SAN DIEGO - The LPD 17 class program (PMS 317) Program Executive
Office, Ships completed installation of light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs on USS
Somerset (LPD 25) Feb. 27, replacing legacy shipboard fluorescent light bulbs
with longer lasting, more efficient LED bulbs.
Using LED lighting in a shipboard environment has several
advantages over fluorescent lighting. Not only do LED bulbs deliver better light
quality than fluorescent bulbs, they also provide improved energy efficiency and
lifecycle cost savings. LED bulbs are more reliable and last over five times
longer than their fluorescent counterparts, require less maintenance and
significantly decrease the spare bulb footprint, which frees up stowage space.
LED bulbs do not contain any hazardous materials, which eliminates the need for
hazmat storage and eventual disposal.
"We are proud to be the next ship to field
this technology," said Capt. Darren Plath, LPD 17 class program manager, Program
Executive Office Ships. "The benefits of the LED bulbs include more than just
energy efficiency - they are safer, require less maintenance and replacement,
and improve our sailors' quality of life. We look forward to continuing to
outfit LPD 17 class ships with LED bulbs."
The total ownership cost savings of the newly installed LED
bulbs on LPD 25, will pay for the initial installation in approximately five
years. The savings includes the cost of power and disposal per year compared to
the fluorescent bulbs. The savings does not include the additional benefits such
as reduced maintenance and improved light quality. The Navy is also pursuing LED
lighting that will improve upon the present qualified products and their
benefits as LED technology continues to mature.
The same bulbs installed on LPD 25 are being installed on
several other Navy ships and craft, including Arleigh Burke Class destroyers,
Ticonderoga Class cruisers, Amphibious Warfare ships, Coastal Patrol ships and
Mine Warfare ships.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition
organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and
procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support
ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding
programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production
efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and
schedule.