President marries green proposals with national defense strategies

President Barack Obama on March 31 announced plans to use energy initiatives to improve national security, while simultaneously praising the Defense Department’s progress and imploring DOD to help wean the United States from its foreign oil dependency.

“The Pentagon isn’t seeking these alternative fuels just to protect our environment; they are pursuing these homegrown energy sources to protect our national security,” Obama said, speaking at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington, just outside D.C. “This is particularly relevant to all of you who are serving in uniform.”

The session was rife with symbolism, including the “Green Hornet” – a modified F-18 the Navy hopes will be the first aircraft the break the sound barrier powered by alternative fuel – and a light-armored vehicle currently being tested for use with biofuels.

Obama lauded DOD efforts, pointing at the stated goal of Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to employ 50 percent alternative fuel in all airplanes, vehicles and ships by the next decade, as well as the $2.7 billion set aside for energy efficiency in the 2010 defense budget.

“The Air Force is also testing jet engines using biofuels and had the first successful biofuels-powered test flight last week,” he said. leadership.