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Dr. Joseph M. Saenz

Sustainment Engineering Lead 
NAVFAC EXWC
Construction Equipment, EX513

Abstract

The U.S. Navy's energy strategy necessitates a comprehensive and diverse portfolio of energy technologies to harness all available resources for power generation, ensuring mission success across global operations. Simply put, we need it all. Renewable energy technologies work well for CONUS bases, where stable infrastructure allows for the integration of solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power to enhance sustainability, implement microgrid systems for greater energy security, and complement traditional power sources. OCONUS bases also hold potential for renewable energy development, though region-specific factors will determine the feasibility of solar and wind energy deployment. However, in austere and expeditionary environments, hydrocarbon-based fuels—such as diesel, JP-8—along with critical lubricants like motor oil, hydraulic oil, and grease, remain indispensable. As an oil- and gas-dependent society, the Navy’s logistics system is designed to transport and distribute massive amounts of fuel and lubricants efficiently, ensuring constant, reliable power where it is needed most.
 
For U.S. naval operations, including the USN Seabees, access to all forms of energy is essential for security, independence, sustainability, reliability, efficiency, and consistency. Hybrid systems that integrate renewables with traditional diesel generators offer practical solutions to improve efficiency while maintaining operational resilience. Equipment that generates power will require ongoing maintenance, necessitating the procurement of spare parts, lubricants, and long-term maintenance contracts (20–30 years) if contractors are involved. Additionally, power requirements for U.S. naval bases—including advanced naval bases and expeditionary advanced bases—must be continuously refined to ensure readiness and adaptability in evolving operational landscapes. By balancing traditional fuels with renewable energy and emerging innovations, the Navy can optimize energy logistics, enhance mission capabilities, and maintain operational superiority in an increasingly complex global environment.

Biography

Mr. Joseph M. (Manny) Saenz is an experienced physical scientist, engineering geologist, hydrologist, hydrogeologist, oceanographer, and petroleum engineer with over 30 years of expertise managing scientific and engineering projects in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geophysics. Since 2010, he has worked for the NAVFAC Engineering & Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) and has served as the Sustainment Engineering Lead since 2017, overseeing in-country and overseas engineering operations, including seismic hazard analysis, shoreline assessments, water well drilling, and heavy construction equipment rehabilitation. His leadership roles have included Mineral Operations Engineering Lead (2017–2022), Heavy Construction Engineering Lead (2008–2015), and selected Program Manager for the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (2005–2010), with numerous deployments to the region. He has also managed projects such as the Desalination Test Facility (2010–2015) and San Nicolas Island Salt Water Intake Wells and Environmental Remediation (2003–2008). His technical expertise includes ArcGIS, CAD-Inventor, SolidWorks, Finite Element Analysis, geotechnical and seismic analysis, and water resource management, and he serves as the Water Well Drilling Subject Matter Expert (SME) for NAVFAC EXWC. He holds four college degrees, including a Master of Science in Geology from California State University, Northridge, and has published extensively at over 100 major conferences, with his Ph.D. funded by the USN Naval Innovative Science & Engineering (NISE) program. 

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