Guardians,
On Monday, Secretary Napolitano kicked off a week-long series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the DHS Efficiency Review program. The Coast Guard was featured several times during the event reflecting the great work that Captain Jerry Doherty, Chief of the Coast Guard's Efficiency Review Office, and his team are doing to meet the Secretary's goals.
Through the Efficiency Review program, the Secretary challenges all agencies, components, offices, and employees of the Department to coordinate efforts in finding ways to save money and avoid unnecessary costs. The overarching goal is to make lasting and meaningful improvements that will promote greater transparency and customer satisfaction in government, while bringing the different parts of the Department together.
Over the past year, Coast Guard units and members have responded to the Secretary's challenge by suggesting and implementing hundreds of initiatives, from simple common-sense reforms to longer-lasting systematic changes. We highlighted two of these initiatives at the ceremony:
1) The Small Boat Product Line, and LCDR Matt Lake and MKC Seth Eury (pictured with Secretary Napolitano, RDML Ostebo (CG-4) and Mr. Jeff Orner (CG-4d)), were honored for a series of initiatives that have increased the affordable readiness of the Coast Guard boat fleet.
2) The CG Yard and Mr. Rick Eschenbach (who was unable to attend the ceremony) were recognized during the broadcast for establishing the Renewable Energy Center, making use of methane gas waste generated from a nearby landfill to offset 50 percent of the total energy demand for the Yard.
As Guardians, it is part of our mission to be good stewards of the environment and the resources we have been entrusted with. Towards that end, the Efficiency Review is a valuable effort and I am proud of all the Coast Guard men and women who have contributed to its success.
