US NAVY: Two Hawaii Commands Promote Stewardship of Environmental Resources

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Two Navy commands in Hawaii received honorable mention awards during the 2009 Navy Environmental Stewardship Flagship awards competition Nov. 5.

Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific (ATG MIDPAC) and Naval Station Pearl Harbor were both recognized by the Navy Community Service Program (NCSP) for 2009.

"I'm very happy that the hard work of our volunteers at ATG MIDPAC was recognized at this level," said Senior Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Craig A. Hohnstein of ATG MIDPAC. "Our people are active and visible members of the community, they're always willing to help out where they can."

The NCSP began in 1992 by then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso. The purpose of the program is to foster and nurture community ties with the Navy and promote volunteerism while developing better naval leaders through the experience.

"ATG MIDPAC volunteered 291 hours last year helping to clean up our island home," said Hohnstein. "As a command we organized projects targeted to improve the environment and to teach young people to take pride in their home."

NCSP distinguished shore, sea and overseas commands for outstanding community service, including service that promotes good stewardship of environmental resources.

"We participated in a cleanup at Richardson Marina to help preserve our beautiful waterfront," said Hohnstein. "We helped the children of Iroquois Point Elementary School to plant 400 bushes on their campus. We planted 35 trees and bushes at Aiea Elementary School and created four plots for the school's gardening club. We feel that passing on the sense of Environmental Stewardship to the children in our community is as important, or more so, as doing the actual work."

Below is the breakdown of the winners for the competition in nine categories:

A. Small Shore

Winner: Naval Technical Training Center, Meridian, Miss.

Honorable Mention: Afloat Training Group, Middle Pacific, Pearl Harbor

B. Medium Shore

Winner: Navy Information Operations Command, Sugar Grove, W.V.

Honorable Mention: U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Anacostia Annex, Washington D.C.

C. Large Shore

Winner: Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

Honorable Mention: Naval Station Pearl Harbor

D. Small Sea

Winner: FBM Operational Test Support Unit 2, Cape Canaveral, Fla.

E. Medium Sea

Winner: USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)

F. Large Sea

Winner: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

G. Small Overseas

Winner: Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

H. Medium Overseas

Winner: U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, Guam

I. Large Overseas

Winner: U.S. Naval Base Guam

"Bravo Zulu to the winners and honorable mention commands, and thanks to all commands and individuals who participated," said Vice Adm. Michael K. Loose, deputy chief of naval operations for fleet readiness and logistics. "Your caring and dedication in protecting our environment reflect yet another way in which our Navy is a global force for good."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh /.

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.

For full details on (EXRE) EXRE. (EXRE) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on (EXRE) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.