JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
Deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for environment recently took time to tour the Navy Region Southeast area to evaluate environmental issues and concerns July 7-9.
Donald Schregardus is the principal policy advisor on environmental programs, including conservation of natural and cultural resources, compliance with environmental laws and regulations and cleanup of contaminated sites and programs for pollution prevention.
Schregardus toured the Jacksonville, Fla., tri-base area making stops at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport, Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville and Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Ga.
"I understand the critical nature of the activities that are done in this area and the important environmental issues that have come up in the region," said Schregardus. "Being able to tour these facilities first-hand and assess the circumstances involved helps in my decision making later."
While touring NAVSTA Mayport, Schregardus visited USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and talked in-depth about topics such as fueling and spill prevention, marine mammal protection measures, pollution prevention and waste minimization initiatives.
Schregardus was escorted around NAVSTA Mayport by the base commanding officer who said that it was an honor to have such a distinguished visitor on board the base.
"It was a pleasure to host Mr. Schregardus and to give him a first-hand look at the exceptional environmental programs and capabilities we have in place both on shore and aboard our sea going commands," said NAVSTA Mayport Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Bowman.
After touring NAVSTA Mayport, Schregardus made his way to NAS Jacksonville where he stopped by their newest aircraft hangar to speak with members of Patrol Squadron 5 (VP 5).
"We discussed the hazardous waste and stowage programs and about how we protect the environment when we perform maintenance on the airplanes," said Lt. Cmdr. Andy Barlow, VP-5 maintenance officer. "We're dedicated to protecting the environment, even when we are performing routine work."
Schregardus' last stop on his tour was NSB Kings Bay where he visited various areas, including port services where he was given a marine mammal brief and presentation.
Schregardus represents the Department of the Navy on the Department of Defense Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Board and coordinates for the Department of Defense Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act issues of importance to the military services.