Everything you need to get the job done.

By Derek Levault
August 14th, 2024

The most difficult net type to remove is the conglomerate, an amalgamation of nets of all sorts and sizes and colors twisted up into one unit. Theyʻre a force to be reckoned with.

And so it is with a marine debris removal operation; disparate subjects and sundry concerns all have to be not only addressed, but tackled with great skill. In our storage container aboard the Imua we’ve got all manner of weird and wonderful gear- the most absorbent chamois rags, the torquiest drill driver, a case full of combat medic approved nasopharyngeal airway tubes. And that’s just some of our stuff. Let me tell you about our people!

We’ve got Lauren, Kiana, and Cascade anchoring the Security Force, our biosecurity team. It’s even harder than it sounds- it involves folding frozen clothes at midnight.

Some of us did not give Kauʻi much to work with, but she’s been flawless on oli and ʻolelo noʻeau.

John, a firefighter by trade, is our medic, but still manages to sweep and wash the boats more thoroughly than anyone.

Charlotte leads one of the most crucial projects of our mission, heading the Bureau of Geographic Information Systems (BoGIS). She might be like one of those fish that moves around like normal while sleeping, because I’ve never seen her doing anything but work.

Moving into her role next mission is Kalaʻi. As Chief MeʻNʻTaL (Meteorology and Tactical Landmarks) he is currently Charlotte’s understudy and provides weather forecasts that are as accurate as any.

Steffi has the thankless role of Lifeguard, tending daily to our “hot tubs” (bins full of water) where we rinse our gear. Should the rinse bins be dirty or dry, pandemonium would surely ensue.

Jesse is in charge of all things Innovative; and he’s stayed busy packing, deploying, and then repairing his creations after we get a hold of them.

Andy is the expedition photographer. I don’t know if he’ll win another Emmy, but he probably should. Mad Dog is Max Power, administering the juice and keeping batteries and electronics organized.

The Grease Monkeys are Ford and Kama. You don’t want to get involved in what they do, at least not without safety goggles, ear muffs, and an old, stained shirt. But our stuff works, I’ll tell you that.

Shaun is the Weighmaster, who diligently manages the scale and data, not a trifling part of what we do here at all. And he does it with great penmanship.

Lastly is the indispensable Deck Boss, Ossian. He prowls the deck shouting and laughing with maximum enthusiasm, lending a hand to everyone he passes.

They’re like the mixed plate, the 64 pack of crayons, they’re everything you need to get the job done.

A 64 Pack of Crayons

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