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In the Military
Gregg K. Kakesako
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Pearl-based ships leave for duty in west Pacific
Two Pearl Harbor-based warships -- cruiser USS Chosin and destroyer USS Chung Hoon, crewed by 640 sailors -- will leave tomorrow to join the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group to conduct operations in the western Pacific. Commanding the Chosin is Capt. Steven Lott, and Cmdr. David Welch leads the USS Chung Hoon.
The Army Garrison at Pohakuloa was recognized for its "creative and effective solutions to protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems and listed species," the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said in a news release. It was the recipient of the 2007 Military Conservation Partner Award.
Col. Howard Killian, commander of the Army Garrison in Hawaii, said: "So many times when people see Army green they only see the military operations side, and that's something we need to change. Army-wide, there is a growing emphasis on building a sustainability ethos."
The 131,000-acre Pohakuloa Training Area -- on the Big Island between Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai mountain -- is the largest Department of Defense installation in Hawaii. The area encompasses a number of unique ecosystems, which are home to threatened or endangered species including 15 plants, three birds and one mammal. Some of the endangered plants exist only at Pohakuloa.
"In the Military" was compiled from wire reports and other sources by reporter
Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin. He can be reached by phone at 294-4075 or by e-mail at
gkakesako@starbulletin.com.