n Next generation nuclear power is a long-
term ( 15+ year) option requiring further
investigation and consideration.
n The commercial sector utilizes a spare
transformer exchange program called
STEP. The Air Force has a formalized
program for generators but not yet for
transformers.
n A follow-on symposium is needed to further
delineate the mid- and long-term options of
back-up generation. Additionally, engineering
and technical scenarios and solutions need
to be explored and addressed.
locations during a localized disaster as well
as promulgating guidance on teleworking
in the event that personnel are not able to
report to work.
n COOPs are not always adequately
exercised on an annual basis.
n Mission-essential personnel do not
always understand their full roles and
responsibilities.
Communications
n The server systems on a portion of the
base are on back-up generation, but the air
conditioning system which cools the server
system is not.
n There is no way to ventilate this facility naturally
or with fans/blowers. Therefore, there is a high
probability of loss of some communications in
the event of a power outage.
Emergency Authorities
n There are emergency authorities (ex: 1950
Defense Production Act) that may support
local utilities when restoring power to a
government installation. This may expedite
repairs or installation of new power lines
to the installation, voiding right-of-way and
easement requirements. Further investigation
of these authorities is necessary.
An after-action report is currently in
development to capture all the gaps and
seams identified during WG11. In addition, the WG11 team is developing a WG11
playbook or exercise template. This template will serve as a guide for other bases
to perform their own exercises, ultimately
to help them determine how they would
sustain their missions during an extended
power outage.
From the 2003 blackout impacting the
northeastern United States and Canada to
the recent extreme weather conditions that
struck the continental United States, the
above scenario is not out of the realm of
possibilities. Exercising these contingency
scenarios on an annual basis will help
ensure energy security and assurance for
continued mission operations.
v
Col. Douglas P. Wise is the chief civil
engineer operations division, directorate
of communications, installations, and mission support with HQ Air Force Materiel
Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, Ohio. He directs a 34-person professional staff
responsible for implementing higher headquarters directives; developing major command guidance and policy;
and providing command-wide program oversight pertaining to base engineering support, facilities energy, fire and
emergency services, readiness and emergency management; and explosive ordinance disposal operations.
