Ascension Island Green Way

Brine that was separated from the sea water by a flash steam desalination process falls from volcanic rock drop off to a runoff stream and then into the south Atlantic Ocean surrounding Ascension Island, home of the 45th Operations Group Detachment 2, Ascension Auxiliary Airfield (AAF), on June 28. 2009. This is part of the self-sufficient, power, water and waste infrastructure of the base. "it is exciting to see this base operate in a "green" environment day-to-day. It is cost effective and at the same time, protects our environment without interfering with any of our various missions down here. Going "green" has actually helped us become more efficient providing power, and water to the air field and the base" said Major Jay Block, commander. The mission of Det. 2 is support of eastern range space launches by collecting and disseminating radar, telemetry and tracking data. Ascension island is 35 square miles in a remote island location midway between Brazil and Angola. The nearest country is Liberia - 1000 miles away. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)