Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment

When budgets are tight, leaders have two choices: cut corners or get creative. The Department of the Navy (DON) is choosing the latter, arming installation management teams with the tools they need to think outside the box. ? This week, military and civilian personnel gathered at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, for a critical educational workshop focused on Title 10 authorities. These aren’t just academic exercises. They’re real-world training sessions designed to help our Navy and Marine Corps installations maximize resources, leverage partnerships, and drive solutions for infrastructure and readiness. ? For two decades, the Navy and Marine Corps have been forced to make tough calls on where to take financial risks. Too often, that’s meant deferring maintenance, delaying sustainment, and hoping for the best. But hope is not a strategy. That’s why Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Facilities Brenda Johnson-Turner developed this educational workshop series, and is leading the charge to equip installation planners with the knowledge they need to secure funding through innovative means, real estate agreements, intergovernmental support, energy solutions, and more. ? This isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about ensuring our bases remain mission-ready for the long haul. More training is on the way, with the DON hosting additional Title 10 workshops in April and May 2025 to train over 300 installation support personnel this year. ? When Congress gives the military tools to strengthen our warfighting foundation, it’s on us to use them.

I couldn’t be prouder of the work of the EI&E team, and we had so much fun celebrating the accomplishments in the portfolio and the people who make it happen. From maximizing our authorities to increase resilience, training opportunities, and readiness for our forces, cutting-edge research and policy to advance our energy security and advantage, to enhancing tribal and community partnerships so that we can protect mission and values, and doing it all safely and sustainably – it is in EI&E that we form the foundation and enhance the end-state. Congratulations to a capable team making a difference for the Department of the Navy and the Nation.

?? New Article Alert: CSO Serial Six – Tackling Technical Debt In my latest article, I dive into CSO Serial Six, the Department of the Navy’s newest sustainability directive. This initiative focuses on modernizing outdated systems and mitigating technical debt to strengthen mission readiness. Here’s what I cover: ? Cyber resilience exercises to enhance security ? Sustainable cooling technologies to optimize energy and water use ? Modern IT infrastructure for faster, more reliable operations ? E-waste management to protect our environment It’s more than IT modernization—it’s about safeguarding our people, missions, and planet.

At Camp Pendleton, we celebrated a powerful partnership between the Department of Defense, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the monarch butterfly and preserve vital habitats. ?? The Marines at Camp Pendleton are leading the way—proactively managing over 125,000 acres of land, six major stream drainages, and 17 miles of undeveloped coastline. These efforts support Camp Pendleton’s 19 federally listed threatened and endangered species and demonstrate how mission readiness and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. This collaboration reflects a hopeful future for the monarch butterfly and federally listed threatened and endangered species. It’s proof that when we come together—DoD, Interior, FWS, and committed local leadership—we can strengthen ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and ensure these lands support our mission and the environment for future generations.

Balancing national security with environmental responsibility is no small task. ? The Hawaii-California Training and Testing (HCTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas (EIS) offers a deep look at how we can conduct at-sea military activities off Hawaii and California with care, transparency, and respect for marine life and cultural resources. Public input shapes our path forward. This January, join us for in-person meetings in California and Hawaii, or a virtual session, to learn about the proposed activities, ask questions, and share your feedback. Your voice matters—together, we can ensure that readiness and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. These images show the scope and detail of the HCTT Study Area and proposed activities. They highlight the regions of interest, the range complexes, and areas where we evaluate enhanced training and testing—illustrating how we balance operational readiness with environmental stewardship. Let’s work together to safeguard our oceans while maintaining the security we all depend on. Image 1: HCTT Study Area Image 2: Hawaii Study Area Image 3: Oahu Portion of the Hawaii Range Complex Image 4: Kauai Portion of the Hawaii Range Complex Image 5: Changes to the California Study

Today, on #NationalBirdDay, we recognize the remarkable birds that grace our shores, skies, and naval installations—symbols of resilience and natural harmony. Until recently, the eagle soaring in the Department of the Navy’s seal wasn’t technically our “official bird,” but last week, an act of Congress confirmed what many already assumed: the bald eagle is now formally designated as the national bird of the United States. Its presence represents a powerful heritage of strength and vigilance that dates back to its appearance in the Great Seal of 1782.' As we defend the homeland, the Navy and Marine Corps are committed to responsible environmental stewardship of the lands that both people and wildlife call home. When we create a protected, safe habitat, we create a safe, protected place to train – that’s how we balance military readiness with environmental protection and achieve success in both missions. On this day, let’s celebrate the beauty, diversity, and freedom of all birds and reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the environments they—and we—call home. #ClimateReadiness #MissionReadiness

?? Happy New Year!??? As we close 2024, I'm proud to reflect on what we have accomplished through our focus on communities, critical infrastructure, and climate action. We have made safety our foundation and our end state and used sustainability as our guide as we look to resource today's warfighters and anticipate the needs of tomorrow's warfighters. As we begin 2025, I look forward to seeing our hard work and strategic investments in energy, installations, and the environment strengthen our maritime dominance, our people, and our partnerships. And there’s more coming! In 2025, the US Navy - United States Marine Corps team will continue demonstrating the?ingenuity and drive that makes them the greatest maritime fighting force in the world.

Today, we remember President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy—a leader whose service to our nation spanned decades, from the Navy to the White House. As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a submariner, he embodied the values of duty, integrity, and commitment to a greater purpose—qualities that shaped his presidency and lifelong dedication to service. ? President Carter’s energy and environmental stewardship leadership resonates deeply with our mission. He was ahead of his time, installing solar panels on the White House and advocating for responsible energy use, demonstrating the importance of innovation in securing our energy future. ? He also made an indelible mark on land conservation and the preservation of our national parks. Under his leadership, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 protected over 100 million acres of wilderness, expanded the National Park System, and safeguarded places like Channel Islands National Park and Biscayne National Park for future generations. ? For the Department of the Navy, President Carter’s legacy reminds us of the power of service to achieve progress. His commitment to protecting our environment and securing a sustainable future inspires us as we work to balance mission readiness with environmental stewardship.

Prioritizing Quality of Life and Quality of Service for our Navy families! Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Facilities Brenda M. Johnson-Turner and leadership at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story toured the installation’s newest family housing units—high-quality homes made possible through our partnership with Liberty Military Housing. These three-story units reflect the Navy’s commitment to providing comfortable, modern homes for our Sailors and their loved ones. Hearing from Sailors like YN1 Hyletta Floyd, who’s seen firsthand how these improvements bring their family more space, privacy, and a true sense of home, reminds us why this critical infrastructure matters. It’s not just about housing—it’s about supporting the well-being of those who serve and their families.

Even the Grinch can’t steal holiday spirit from the Navy and Marine Corps team! ???? This season is about connection, camaraderie, and taking a moment to celebrate the people who make our mission possible. Whether you’re serving near home, across the globe, or supporting from afar, I’m grateful for the commitment, dedication, and joy you bring to the fight every day. The Navy - Marine Corps team leads with excellence and empathy, always lending a helping hand, and making sure it’s never a fair fight. I wish the entire Navy and Marine Corps family a happy and safe holiday season, and I offer a special thank you to those on watch through the holidays. You are what makes this season bright. #HappyHolidays #HolidaySpirit #ClimateReadiness #MissionReadiness