Navy base gets environmental award

By Michael Watkins • December 27, 2016 1:30 am
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caleb Cooper Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Henson, left, and Seaman Samantha Albert pick up trash during Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Maylor Point Trail cleanup April 22 in Oak Harbor.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caleb Cooper Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Henson, left, and Seaman Samantha Albert pick up trash during Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Maylor Point Trail cleanup April 22 in Oak Harbor.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was named winner of the 2016 Navy Community Service Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award in the “large shore command” category last week.

Vice Adm. Philip H. Cullom, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, announced the winners and honorable mentions for the awards Dec. 20.

The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Center also received an honorable mention in the “small shore command” category.

The yearly competition is open to Navy shore, sea and overseas commands based on number of personnel. The awards program highlights commands and ships that exhibit strong commitment to environmental stewardship via volunteer service projects.

“I extend my congratulations (to the winners) on all of your impressive accomplishments,” said Cullom. “Representing the Navy as dedicated stewards of the environment is crucial as we aspire to be good neighbors, afloat and ashore.”

Examples of winning community service initiatives to promote environmental awareness include implementing recycling programs, organizing educational community outreach events, and participating in environmental clean-ups and beautification projects.

“The award clearly demonstrates the importance that NAS Whidbey Island places on environmental stewardship,” said Cmdr. Steve Richards, NAS Whidbey executive officer.