Community Service Project Helps Clean Up Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Fleet Activities, Yokosuka community members and Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) worked to pick up trash along Route 16 in front of the main installation during a community service project March 23.

"We had Sailors from multiple commands, from the forward-deployed ships here in Yokosuka and from the shore commands; together more than 100 people out here partnered with the city of Yokosuka to do our part and help keep the city clean," said Fleet Activities, Yokosuka Command Master Chief Martin King. "Maybe it doesn't sound like fun, but everyone was enthusiastic to get out here and get it done."

They cleaned one of the busiest streets in Yokosuka, which is used by a large number of Sailors to get to work, go to the local shopping mall or restaurants, and head home at the end of the day. Some of the Sailors belong to CSADD, a group, which mentors Sailors on making better life choices.

"Our Sailors do use this area and are part of the local community, so it makes sense that we would want to help and keep clean the area where we live, work and enjoy our off-duty time," said Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Christy Naranjo, CSADD Yokosuka president and event coordinator. "It was disappointing and a little embarrassing to have trash in the bushes right outside the gate. We got all that taken care of and now it's clean and something to be proud of."

Armed with brooms, dustpans, plastic gloves and a desire to be good neighbors, the Sailors collected about 20 33-gallon trash bags full of everything that was blowing around on the street.

"It's everybody's street and that is why we had everyone out here, from junior Sailors to master chiefs and a few officers," said Naranjo. "That shows great teamwork because we all live here."

This project not only provided a beautification opportunity, it also gave the Sailors a chance to interact with community members from the host country of Japan, working together to accomplish a common goal.

"This benefits everybody. It benefits all the service members and civilians who work here in Fleet Activities, Yokosuka," said King. "It benefits the city and you can make new friends. They are always really worth while community events."

For more news from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, visit www.navy.mil/local/cfay/.