102nd Intelligence Wing to hold Microgrid ribbon cutting ceremony at Otis ANG Base this Wednesday

CAPE COD, MA, UNITED STATES

08.24.2018

Story by Timothy Sandland 

102nd Intelligence Wing   

The 102nd Intelligence Wing will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the initial operating capability of the installation’s newly completed, energy independent microgrid system on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 10:00 a.m.

Attending the event will be the Honorable John W. Henderson, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy and the Honorable Matthew A. Beaton, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Otis Microgrid provides for an energy capability almost exclusively based on renewable energy while ensuring a high-level of grid security. In addition to providing energy resiliency for the 102nd Intelligence Wing’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission, it increases value to the Air Force and National Guard as well as state and Federal government through revenue and research opportunities for the energy industry. The Otis Microgrid reduces reliance on fossil fuels and takes advantage of wind power. The energy security and resiliency provided by the microgrid is critical to the 24/7 mission of the 102nd Intelligence Wing.

The project came to realization in the form of a $6 million grant from the Defense Department's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program in 2015. ESTCP is the DoD's technology demonstration and validation program established to promote environmentally-friendly projects that demonstrate the most innovative and cost-effective technologies and methods that address high-priority environmental requirements. Projects conduct formal demonstrations at DoD facilities, in operational settings, to document and validate improved performance and cost savings.

Since breaking ground, a number of military, government and civilian organizations have been involved in the design, planning and implementation of the system. Civil engineer and communications Airmen from the 102 IW and Reserve Soldiers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, teamed up with technicians and engineers from companies such as Raytheon, to ensure the project came together efficiently and effectively.

The 102nd Intelligence Wing performs intelligence processing, exploitation and dissemination by analyzing and interpreting information from manned and unmanned reconnaissance aircraft as well as signals within the cyberspace domain; transforming this material into decision quality intelligence. This information is distributed rapidly across the globe for use in the planning and execution of operations. Our communications engineering and installation mission plans, designs and installs critical communications infrastructure, wherever and whenever needed. Support missions like security and medical ensure the 102nd Intelligence Wing’s people, infrastructure, and facilities fully mission capable, prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

This event is open to the media. All media representatives interested in attending must register with the 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs office by emailing [e-mail]. Media will use the Gibbons Gate and arrive by 9:00 a.m.

Google Maps Location
https://goo.gl/maps/sdhyduHevuo

Directions to Gibbons Gate, Otis Air National Guard Base
1. From Interstate 495 South: Proceed to the Bourne Bridge and cross over the Cape Cod Canal.
2. Take Route 28 South from the Rotary at the Bourne Bridge in the direction of Falmouth.
3. Approximately seven miles south of the Bourne Rotary take the MA-151 East exit toward Mashpee/North Falmouth.
4. After approximately 5 miles, at the traffic light, turn left onto Sandwich Road.
5. Follow for approximately one half mile to turn left onto Simpkins Road.
6. Proceed to the Gibbons Gate where you will be met by a base official.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2018
• Date Posted: 08.24.2018 15:04
• Story ID: 290241
• Location: CAPE COD, MA, US