Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Pearl Harbor personnel gathered to recognize Earth Day with a week of events to promote environmental awareness, April 17-21.

Earth Day, April 22, is a day dedicated to increasing awareness about the Earth, its issues and problems.

Today, more than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities each year to make it one of the largest movements on earth. Over the years, Earth Day activities have grown outside of just the one day of the year, with events happening throughout the month of April.

NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor led Earth Day events with a storm drain stenciling project to raise awareness about the link between the storm drain system and water quality. Beside each storm drain, personnel used spray paint to produce a prominent bright blue rectangle with white lettering that states, "Dump no waste, drains to ocean."

"If we educate people on environmental conservation, it can make an impact on the choices they make every day," said Lt.j.g. Frances Hunter, code 701, facility management.

Volunteers kicked off the next event by cleaning up Aiea Bay State Recreational Area. They collected 400 pounds of rubbish that had once scattered the shoreline and recreational area that runs along Pearl Harbor's historic waterfront.

"The Navy is very involved with helping the public and doing volunteer work, and this is an opportunity for us to clean a recreational area that has public access," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Osman Fernandez, command volunteer coordinator. "Picking up trash today sends a message that the Navy is doing its part in helping the environment."

Continuing to commemorate Earth Day, NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor personnel hiked the Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Trail to discuss the dominant native forest area, indigenous plants and trees, and importance of using the boot brushes to reduce the spread of weed seeds.

"Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and make new pledges to protect the environment for us and for generations to come," said Executive Officer Cmdr. Shani LeBlanc. "Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet."

To conclude the events, NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor personnel set-up a booth at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange to share information with patrons on sustainability and initiatives.

"We sponsor a booth to explain to the community what we are doing to protect our natural resources," said Lt. Jeff Morgan, fuel intern. "We hope that we can educate people and let them know that the Navy is part of the community, too, and that we care about the environment. Environmental protection is incorporated into everything we do every day."

During Earth Day events, NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor personnel were able to recognize and show their respect to the Earth's systems of balance between the environment and man. It also was a chance to give each of them an awareness of the actions by people that can disturb that balance.

NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, which provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The command is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

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