the way in developing new technologies to reduce its demand for oil.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has made it a top priority to diversify the Navy's energy portfolio by engaging in biofuels testing programs. Doing so will decrease the Navy's dependence on oil and strengthen our national security.
Next week in the Pacific Ocean, more than 25,000 American sailors and Marines will conduct one of the largest naval war games ever held. Along with grueling training under combat conditions, this will be an important test for critical new military technology: the fuel for the exercise itself. The Navy pilots will fly the world's most advanced combat aircraft up to twice the speed of sound -- powered by an American-made biofuel blend made from algae and recycled cooking oil.
Unfortunately, some members of Congress oppose these efforts. Rather than supporting the judgments of our military leaders who believe our dependence on oil poses a strategic threat to our national security, they want to shut the door on prudent measures that will reduce our dependence on oil and save lives.
To read the entire article go to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lt-gen-norman-r-seip/operation-free_b_1665199.html?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=Green
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