SOUTH CHINA SEA - USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) crew recently completed the Maintenance Material Management Inspection (3MI) and is now in the process of implementing more energy efficient lighting throughout the ship.

This effort is part of the U.S. Navy's Great Green Fleet initiative, highlighting efficient and alternative energy use to boost combat effectiveness, maximize strategic options, and better protect Sailors and Marines.

Energy efficient lighting is one measure used to increase operational capability.

The ship's emergency lights, known as battle lanterns, currently use incandescent bulbs, but are being converted to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to reduce energy consumption, maintenance hours and waste.

LEDs consume less energy and have a longer life span than incandescent or fluorescent lighting. While incandescent light bulbs have a lifespan of 100 hours of use, LED bulbs are rated for 100,000 hours of service life, "effectively making the upgrade to the LED assembly a one-time purchase," said Chief Electrician's Mate Joey Crow, John C. Stennis' electrical safety chief, from Victoria, Texas.

LEDs have also been linked to reduced maintenance accidents and injuries because of the longer lifespan and decreased maintenance requirements.

Additionally, John C. Stennis Sailors are making the switch to rechargeable batteries for the battle lanterns to further reduce waste and maintenance requirements, according to Lt. Mike Berberich, from Milan, Illinois, John C. Stennis' electrical officer.

"Switching over to more energy efficient equipment will reduce costs and decrease maintenance in the long run," said Berberich. "The bulbs will also last longer in an emergency situation because of their reduced energy consumption."

The new LED assembly provides 30 hours of continuous light before draining its batteries, said Crow.

Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, John C. Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment.