NSAW Establishes Monthly Cleanups Under Adopt-A-Zone Initiative

Naval District Washington:

"__NSAW Establishes Monthly Cleanups Under Adopt-A-Zone InitiativeBy MC2 RuKiyah MackNDW Public Affairs __

Washington Navy Yard (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW) is implementing monthly volunteer base cleanup events as part of its upcoming Adopt-A-Zone program to maintain the Washington Navy Yard’s appearance and encourage installation stewardship.

The initiative follows previous installation-wide cleanup efforts prompted by accumulated debris after winter storms. As trash began accumulating again, installation leadership recognized the need for recurring maintenance.

“We came to the idea of let’s just have a recurring one. That way we’re constantly trying to get the oldest base in the Navy back to that professional standard and make sure we represent the Navy well,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Seth Kasten, assigned to NSAW and co-coordinator of the cleanups.

Monthly cleaning stations focus on routine litter and debris removal, while semiannual field days support larger cleanup efforts and disposal of bulky items.

“Together, these events give tenant commands, organizations, and residents a structured way to meet their shared responsibility for maintaining a clean, well-groomed Washington Navy Yard,” said Phil Smarz, NSAW public affairs officer.

The installation is divided into six zones overseen by NSAW zone managers. Participating commands will maintain areas surrounding their facilities and report issues requiring Public Works support. Final zone assignments and responsibilities remain subject to change as the program’s instruction is revised.

Commander, Navy Installations Command Instruction 11300.2 establishes guidance for the Adopt-A-Zone program, outlining responsibilities for litter removal, exterior maintenance, and installation beautification.

“The involvement of all personnel, both military and civilian, in this effort ensures the Navy maintains an appropriate level of focus on installation appearance,” the instruction states.

Personnel interested in participating should ensure they are part of the email distribution sent to tenant commands. Cleanup supplies, including trash bags and gloves, will be provided.

“All they have to do is show up in PT gear or Navy Pride gear,” said Kasten. “All supplies will be given to them. So trash bags and gloves will be on station, ready to go. All they really have to do is show up and support.”

Beyond scheduled cleanup events, NSAW aims to establish lasting ownership and stewardship throughout the installation.

“As the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment and the Quarterdeck of the Navy, the Washington Navy Yard’s appearance and upkeep reflect more than two centuries of Navy heritage,” said Smarz.

For more information on NSAW, visit https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Washington/ or follow them on social media athttps://www.facebook.com/NavalSupportActivityWashington."