BARKING SANDS — The U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands has been named the winner of the 2019 Navy Community Service Environmental Stewardship Award, acknowledging excellence in conservation and species preservation at the base.
It’s one of several awards handed out annually by the Navy.
For PMRF, the award means a pat on the back from the Navy for programs like relocating albatross away from the runway, and the base’s “Dark Skies” initiative to turn off all non-essential exterior lighting during the Newell shearwater, Hawaiian and band-rumped storm petrel migration seasons.
Capt. Timothy Young, commanding officer of PMRF, said the award is a recognition of great partnerships between PMRF and other organizations and government entities on the island, and of the hard work and selfless dedication of PMRF’s entire team.
“The professionals in our Public Works Department and our talented environmental team set the standard for protecting and restoring our natural environment,” Young said.
“We are very proud of this recognition. It is just another validation that PMRF sailors and civilians continue to make this one of the finest installations in the Navy.”
PMRF works closely with federal and state agencies, schools, conservation organizations and the public to implement various groundbreaking initiatives toward conservation, environmental protection and protection of endangered species, said Young.
In the past year, personnel from PMRF collaborated with more than 25 schools and organizations, integrating the U.S. Navy’s core values of honor, and courage to promote appreciation of natural and cultural resources.
The value of PMRF is not only measured in its contributions to the combat readiness of U.S. Navy and allied forces, but also as a steward of the natural environment found on Kauai’s western shores, said Sara Trujillo, PMRF public affairs office, in a release.
“The purpose of the Environmental and Cultural Community Outreach Program is to achieve a long-lasting, proactive educational environment that promotes stewardship of both the land and the Native Hawaiian culture,” she said.
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
