NAVFAC conducts testing aboard Combat Center

Photo By Cpl. Thomas Mudd | Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center evaluates a variety of products during testing for more efficient tent and environmental control units at Camp Wilson, Sept. 7, 2016.  

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

09.07.2016

Story by Cpl. Thomas Mudd 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center conducted testing for an energy efficient shelter project at Camp Wilson aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 29 through Sept. 9, 2016.
NAVFAC held the test to determine which combination of products are the most effective and resource-efficient for use in the operating forces.
“We have been out here since last Monday conducting a series of tests to determine if there are new tent covers and liners that can produce longer lasting effects on the coolness of the tents,” said Robert Johnston, mechanical engineer, NAVFAC Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center. “Now, we are testing four different [environmental control units] in an attempt to determine if one is more effective than another in a controlled environment. We are also testing the effectiveness of the new digital generators currently being used with the ECUs to determine how much fuel is required to run these units.”
The tests began with nine tents to determine which was the most effective with the current ECU used by the Navy and Marine Corps. During the first week, a new type of liner, insulated liners and the standard configuration were tested on three sets of three tents. Within each group, one tent was outfitted with camouflage netting, one with a new shade and one without either.
“These kinds of tests help produce a situation where we can increase the endurance of the Marines utilizing these tools,” said Earl Childs, program manager, Pacific Rim Defense. “By reducing the amount of fuel and resources used, we can cut down the amount of convoys sent out to restock them. By cutting down on those convoys, we help reduce the amount of people that could potentially be injured while riding in a convoy.”
The results of the tests will be used by Marines while training as a method of testing the products in an operational environment to determine which combination is the most efficient for the Navy and Marine Corps as a whole.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2016
• Date Posted: 09.08.2016 18:49
• Story ID: 209112
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US