NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) sailed into New Orleans April 23 to showcase its warfighting and humanitarian assistance capabilities during public ship tours as part of New Orleans Fleet Week.
Beyond the ship's formidable mission capabilities, Wasp has a wide range of energy and environmental efficiency systems aboard.
A stern flap was installed along with upgrades to the ship's outdated combat systems that were completed in November. The stern flap makes the ship's hull more hydrodynamic, reducing drag and saving significant fuel while underway. The ship also sports a combustion trim loop system that optimizes the fuel-air mixture for the ship's boilers and improves crew safety; a variable speed drive port use fan that matches airflow with boiler loads; and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, all of which contribute to the ship's energy efficiency and improve underway time.
"The Navy is constantly researching and implementing ways to be more energy efficient and we want to highlight that mission in any way possible," said Capt. Kurt Kastner, USS Wasp commanding officer. "If you tour the ship, we have a static display sponsored by the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division (N45). You'll be able to see and hear about the initiatives the Navy is taking to be more energy efficient, and more environmentally conscious."
Representatives from N45 are aboard the ship at Julia Pier, Port of New Orleans April 24-27 with exhibits that highlight Navy efforts to become more energy efficient, enhance combat capability through technology and workforce training and protect the world's ecosystems. The N45 displays highlight the Navy's Energy Warrior campaign and describe Navy environmental initiatives such as marine mammal research, shipboard management of plastics and other materials at sea, and using technology and best practices to keep oil out of the ocean and manage chemicals for ship maintenance.
New Orleans Fleet Week enables the general public to meet Sailors and Marines, learn about life aboard ships, and better understand the capabilities of the Department of the Navy.
To learn more about the Navy's energy and environmental programs, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/home .
People and naval commands with innovative energy ideas can send information to energywarrior@navy.mil.
For more news from Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/n45/.