Volunteers clean up the NAS Jax shoreline

Volunteers from Air Operations, Security, Transient Personnel Unit, Weapons, Environmental, Naval Hospital Jax and other base personnel were enthusiastic about removing debris in an effort to improve the cleanliness of the shoreline surrounding NAS Jax.

IT2(SW/AW) Paul Gibson who has volunteered for three years said, "Its nice to just give back to the base, I want to help keep it beautiful."

After a short safety brief, volunteers eagerly climbed into canoes and took off across the stretch of the St. Johns River that encompasses the base while others walked the shoreline picking up trash.

Sailors from Transient Personnel Unit Jax, canoed across the St. Johns River to pick up trash along the NAS Jax shoreline.

SH3(AW) Ebony Rogers was a bit apprehensive of the water because she is not an avid swimmer. However, she put on her life vest and got into a canoe. "Being on the water was hard, but knowing that we were helping the environment is one of the best things and that inspired me," said Rogers.

NAS Jax Facilities Environmental Division Natural Resource Manager Christine Bauer spearheaded the shoreline clean up effort. "The 2007 shoreline clean up went very well. We really appreciate the great turnout we had, especially with the less than optimal weather conditions. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who donated and participated in this event to keep our shoreline clean and safe," said Bauer.

GM2(SW) Nicholas Christman and GM1(SW) Jeremy Pilkenton remove debris from the water surrounding the NAS Jax Mulberry Cove Marina.

Two truckloads of trash and other debris totaling approximately 3,000 pounds was collected and hauled off base by the 1st Lieutenant Division where it will be properly disposed of.

"It is great to see support for this event year after year. There is a big improvement in the way our shoreline looks after this clean up," added Assistant Natural Resource Manager Angela Glass.

Volunteers paddled their way back into the marina with canoes full of trash.

"Cleaning the environment means a lot to me and by volunteering for the shoreline cleanup I got to see a lot of beautiful animals including a manatee. I'm doing my part to help protect wildlife from pollution," said ABE2(AW) Joseph Rivas.

After the clean up, the volunteers were treated to free hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks courtesy of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Mulberry Cove Marina. The marina also donated the boats, grill and pavilion in support of the clean up effort which was truly a huge success.

Transient Personnel Unit Jax volunteers SH3(SW) Ebony Rogers, ABE2(AW) Joseph Rivas and SH3 Renotta Wright clean up the shoreline at the base marina.

Eighty volunteers from commands all over NAS Jax showed up to help clean the shoreline.

NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn pulls trash out of the bushes.