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News | Jan. 7, 2025

DOD invests $90M in hydrofluorocarbons to support military operations

By Amy Perry, DLA Aviation Public Affairs

The Department of Defense has made a significant investment in hydrofluorocarbons, a crucial component in various military applications, including air conditioning systems, refrigeration and fire suppression.

The $90 million investment will enable the Defense Logistics Agency to stockpile HFCs, which are essential for supporting military operations worldwide.

According to Brian M. Howard, the Department of Defense Ozone Depleting Substances Program Manager, the investment is a response to the American Innovation & Manufacturing Act, which regulates the production and consumption levels of HFCs. The AIM Act aims to reduce the environmental impact of HFCs, which have a high global warming potential.

The DLA's ODS Program Office, currently managed with four government full-time employees and a dedicated contractor at DLA Aviation, will manage the HFC inventory. The office will add two new government employees to its team to assist with managing the additional products.

Howard praised his team, consisting of retired military personnel and a former law enforcement officer, for their dedication and commitment to supporting the warfighter.

"I could not ask for a stronger, more dedicated group of people to work with," he said. "We all understand what it is like being on the front lines, and that drives all of us to do whatever is required to see that the Warfighter's needs are met."

The HFC storage facility will be established in phases, with the initial phase utilizing a vacant DLA Distribution facility in Richmond. The DLA will continue to supply HFCs to its military customers through the Industrial Gas Program, but the new repository will provide a secure and reliable source of HFCs for future needs.

HFCs are used in various military applications, including air conditioning systems, refrigeration, and fire suppression. The military services and government agencies rely on these systems to maintain operational readiness and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

The DLA's ODS Program Office also manages the Ozone Depleting Substances Reserve, which includes finite inventory of ODS that are no longer produced or imported. The ODS are used in similar applications as HFCs, including air conditioning systems, refrigeration, fire suppression, and precision cleaning. The ODS Program Office ensures that excess or used ODS are returned and reclaimed to specifications, making them available for issue again.

The storage facilities for both HFCs and ODS are secure and protected by the DLA Police force. The ODS Program's dedicated support contractor conducts regular visual and electronic leak detection to ensure the safe handling and storage of these gases.

The investment in HFCs marks a significant step towards ensuring the continued support of military operations while reducing the environmental impact of these substances. As the military services and government agencies transition to alternative technologies, the DLA's ODS Program Office will play a critical role in managing the phase-out of ODS and the introduction of new, more environmentally friendly substances.