Promoting environmental awareness, one dive at a time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keoni Chavarria
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  It is said that more is known about the surface of the moon than about the oceans, but one Airman assigned to McChord Field took an active role to promote environmental awareness in oceans, March 7, at Gig Harbor.

Col. Anthony Davit, 627th Air Base Group commander, was one of three divers that dove into the Puget Sound during Harbor WildWatch's Pier into the Night, showcasing underwater wild life.

"The purpose of Pier into the Night is to promote a conscious effort to preserve the Puget Sound and the environment," said Davit. "In the past we have used this area as a trashcan, garbage dump or hazardous waste site. Instead of treating them as a dumping ground, we need to further understand the impact of our oceans on our survival."

Using an underwater camera, the divers spent an hour underwater filming the plants and animals in the Puget Sound. Back on the pier, attendees watched a live feed from the camera as a science specialist explained what they were seeing on the screen.

"We want to bring awareness of the animals and the environment in the area to the local community," said Steph McCaffery, Harbor WildWatch development associate. "Some of the members in the community have lived here for over 20 years without knowing about the marine life that exists here."

She added that awareness is the most important key, and that is when people start caring about the environment and decide to take on an active role.

"Events like these allow people to be more in tune to the neighborhood they're in," said Chief Master Sgt. John Frazier, 62nd Maintenance Group superintendent, an attendee. "In order to maintain the health of people and to sustain the environment, we need a healthy ocean."

Pier into the Night is a monthly event held on the first Saturday of the month from October to March. To become more involved with Harbor WildWatch or for more information, visit www.harborwildwatch.org and follow the link "Get Involved".