Turn on the lights: Operation Change Out in full swing Published July 2, 2008 By Harry Lundy 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 4th Fighter Wing received 800 compact fluorescent light bulbs as part of Operation Change Out July 1. Bob Dupuis, a Progress Energy account executive, presented the CFLs to Col. Daniel Debree, 4th FW vice commander in a ceremony at Building 3652. The light bulbs emit 65 watts of light using the energy of a traditional 13-watt bulb. "The lights save 75 percent energy for the same amount of light," Mr. Dupuis said. "They will last for ten years under normal usage." Technical Sgt. David Comer, noncommissioned officer in charge of 4th Civil Engineer Squadron dormitory management, received the first case from Progress Energy. He said 720 rooms will receive the lights through the program which will be replaced by a bay orderly. Brian Joyner, 4th CES environmental engineer, plans to change out one per housing unit. Lodging units will also be a part of the change out. All changes will be done through attrition. "The goal is to have 1,500 change outs by October 1, but we are going to far exceed that number," Mr. Joyner said. Currently, there is some concern about mercury in the lights. "There is as much mercury as a ball-point pen tip," said Mark Tabert, energy and efficient technology representative from Progress Energy. "Thermometers have 100 times more mercury than the bulbs," he said. Colonel Debree stated that the Air Force is trying to save energy and he appreciates the product. The light bulbs are one part of the base energy and facility management policy. "We are trying to have a three percent reduction a year," Colonel Debree said. "Every year we try to reduce our consumption through the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency." In addition to the 800 bulbs received today, the Strike Eagle hardware store also carries the new CFLs. "They have given out 6,900 since October," Joyner said, "so the transition is well in progress."