Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola was recently selected among several other commands as a 2017 recipient of the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Energy and Water Management Gold Award. Every year, the Secretary of the Navy recognizes Navy and Marine Corps installations, ships and squadrons for outstanding commitment to energy and water management. The awards are presented to those commands that have made notable progress toward the Department of the Navy (DON) goals to reduce energy and water consumption, increase use of renewable energy sources, and construct sustainable facilities. "Earning the SECNAV Energy and Water Gold Award is a wonderful feeling," said Sabrina Williams, NAS Pensacola National Energy Manager. "The Gold level of achievement indicates that NAS Pensacola has a very good to outstanding energy program. This is a great accomplishment for any installation with such magnitude." The DON Energy Program evaluates and classifies the overall energy and water management performance of each installation. Awardees are categorized according to SECNAV winners' as platinum, gold and blue level achievers. Since Williams assumed the role as the installation's energy manager in 2012, NAS Pensacola has received the SECNAV Energy and Water Gold Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. In 2015, the command received the SECNAV Energy and Water Platinum Large Shore Award. Energy plays a crucial role in the Department of the Navy's ability to provide the global presence needed to ensure stability, deter potential adversaries and present options in times of crisis. Installation-wide preventive maintenance performed by mechanics and vigilant building energy monitors who report energy leaks and display energy awareness materials in their respective buildings are some of the ways that a command can maintain its' energy-conscious effectiveness. "It is also very important for the consumer of energy at NAS Pensacola to be conscious of their expenditures," said Williams. "We encourage consumers to be mindful and if possible, purchase energy star equipment if their budget allows. For example, an LED light may be expensive however the longevity of usage will reduce the overall maintenance and/or repair cost." No matter the command, hurdles and difficulties will always be a minuscule deterrent to environmental energy consumption usage success. "Despite the obvious challenges and obstacles the energy team endures through climate changes which come about due to heating degree days and cooling degree days that can make a significant difference in the installation energy usage, we still maintain our stance on energy consumption," said Williams. "Even though this particular data can affect the overall energy reduction progress, it is still our responsibility as energy managers to stress energy awareness and encourage others to embrace an energy consumption-conscious culture." For more news on U.S. Department of the Navy Energy, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil.