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Intra-Service Team Clears Drainage Ditches at New Orleans Base

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091205-08
Release Date: 12/5/2009 11:58:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shawn D. Graham, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans service members from every military branch participated in a base-wide effort to clear drainage ditches and canals Dec.4.

NAS JRB, along with its intra-service tenant commands, sorted trash for the base's recycling program.

"NAS JRB has a lot of drainage ditches and canals," said Master-At-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW) Pierre Peacock. "Trash in any form can cause drainage ditch can flood."

"A clean base is a healthy base," added Peacock. "Picking up the trash you don't see is just as important as picking up the trash that is in your view. We have to be aware of the damage we do when we don't properly dispose of things."

Dozens of service members worked together to complete the cleanup. Many of the service members felt it was a great honor to contribute their time and efforts in preserving NAS JRB's unique environment.

Capt. Bill Snyder, NAS JRB's commanding officer, said that the base scheduled the event to promote environmental stewardship. Snyder addressed the volunteers before the event began.

"This is a day to show the pride you have in the base; it is also a day to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of our environment," said Snyder. "Our base and earth are better places when they are trash free."

Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW) Kevin Hudson said that it was a great opportunity for different military units to work together.

"We had Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen all working side by side," said Hudson. "Junior Sailors to commissioned officers, from all over the base worked together to make this day a success."

The cleanup teams removed nearly 20 full bags of trash in just under two hours. Some of the items pulled from the drainage ditches and from around office buildings included clothing and tree limbs.

Snyder said that the event was a good start and that the participation by the other services was the key to its success.

"Our base's ability to pull together has always been our strength," said Snyder. "We helped the environment and beautified the base. The military is committed to preserving local ecosystems and maintaining a healthy environment."

For more news from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasno.