This blog is being written as the Navy is conducting its final maritime alternative fuel test with Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 91 in Panama City, Fla., today, which achieved the Navy’s fastest maritime surface craft speed on algal fuel blend.
This [LCAC] demonstration directly supported the secretary of the Navy’s (SECNAV) focus on energy security through the use of alternative fuels, and by reducing – and eventually removing – the use of fossil fuels in the fleet. The biofuel used in this demonstration is a 50/50 blend of hydro-treated renewable diesel derived from algae oil and petroleum F-76.
The use of alternative fuels follows SECNAV’s call to create the “Great Green Fleet” by 2016. The Navy is already “Green” in many areas using biofuels in its ships, aircraft, and helicopters. This Navy initiative is working toward at least 50 percent of total energy consumption by Navy vessels coming from alternative sources and utilizing more flex fuel and hybrid fuel/electric vehicles.
As long as the sea meets the land, as long as there’s a United States Navy to deter in a time of peace and win in a time of war, there will be the need to push a strike force from sea to land. History has long proven that a country that favors one strategy to fight is typically beaten by an enemy that chooses to take advantage of the weakness inherent. YOUR Navy is a balanced force able to do it all in a moments notice – Anytime, anywhere, and on target – just a bit faster than the Army and a little more capable than the Air Force!
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This is an updated version of a previously posted blog. Revisions made December 13, 2011.