JACKALYNE Pfannenstiel, the U.S. Navy’s assistant secretary for energy, installations and environment, is stepping down from her position effective July 1.
According to the Defense Times website, Pfannenstiel submitted her resignation for health reasons.
Since 2010, Pfannenstiel has been a driving force in the ongoing talks to move 5,000 Marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam.
She has also been involved with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ efforts to power military aircraft, ships and vehicles with biofuel.
“The Navy and Marine Corps are pushing the limits of what renewable energy can do for military readiness, and I’ve been privileged to be a part of that,” Pfannenstiel said in a statement.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo issued the following statement on Pfannenstiel’s resignation: “I wish Assistant Secretary Jackie Pfannenstiel the best for a full recovery. She has been a true champion for Guam, and I appreciate her efforts during the previous EIS process to ensure that local concerns were addressed.
“I also appreciate Jackie's leadership on efforts to meet certain renewable energy goals for the U.S. Navy. Her efforts will undoubtedly make the Navy more secure from oil price fluctuations. I join all of Guam's leaders in wishing Jackie and her family the best during her recovery. Her leadership will be missed.”
Principal deputy Roger Natsuhara will serve as acting assistant secretary until a permanent replacement is confirmed.
Also praising Pfannenstiel was Sen. Judi Guthertz, chairwoman of the military buildup committee.
“This woman truly has the patience of Job,” Guthertz said in a statement. “She faithfully kept regular, direct and informative correspondence with my office as we sought to make sense of the buildup plans on behalf of our constituents. I would give her the utmost credit as someone who truly listened to the thousands of our Guam citizens who expressed optimism and concern regarding the buildup.”
