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The U.S. Navy and the northeastern state of Queensland, Australia, have signed a statement of cooperation to work together in support of projects that advance shared interests in alternative fuel development.

Queensland's Premiere, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Management, Thomas Hicks, signed the statement of cooperation on 17th August.

The signing "memorializes" several years of progress and "what's to come", Hicks told reporters immediately after the signing at the Parliament House. "That's what's most exciting for us, is how these fuels that are developed here can be used not only for ourselves, but in private industry as well."

"We look forward to what the future holds in working together as we go forward," Hicks added.

The document spells out a commitment for the U.S. Navy and Queensland to hold discussions on the research, development, supply and sale of alternative fuels, which can improve operational flexibility and increase energy security. However, the statement of cooperation is not a legally binding commitment and does not create a legal relationship between the U.S. Navy and Queensland.

Earlier in the week, Hicks called the Great Green Fleet initiative "the new normal" in his remarks to Royal Australian Navy officials and industry representatives at an event aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Stethem, while the ship was conducting a port visit in Sydney to promote the Great Green Fleet initiative.

During Hicks' five-day visit to Australia, he also met with high-ranking Royal Australian Navy officials, the U.S. ambassador, industry leaders, academia, and caucus members at the Queensland Parliament to highlight the U.S. Navy's commitment to alternative energy and energy efficiency measures, learn about new developments in the alternative fuels industry in Australia, and to urge greater research on the benefits of alternative fuel. The year-long Great Green Fleet initiative was deployed in early 2016 in an effort to highlight how energy efficient technology and procedures and alternative energy can provide increased combat capability and flexibility in an operational environment.

Many U.S. Navy ships operating in the Pacific Ocean this year have been powered by an alternative fuel blend containing 10 percent advanced biofuel derived from beef tallow provided by Midwest farmers. The blend requires no changes to engine modifications or operational procedures, is cost-competitive with traditional fuel, and was purchased from a California-based producer as part of the Defense Logistics Agency's normal bulk fuel procurement process.