JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville's Aviation Survival Training Center (ASTC) steam heating system was replaced Aug. 4 with a new solar thermal and natural gas system which will dramatically reduce the command's utility expenditures. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Works Department (PWD) Project Manager Nick Bloomer said the new system consists of 168 flat-plate, solar-thermal collectors on the roof of the ASTC Jacksonville building which are interconnected with an efficient, natural-gas-fired heating system.

LAS VEGAS (AFNS) -- Two senators addressed Nevada Forum attendees here Aug. 25 to laud the Air Force for its leadership in green initiatives and offer support in finding safe, compatible ways to continue renewable energy without impeding military training missions.

ANNAPOLIS (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy in conjunction with the governor of Maryland hosted the Maryland Chesapeake Bay base commander's conference at the U.S. Naval Academy Aug. 25. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley were joined by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and commanders of military installations in the Chesapeake Bay region. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest and most biologically diverse estuary in the United States. According to the Chesapeake Bay Project website, the region is home to oysters, more than 350 fish species, hundreds of migratory bird species, approximately 418 million blue crabs and 17 million people.

LAS VEGAS (AFNS) -- The undersecretary of the Air Force and representatives from government, industry and the Department of Defense kicked off the three-day Nevada Forum here Aug. 24 to brainstorm ideal ways to blend military missions with renewable energy projects.

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- An honor three years in the making, Lackland AFB was recently named a recipient of the San Antonio Business Journal's 2010 Going Green award, distinguishing the installation from a pool of about 100 nominated local businesses. In an Aug. 13 Business Jounral article, Lackland AFB was highlighted, along with 16 other San Antonio businesses, for its conscientious efforts to save the planet.