PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – A volunteer crew from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Reliance, based here, scoured the slippery slopes of Ragged Neck State Park in Rye, N.H., January 9, looking for trash and other debris in an effort to help a local conservation group fight pollution.
Nineteen members of the crew, including the ship’s captain, Cmdr. Greg Burg, spent the morning combing the shoreline for garbage in assistance to the non-profit environmental conservationist group, Blue Ocean Society.
The crew collected 140 pounds of trash including bottles, cans, and a myriad of abandoned fishing gear. As they collected, they inventoried each piece for the Blue Ocean Society who will use the data to study types of beach pollution and determine sources.
Despite the chilly weather, the experience gave the crew a sense of warmth.
“I had a good time,” said Seaman David Malone. “It felt good to be able to help out the community from land.”
Lt. Cmdr. Steven White, the ship’s executive officer, said it was important for them to have the chance to do something as a crew in port.
“Reliance is always out there helping others on the water, but this time we got to make a difference right here at home,” he said.