Navy Installations Command (NIC) hosted the semi-annual Senior Engineering Steering Group (SESG) meeting Feb. 23, at the Washington Navy Yard to discuss strategic-level topics and synergies between reserve component (RC) facility programs, and to share lessons learned.

The SESG principals meet twice a year and are hosted on a rotational basis by one of the six RCs - Army National Guard and Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, and Navy Reserve.

The group consists of the RC headquarters-level senior (O-6) engineers responsible for each reserve component's facility programs. The purpose is to provide strategic oversight, and cross-component coordination and advice for RC facility programs to the assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs (ASD (M&RA)).

Commander, Navy Installations Command's Vice Adm. Dixon Smith welcomed the attendees to kick-off the session. He acknowledged the challenges for every branch of service, from the increased emphasis on physical security/ATFP standards for reserve facilities following the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Chattanooga shooting, to finding resources to better address facility inefficiencies.

NIC's Facilities and Environmental directorate (N4) is the Navy's principal representative to the SESG since NIC has ownership responsibilities for all the NOSCs and oversight on joint reserve facilities.

"The interaction with the different service senior engineers is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the tough challenges that we are all facing," said NIC Facilities and Environmental Director, Capt. Pete Lynch. "Discussing reduced budgets, strategies to protect our personnel against possible future attacks like the NOSC Chattanooga shooting and responding to the constant demand signal to reduce energy and increase the use of renewable alternatives while maximize third party financing opportunities - it was time well spent."

NIC Energy & Utilities Branch Head Cmdr. Jay Cavnar moderated a joint-service discussion on the Navy's Energy program for security and interdependence. The attendees discussed service and RC unique energy initiatives, challenges and opportunities including renewable energy projects. Navy shore installations have in procurement 1.1 gigawatts of renewable energy - or about one-half of overall Department of the Navy (DON) power requirements as of January 2016.

"Renewable energy projects at our facilities can help increase resiliency by enabling them to continue operations in the event of a commercial grid disruption," said Cavnar.

The Navy's shore energy initiatives also contribute to the Great Green Fleet (GGF), a yearlong, DON initiative that demonstrates the sea service's efforts to transform its energy use. Throughout 2016, other DON platforms including ships, aircraft, amphibious and expeditionary forces, as well as shore installations, are participating in the GGF by using energy efficient systems, operational procedures, and/or alternative fuel during the course of planned mission functions worldwide.

Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 52,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to support the Navy's fleet, Sailors and their families.

For more about the Navy's shore enterprise, visit: http://www.cnic.navy.mil

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.