Approximately 300 Sailors and their family members picked up trash around Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) during the semi-annual "Main Street Cleanup" event, May 13.

During the event, volunteers from 16 different commands walked an approximate five-mile radius beginning and ending at Mariner's Park.

"We had an excellent turn out today," said Cmdr. Jesse Lankford, executive officer of NBSD. "It's great to see so many commands contribute their free time to this worth-while community service event."

The event was coordinated by Chief Quartermaster Colin Lalor, the First Class Petty Officers Association and the Junior Sailors Association from NBSD.

"Planning up until this day was a little stressful, but actually seeing the complete product is worth it," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Michelle Little, president of NBSD JSA. "This event greatly improves morale because the families get to come out here, be with their Sailor and do something meaningful. It's good to see everyone out here without the uniform, being themselves and having a good time."

Little said she hopes that their efforts will show civilians that live in the area that the military cares about the streets they share.

"I've done this a couple of times," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Giebenson V. Perturbos. "I drive on this road every day so it's the least I can do to help the community."

This is the first year the event has covered this area of the community and there was a lot of trash to be collected.

"It gave me a different perspective because normally I'm just driving in my car and I don't actually see all the trash that's there," said Hospitalman Gabriele Stegall.

Following the clean-up, Capt. Roy Love, commanding officer of NBSD, awarded a trophy to Sailors from USS Essex (LHD 2) for collecting the most trash.

"Naval Base San Diego is proud to give back to the community and the surrounding area, and to be doing our part to make the streets more beautiful," said Love.

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