LRS, Eglin strive to save energy with vehicle fleet Published Sept. 2, 2009 By David W. Ritchson 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force is preparing to launch its FY10 Energy Awareness Campaign. This year's theme is "Energy Solutions Fueling the Mission." As the largest consumer of fuel in the federal government, the Air Force has a tremendous stake in conservation efforts. Published EPA Acts and Executive Orders coupled with Air Force and AFMC policies all direct specific actions by Air Force personnel to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Lt. Col. Chris Holmes, 96th Logistics Readiness commander, is charged with ensuring units assigned here comply with vehicle fuel conservation directives. "There are two area organizations from across Team Eglin that can help us meet Air Force policy and fuel conservation efforts," Colonel Holmes said. "Specifically, they should adhere to Air Force vehicle acquisition policies and institutionalize a few simple techniques to reduce fuel consumption on a daily basis." Because of the diverse and unique mission here, users are required to lease various types of vehicles on a very frequent basis. The first thing users need to understand is all vehicle lease requests must be processed through the 96 LRS," Colonel Holmes said. "The 96 LRS validates the request, ensures there are no vehicles already available to support the specific requirement, and then processes the request for approval, either locally or at command, depending on the request." Additionally, the 96 LRS is ensuring vehicles are requested in the following priority: alternate fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and vehicles equipped with a gasoline powered engines as a last choice. This methodology applies to all vehicle sizes and types and must be adhered to by all Air Force units. There are 2,000 vehicles assigned to Eglin to aid units with completing their missions. That is the largest vehicle fleet in the CONUS and the third largest vehicle fleet in the Air Force. Vehicles accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles annually and use more than 700,000 gallons of fuel. That is a tremendous amount of ground fuel costing the Air Force a lot of money, Colonel Holmes said. "Vehicle operators can help conserve fuel and help Team Eglin become the premier installation for energy conservation." The following tips are published Air Force policy for government vehicle users. First, all units must eliminate unnecessary idling of vehicles in order to reduce fuel consumption, fuel costs, engine wear, maintenance costs, and emissions. This applies to all types/sizes of vehicles and all units across the Air Force. Next, trips should be consolidated to the maximum extent possible to reduce miles/hours vehicles are operated. Further, when vehicle operators have a choice in which vehicle to use, they should choose the most fuel efficient vehicle available to accomplish the mission. And finally, vehicle tire pressures should be maintained to manufacturer specification at all times to conserve fuel. Following these simple steps will aid in ensuring Eglin meets the spirit and intent of the Air Forces policy on vehicle energy conservation.