Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Future Fuels Assistant Secretary of the Navy

The challenge "Unleash us from the tether of fuel," came from Lt. Gen. James Mattis, USMC, Commanding General of Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC), and his Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) experience as CG of First Marine Division. As a near-term response, the panel determined that the fuel tether remains, but found a way to lengthen it (Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology) and untangle it (dynamic fuel management) The Marine Corps must commit to the development of the hybrid electric architecture for tactical wheeled vehicles and the development of sensor and communications systems to enable operational commanders to manage fuel allocation and re-supply in real-time during combat operations. The Panel recommends that DOD commit now to procuring manufactured liquid hydrocarbons for the long term at lower than current market price, to encourage commercial financing, push technology and help motivate the building of the necessary manufacturing and distribution infrastructure.