Operational fuel requirements and strategic planning were the priorities of the 18th annual Joint Petroleum Seminar held in the McNamara Headquarters Complex at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Jan. 14-16.
Defense Logistics Agency Energy hosted the three-day seminar for members of the military petroleum community to collaborate and plan for current, future and emerging energy needs in the joint petroleum arena.
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller provided opening remarks and encouraged the more than 120 attendees to listen, learn and join forces to ensure DLA Energy is doing all it can to support Warfighters.
The group received high-level briefings on petroleum initiatives across the globe; engaged in logistical discussions on forecasting, inventory management and equipment sustainment, restoration and modernization; and learned about worldwide petroleum capabilities and resources available.
The annual face-to-face interaction between DLA Energy headquarters, regional commands, service components and combatant command representatives provides a unique opportunity to build relationships and understanding in ways technology cannot support.
Doug Thomas, coordinator for the seminar and bulk fuels program manager for DLA Energy Strategic Policy and Programs Directorate, said the seminar helps to get everyone operating on the same page.
“Hearing the different command briefs and how their fuel needs interrelate with DLA Energy – both in the field and at headquarters – as well as talking about our reports for forecasting fuel requirements is important,” he said.
Two distinguished guests from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment spoke to attendees – Lisa Jung, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, and Michael McAndrew, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Facilities Management.
“My goal is to build partnerships with the DLA Energy and the combatant commands,” Jung said. “I want to be a big advocate for investment into an integrated energy strategy.”
Participants said they found the seminar informative and educational.
“It was a great opportunity to renew networks and see the challenges and innovations faced in other regions,” said Rob Lyon, DLA Energy Americas at Houston operations officer.
“The conference was great,” said Stanley Burns, DLA Energy Americas at Houston quality assurance representative. “I learned about new initiatives the commanders are setting forth in the different regions.”
Next year, coordinators are planning to get a larger meeting space to accommodate more attendees and increase interagency coordination.
“Fuel is what makes us joint,” Thomas said. “Everyone needs it, and the goal is getting the right amount of fuel to the right spot in support of both stakeholders and customers.”