Energy availability costs and security are at the forefront of the challenges faced by our Nation, Department of Defense, and Navy. Energy is essential for developing and employing our combat capability in support of National Defense. The cost of energy needed to complete Navy missions is becoming more volatile and less secure. Both price volatility and supply predictability are strategic concerns since Navy operational flexibility and sustainability are linked directly to our access to energy. High energy costs siphon away resources that can be used to procure Force Structure and to train and equip our Sailors. The potential for disruption of fuel supplies threatens our ability to perform in the battle space and the vulnerability of energy supplies to our facilities puts our ability to support our deployed forces at risk. Additionally, there are numerous current and prospective regulatory and legislative mandates related to energy and climate change.
Ashore and afloat efforts shall be focused across three cross functional tasks; physical and strategic security, research and development, and policy/doctrine. The overarching strategy will conserve energy, develop alternative energy options, and secure energy distribution.
The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (CNO N4) will lead efforts to develop a Navy Energy Strategy using a governance structure comprised of Working Groups, a coordinating Energy Transition Office, and an Executive Steering Committee.
The Navy Energy Coordination Office (NECO) has been established to support Task Force Energy and to coordinate the overall Navy Energy strategy. Specifically, NECO is responsible for supporting energy efficiency, conservation, and alternative energy investments for Navy tactical (maritime, aviation, and expeditionary) and shore forces, developing a comprehensive Navy energy strategy, and coordinating with Naval Systems Commands to ensure programs are effectively implemented. NECO resides in the CNO’s Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, under CNO N4.
