A group of seven individuals from Naval Base Kitsap’s Port Operations department have cleared debris from the inlet of a lake on Naval Base Kitsap enabling salmon to return to their place of birth to spawn.

This team didn’t just clear debris from Devil’s Hole, they replaced an existing barrier that was still allowing debris to block the fish ladder.

“When environmental came to us and asked us to help with this project we immediately thought of the double boom apparatus that Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW) Antonio Castro and Hull Technician 3rd Class Sheila Harley built about seven months ago,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Bryan Lupin.

The apparatus was originally built to refuel submarines. It was built entirely of aluminum except for two steel bolts. Soon after it was put into use the requirement for it went away, so, it was put on a spit where it sat for four months.

With the addition of nine plastic flotation devices and screening the apparatus was perfect for the inlet.

“The first thing we did was load it in the truck, brought it down here and looked at the dimensions,” said Lupin, “Then we launched the boat, tied it off to the back end of it brought it over to the hole and secured it into position.”

The project took about four hours to complete and with the recycling of the double boom apparatus the project didn’t cost the Navy a dime.

“The benefit of this project may not be monetary, even though I am glad we got to use the apparatus, it’s more of a contribution to the environment,” said Castro.

The salmon that were born in Devil’s Hole will come back when it is their time to spawn. When the tide comes up to the fish ladder it allows them to swim through the tunnel and back into the lake.

“It’s nice to know that all of us contributed in our own little way to improve the environment and that it’s still going to be here long after we’re all gone,” said Lupin.