U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, scrapes soot inside the Number 2 boiler water tube at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2012. Cleaning inside of the boiler prolongs the lifespan of the boiler and increases energy efficiency. Due to a ballooning utility cost this year, it is important for the base community to remember to keep their thermostat set to 20 C/68 F while at home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Evan Pitcavage)

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, assists in an overhaul of the Number 2 boiler at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2012. It takes approximately 266 hours to clean one large boiler, which must be accomplished annually. Due to an increased cost in utilities from last year, the base community is asked to keep their thermostats set to 20 C/68 F when at home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Evan Pitcavage)

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, center, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, talks with Tech. Sgt. Evan Pitcavage, left, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge heat operations, and Staff Sgt. Gregory Hansen, 35 CES heating operations, after overhauling or cleaning the Number 2 boiler at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The boiler is ignited by natural gas and burns diesel at a rate of 55 gallons every 15 seconds. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, pours a chemical into a bucket at the main boiler plant on Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2012. The chemical is added to the supply side of the boilers, which is later added to the water to protect the boiler from rust and erosion. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, pours chemicals into the supply side of the boilers at the main boiler plant on Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2012. Without maintenance, the boiler becomes unusable after two years. However, when cleaned annually, the boiler will last for 20 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

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35 CES suits up in summer, keeps community warm for winter

Published July 10, 2012