Naval Station Norfolk Participates in Clean the Station Day

NORFOLK (Apr. 19, 2013) (NNS) -- The semi-annual event was instituted by Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in conjunction with Earth Day in an effort to improve the cleanliness and military appearance of naval installations in the area.

"Clean the station day brings NAVSTA together as one team to take pride in the appearance and cleanliness of the base," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Kenyon Copeland, NAVSTA Specials Operations (SPEC OPS) department. "This is not just a job, we are a family and this is our home."

Copeland said the base is divided into zones and then NAVSTA commands select their areas of responsibilities.

While Clean the Station is only a three-hour evolution, Capt. David A. Culler, commanding officer of NAVSTA, said every bit makes a difference.
"It is amazing the difference I see in the cleanliness of the base in just a short amount of time," said Culler. "I appreciate everyone's hard work and putting forth the time and effort to take care of OUR installation."

A new way the base maintains its' appearance is through the NAVSTA Adopt-A-Spot program. Like Clean the Station Day, the goal of the Adopt-A-Spot program is to keep NAVSTA free of litter in order to promote prosperity, economic well-being, general welfare; and preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty commensurate with the aesthetic features of NAVSTA.

Gary Evans, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Self-Help coordinator and SPEC OPS department head said any command or command group is eligible for the program.

"Any command as a whole or smaller entity such as the Morale Welfare and Recreation, First Class Petty Officer Association or Chiefs mess may adopt a portion of NAVSTA," said Evans. "The command or group agrees to adopt an area for a period of two years, after which they may renew, modify, or end their contract."

"Once a quarter, or four times a year, is all the program requires," said Evans.

Evans said commands do not have to worry about supplies, equipment or even waste disposal.

"NAVSTA SPEC OPS can provide weed-eaters, mowers or whatever the command needs, as long as they call SPEC OPS one week in advance," said Evans. "We will even pick up the equipment and whatever waste needs to be removed."

Following Clean the Station Day, commands gathered across from NAVSTA headquarters to enjoy a cookout hosted by the base Junior Petty Officer Association.

For more information on the Adopt-A-Spot program, contact Gary Evans at Gareth.C.Evans@navy.mil.>

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For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsn/.