FORT KNOX, Ky. – Fort Knox underwent a unique post-wide energy security test on Oct. 27 with Kentucky Deputy State Director for Senator Mitch McConnell — Andrew Condia — visiting.
While the installation’s energy resilience capability has been tested several times before, the Oct. 27 test was the first time the installation ran solely on its own internal power for a full working day. Along with post energy team, Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan briefed Condia on the day’s events and what makes the post’s abilities so unique.
“The greatest thing about this is now — pumping our own natural gas, powering our own generators, and pumping water from the Ohio River to our own internal water plant to fill up our water towers — we can run as if we were our own island,” said O’Bryan.
Condia encouraged Fort Knox leadership to continue to expand upon the innovation it has achieved.
“Our office has never seen anything like this. This is what makes this installation not only premier in Kentucky, but in the country,” said Condia. “It’s a premier installation, surrounded by a premier military community. It only adds and continues to show what an asset Fort Knox is to the commonwealth.”
Wednesday’s energy test began at 6 a.m., when all commercial power feeding Fort Knox was completely shut off. Only one circuit outage affecting about six buildings was identified following the full restoration of power within 10 minutes of testing, which was then corrected in less than two hours.
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