Bahrain Desert Times (486) - January 2023

Why We Remember

From Chief Mass Communication Specialist

1. Martin Luther King Jr. was actually born Michael King Jr. on Jan. 15, 1929. In 1934, his father, pastor of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, traveled to Germany and was inspired by Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation. As a result, King Sr. changed his own name as well as that of his 5-year-old son.

2. King skipped grades nine and 12, and was admitted to Morehouse College at the age of 15 in 1944, the alma mater of both his father and maternal grandfather. Although he came from a long line of Baptist ministers, King did not intend to follow in his family's footsteps until Benjamin E. Mays, Morehouse president and a noted theologian, convinced him otherwise. King was ordained before graduating with a degree in sociology. He later earned a doctorate in theology and would be awarded honorary degrees in law, the social sciences and more from numerous colleges and universities.

3. Following Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955, civil rights activists started a boycott of the city's transit system and chose King as their leader. He had the advantage of being a young, well-trained man who was too new in town to have made enemies. King would go on to co-found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; travel the world speaking about civil rights; author many sermons, articles and books; and lead the "March on Washington."

4. King was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who both advocated nonviolence. He even took a month-long trip to India and met family members and followers of Gandhi, the man he described in his autobiography as "the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change."

5. King was arrested for acts of civil disobedience and on trumped-up charges nearly 30 times. One example is when he was jailed in Montgomery, Alabama, for driving five miles over the speed limit. Later, after being arrested during a protest in Birmingham, Alabama, he would write the civil-rights manifesto known as the "Letter from Birmingham" in April 1963, which was addressed to a group of white clergymen who criticized his tactics.

6. King's "I Have a Dream" speech almost didn't happen. An expensive sound system had been installed for the "March on Washington" rally in August 1963, but it was sabotaged. Attorney General Robert Kennedy had to enlist the Army Corps of Engineers to fix the system before the event.

7. King was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963, becoming the first African-American to receive this honor, although this was not his first time on the cover. He was previously on the cover of a 1957 issue.

8. In 1964 at the age of 35, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At the time, he was the youngest man to ever receive it. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would donate the prize money - more

than $54,000 - to further the civil rights movement.

9. King was fatally shot, Apr. 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray, an escaped convict and known racist, pled guilty to the murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He later recanted his confession and gained some unlikely advocates, including members of the King family, but no one else has ever been arrested for King's murder. Ray died in 1998.

10. In 1983, after years of campaigning by activists, members of Congress and Coretta Scott King, among others, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a U.S. federal holiday in King's honor. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been observed on the third Monday of every January since 1986.

11. Thanks in part to King's efforts and sacrifices, there have been many changes in how the Navy, which didn't commission black officers until February 1944, treats African-Americans and other minority Sailors. Following King's assassination, in 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Adm. Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt Jr. to be the chief of naval operations (CNO). That same year, Zumwalt, who said, "There is no black Navy, no white Navy - just one Navy - the United States Navy," issued the "Equal Opportunity In The Navy" directive. This order required each commanding officer to appoint a minority Sailor as a special assistant for minority affairs, demanded that the Navy fight housing discrimination against African-American Sailors in cities where they were based, and required that books by and about African-Americans be made available in Navy libraries.,

IMSC Task Force Completes Maritime Exercise with Unmanned Systems, A.I.

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) completed a three-day maritime exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 9, integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence during a naval drill for the second time in six months.

IMSC’s operational task force, Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, completed exercise Sentinel Shield with U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) and two Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessels from U.S. 5th Fleet

“We planned this exercise to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and unmanned systems effectively increase CTF Sentinel’s maritime domain awareness to maintain maritime security in Middle Eastern waters,” said Royal Saudi Navy Capt. Alamri Assem, CTF Sentinel’s director of plans.

During the exercise, unmanned and artificial intelligence systems operated in conjunction with

Delbert D. Black and CTF Sentinel’s command center ashore in Bahrain. The systems were able to help locate and identify objects in nearby waters and relay visual depictions to watchstanders.

“Saildrones transmitted information on contacts of interest and our watch officers coordinated with the destroyer for further monitoring,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Granger, CTF Sentinel’s deputy commander.

CTF Sentinel previously completed a similar exercise Aug. 23 when Royal Bahrain Naval Force ship RBNS Ahmed Al-Fateh (P20) and U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Baranof (WPB 1318) participated with another Saildrone Explorer from U.S. 5th Fleet. The late-summer event was the first time IMSC planners specifically designed a Sentinel Shield exercise to integrate unmanned systems.

IMSC was formed in July 2019 in response to increased threats to freedom of navigation for merchant mariners transiting international waters in the Middle

East. IMSC’s operational arm, CTF Sentinel, was established four months later to deter statesponsored malign activity and reassure the merchant shipping

industry in the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.

IMSC membership currently includes 11 nations: Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia,

Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Sumsion Relieved by Dutton at FDRMC Detachment Bahrain Change of Charge

From Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center Public Affairs

Cmdr. Timothy Dutton relieved Capt. William Sumsion as officer in charge of Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) Detachment Bahrain in a change of charge ceremony held onboard U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Dec. 15, 2022.

FDRMC commander, Capt. Brian Karosich, presided over the

ceremony. Karosich outlined Sumsion’s extensive accomplishments as officer in charge, expressed gratitude for his service and presented Sumsion with the Meritorious Service Medal.

During his tenure, Sumsion consistently delivered critical readiness to forward deployed naval forces operating in U.S. Fifth Fleet. He led 136 Sailors and civilians, working to keeping ships mission-ready. This required managing maintenance for a fleet

of 14 homeported ships while supporting more than 30 deployed ships. Sumsion oversaw two successful Chief of Naval Operations availabilities, 44 continuous maintenance availabilities, 36 voyage repairs and more than 1,200 Casualty reports in the last 18 months. Additionally, Sumsion spearheaded major improvements for fire response during docking maintenance availabilities, driving institutional change in fire safety,

fully integrating with international stakeholders. He also engaged with fleet stakeholders to expand maintenance operations outside of traditional hubs in U.S. Fifth Fleet. Finally, he oversaw the historic deployment of USS Sioux City (LCS 11), the first Littoral Combat Ship deployed U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, proactively preparing for planned maintenance and navigating operational changes while executing all tasking and keeping the ship on mission.

“You accomplished this through clear and consistent leadership in an austere environment with a challenging fleet of aging ships alongside the arrival of new platforms – and did so all while working to mitigate major risk and innovating to become more responsive for highvisibility repairs,” Karosich said.

“I am grateful for the sacrifice you and your family made while you led our Bahrain team. Thank you for setting an example of leadership and hard work. FDRMC Detachment Bahrain has continued to grow and mature under your watch.”

Sumsion took the opportunity to reflect on his time leading FDRMC Detachment Bahrain and expressed gratitude saying, “success in ship maintenance requires effort & purpose. I feel extremely fortunate and grateful for the Bahrain team in their

effort in producing success while I was here. As I now transition to the next job, we're all fortunate to have Tim as a great leader that will be able to continue in providing fighting ships for 5th fleet."

Incoming OIC, Cmdr. Timothy Dutton, is an Engineering Duty Officer and native of Brunswick, Maine. He most recently served as Deputy Director of Waterfront Operations at Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Centers, overseeing plans and policies implemented in the waterfront operations departments across the seven regional maintenance centers. He previously served at Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair Newport News, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center and Huntington Ingalls Industries. He qualified as a Submarine Warfare Officer while serving aboard USS George (SSGN 729).

FDRMC provides emergent, intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization for transient and Forward Deployed Naval Forces in U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets through fleet technical assistance, voyage repair, contract management oversight, assessments, and diving and salvage. For more information, visit https://www. navsea.navy.mil/Home/RMC/ FDRMC/.

DOD Releases Memo Expanding Military Parental Leave Program

From Jim Garamone, DOD News

The Defense Department has released guidelines for the expansion of the military parental leave policy.

The memo — released yesterday — is signed by Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

The memo applies to all service members and is effective as of Jan. 4, 2023. The memo provides details on transition to the new expanded parental leave for Service members who were on leave under the old military parental leave program as of Dec. 27, 2022, and had not used all of their maternity convalescent leave or their caregiver leave.

"It is important for the development of military families that members be able to care for their newborn, adopted or placed child or children," Cisneros says in the memo.

The memo further says that commanders must balance the needs of their units versus the

needs of service members to use parental leave.

The memo specifically says that service members who give birth "will be authorized 12 weeks of parental leave following a period of convalescence to care for the child." Service members who are the non-birth parent will also be authorized 12 weeks of leave to care for the child.

The memo explains that convalescent leave may be authorized for the recovery of the mother from giving birth if a doctor recommends it to address a specific medical condition and it is approved by the unit commander.

Service members who adopt a child or who have long-term foster care children placed with them will also be authorized 12 weeks of parental leave to care for the child.

Members who were on maternity convalescent leave or who had unused caregiver leave when the new policy went into effect will transition to the new policy without any loss of benefit and will receive the expanded benefit.

The twelve weeks of parental leave may be taken in the first year of the child's life. "Parental leave may not be transferred to create a shared benefit, even between

members of a dual military couple," according to the memo. "Members will be afforded the opportunity to take full advantage of the Military Parental Leave

Program consistent with their desires [and the] operational requirements and training workloads of their unit," Cisneros wrote.

French Warship Seizes Illegal Drugs in North Arabian Sea

From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

A French warship seized illegal drugs worth a total estimated U.S. street value of $24 million from a fishing vessel transiting

international waters in the North Arabian Sea, Dec. 27.

French Marine Nationale frigate FS Guépratte (F714) was patrolling regional waters in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 when it seized 3,492

kilograms of hashish and 472 kilograms of heroin from the fishing vessel.

Led by the Royal Saudi Navy, CTF 150 is one of four task forces organized under the Combined Maritime Forces

(CMF), the largest international naval partnership in the world consisting of 34 membernations.

CMF has seized nearly $1 billion worth of illicit narcotics since 2021 while patrolling

international waters in the Middle East.

Guépratte previously seized 271 kilograms of heroin from another fishing vessel while patrolling the Gulf of Oman in February 2022.

439-4520

www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Capt. William Lane

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer

Cmdr. Ernesto Rivera

Public Affairs Officer

Chief Editor

Lt. Nicolas Mahone

Mark C. Mosher

Mass Communication Specialist

1st Class Sean Gallagher

Host Nation Public Affairs Director

Ameera Al-Kooheji

The Bahrain Desert Times is an authorized publication primarily for members of the Navy and Marine Corps military services in Bahrain. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Public Affairs Officer.

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The Bahrain Desert Times is published bi-weekly by Red House Marketing, P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.

Red House Marketing, is responsible for commercial advertising, which may be purchased by calling: (973) 1781 3777 or send in a Fax to (973) 1781 3700.

For more information on visas and CPR cards contact Immigration at 1785-4258

CNREURAFCENT CREDO BAHRAIN

3-DAY

RETREAT SCHEDULE FOR 2023

Registration is now open for all CREDO retreats. The next Personal Resiliency Retreat for NSA Bahrain and Tenant Commands is from February 16-February 18 2023. All ranks welcome, no cost to Service Member.

CREDO is offering three Personal Resiliency Retreats (PRR): 16-18 February, 25-27 May; 27-29 July and two Marriage Enrichment Retreats (MER): 2-4 March and 22-24 June.

Goals for the retreats include helping individuals/couples handle stress more effectively, limiting destructive behavior, developing better communication patterns, understanding safe and unsafe relationship dynamics, and being intentional about expectations and actions in seeking successful relationships with others/spouse.

Only one person from a family may attend the PRR, and only legally married couples may attend the MER. Childcare is not provided at any of the retreats.

CNREURAFCENT CREDO will provide room, lodging and bus transportation for U.S. Active Duty or U.S. Reservist on Active Duty and their immediate family members. U.S. civilians/contractors are welcome but must pay for their expenses.

For registration email CREDO@EU.NAVY.MIL or call DSN 314-626-5255 or Comm. 081-568 5255. For details, contact the CREDO DET Bahrain office at 318-439-6393.

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)

– 90 mins

Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burnt through eight of his nine lives. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives. | Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, Harvey Guillen

Devotion (PG-13) – 139 mins

The inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Helping to turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War, their heroic sacrifices ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen. | Cast: Glen Powell, Jonathan Majors, Daren Kagasoff, Joe Jonas

Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13)

– 192 mins

Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans. | Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (PG-13)

– 146 mins

Discovered by record executive Clive Davis, Whitney Houston rises from obscurity to international fame in the 1980s to become one of the greatest singers of her generation. | Cast: Naomi Ackie, Clive Davis, Ashton Sanders, Stanley Tucci

MONSUN

SOULFUL MUSIC

matchpoint.bah

Endless traditional souqs, malls and shops selling the best of Bahrain. Be prepared to barter! The Kingdom offers first-class shopping malls that cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture clothing, electronics, furnishings and sports equipment will likely all be found under the same roof. Free of tax, many designer labels are less expensive here than in their countries of origin. Items, such as gold and jewellery, high fashion, carpets and handicrafts can be bought for amazing deals unmatched anywhere else.

Retail Destinations

• Al A’ali Shopping Complex (Seef)

• Al Hayat Shopping Centre (Segaya)

• Al Murjan Centre (Juffair)

Bahrain Mall (Sanabis)

• BFH Harbour Mall (Manama seafront)

• City Centre Bahrain (Seef)

• Country Mall (Budaiya)

Dana Mall (Sanabis)

• Enma Mall (Riffa)

• Gold City (Central Manama)

• Gold Souq (Central Manama)

• GOSI Complex (Exhibition Ave.)

• Isa Town Mall (Isa Town)

• Juffair Mall (Juffair)

• Lulu Centre (Manama)

• Marina Mall (Manama)

Moda Mall (Manama)

• Najibi Centre (Saar)

• Oasis Centre (East Riffa/Muharraq)

• Palm Square (Budaiya) Ramli Mall (A’ali)

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• Seef Mall (Seef District)

• Sitra Mall (Sitra)

• Yateem Centre (Manama Souq)

• The Centre (Nwaidrat)

• The Jawad Dome (Barbar)

• The Lagoon (Amwaj)

• The Walk (Riffa)

• Wadi Mall (Riffa)

1725 0034 Manazel 1778 6727 The

Store 1755 6001 Jewelry Alfardan Jewellery 1753 5027 Al Hashimi Pearls 1725 3377 Al Sarraj Jewellers 1727 7521 Asia Jewellers 1753 4444 Bahrain Jewellery 1753 5091 Evershine Jewellery 1700 5949 Kooheji Jewellery 1758 2848 Lasheen Jewelry 1725 8925

Ramzana Jewellers 1721 0601

Shine Gold & Diamonds 1727 0607

Yaquby Stores 1721 0959

Ladies Salon Express Yourself 6634 6233 Optician

Yateem Optician 1725 3397

Pharmacy

Jaffar Pharmacy (24hrs) 1729 1039

Nasser Pharmacy (24hrs) 1774 0900

6634 6233

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