Bahrain Desert Times (488) - February 2023

U.S. Hosts Lebanese Navy for Vessel Boarding Course in Bahrain

From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) concluded a five-day vessel boarding course for the Lebanese Navy on Feb. 2 at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel facilitated the course for 10 members of the Lebanese Navy, leading discussions on defense tactics, boarding procedures, evidence collection, safety and medical care.

“Hosting the Lebanese Navy at our facility embodies the commitment between our two nations,” said Capt. Eric Helgen, commander of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, who leads U.S. Coast Guard personnel stationed in Bahrain. “Engagements

between the Lebanese Navy and our Maritime Engagement Team experts build capability and foster trust.”

The course was held at an indoor training facility that includes replicas of shipboard spaces commonly encountered aboard fishing vessels and commercial ships transiting the Middle East.

This was the first time the Coast Guard team hosted Lebanese Armed Forces personnel in Bahrain for the course. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted 17 similar exchanges for 14 different partner nations in 2022.

NAVCENT’s operating area includes 21 countries, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal.

U.S., International Forces Seize Illegal Drugs in Gulf of Oman

transiting international

in the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 30.

U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) was patrolling regional waters in support of Combined Task Force

(CTF) 150 when it seized 4,000 kilograms of hashish and 512 kilograms of methamphetamine from the smuggling vessel.

Currently led by the United Kingdom Royal Navy, CTF 150 is

one of four task forces organized under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). This was the first drug seizure in 2023 for CMF.

“This is just the beginning of our work in delivering maritime security operations in the region to stop illicit activities and drug smuggling,” said UK Royal Navy Capt. James Byron, the CTF 150 commander. “This comes as a result of a valued partnership between CTF 150 and all partner nations in Combined Maritime Forces.”

Byron assumed command of the multinational task force Jan. 18 after Royal Saudi Navy Rear Adm. Abdullah Al-Mutairi led the unit for six months.

Under Al-Mutairi’s leadership, CTF 150 ships logged more than 10,000 hours on regional patrols and intercepted six shipments of illegal drugs that included opium, heroin, hashish and amphetamines. The combined estimated value of the seized drugs totaled more than $250 million.

Since 2021, CMF has interdicted $1 billion worth of illicit narcotics during maritime patrols. CMF is the largest international naval partnership in the world consisting of 38 member-nations and partners.

U.S. Navy Showcases Operational Readiness, Flexibility in Exercise with Israel

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. naval forces participated in the largest-ever bilateral exercise between the United States and Israel last week, which culminated in a visit to aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) on Jan. 26 by senior military leaders from both nations.

During exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group operated in the Mediterranean Sea in support of U.S. 5th Fleet while still under the operational control of U.S. 6th Fleet. The command-and-control setup demonstrated the inherent flexibility of U.S. naval forces to simultaneously support operations in two regions – Europe and the Middle East.

“I'm proud of the effort from our team to support Juniper Oak, which showcased a high level of dedication, professionalism and readiness from our Sailors alongside our Israeli partners,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, the strike group commander. “The command-and-control arrangement in Juniper Oak also highlighted the flexibility U.S.

Navy carrier strike groups have to operate across multiple theaters of operation, and reflects the value the Navy provides to national security and regional stability anywhere in the world.”

The strike group coordinated complex, combined military operations with Israel on land, in the air and at sea, involving all elements of the team. Guidedmissile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) participated in a livefire drill in addition to a largescale strike with air assets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7.

Aircraft from CVW-7 involved in the strike exercise included 16 F/A-18 Super Hornets, four E/A18G Growlers and two E-2D Hawkeyes. Four GBU-16 laserguided bombs were expended on training targets.

Additionally, strike group ships also sailed in formation with Israeli vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean. Participating ships included George H.W. Bush, Truxtun, guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), guidedmissile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), and Israeli Navy Sa’ar corvettes INS Hanit, INS Eliat, INS Oz, and

INS Tarshis. The Israeli Navy submarine INS Dolphin also joined.

During Juniper Oak’s final day, top U.S. and Israeli military leaders flew out to George H.W. Bush to meet and discuss the results of the exercise as well as observe carrier flight operations.

“Juniper Oak has raised our

level of planning and our level of implementation of combined operations,” said Israeli Lt. Gen. Hertzi Halevi, chief of the general staff for Israel Defense Forces. “It is always good to have our best partner here with us to learn from each other. This interoperability strengthens our ability to cope

with a range of security challenges over the area.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet operating area includes 21 countries, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal.

Kenya, U.S. & Partners Complete Central Partnership Station in Mombasa

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

On Jan. 27, the U.S. Navy, Kenya Navy and regional partners wrapped up Central Partnership Station (CPS), a five-day relationship-building mission in Mombasa, Kenya.

Military personnel from Kenya, Qatar, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and U.S. Naval Forces Africa participated in professional exchanges and community engagement events across the

coastal city in southeastern Kenya. Medical professionals from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center also participated in medical-related workshops and drills.

“It was exciting to see so many experts from multiple nations come together to discuss a wide range of topics,” said Lt. Col. Harry Consaul, NAVCENT’s lead planner for the event.

“Collaborating during this mission has built lasting relationships, strengthened

partnerships and allowed us to learn so much from one another.”

U.S., Kenyan and Qatari forces conducted exchanges on dive operations, mass casualty response, tactical combat casualty care and small boat engine repair. During the engine repair workshop, U.S. Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4 worked alongside their Kenyan counterparts to repair four engines and tune up four others, resulting in two small boats

returning to full operation.

“It was awesome working side-by-side with the Kenyans and fixing engines together,” said Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate David Chisholm. “We all gained valuable experience and the hard work paid off.”

Exchanges on medical-related topics were a major focus during Central Partnership Station. Medical professionals met to share ideas and best practices in treating patients in mass casualty, tactical combat and public health situations.

“We leveraged the knowledge, skills and abilities of all participants to enhance our relationships and build interoperability,” said Lt. Freddie Mawanay, NAVCENT’s global health engagement officer.

U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27 worked with their Kenya Navy counterparts to repair facilities and playground equipment at the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, a local advocacy organization for disabled children and adults.

Members of NAVCENT’s religious ministries team also volunteered with beautification projects at the facility, before participating in a soccer game with children and staff, as well as other interactive programs

with members of the organization.

“This was a unique and humbling experience for our team to give back to people who are truly appreciative of it,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Holly Anderson, operations chief for NMCB 27. “People here are genuinely nice and welcoming; it means a lot to work with our Kenyan counterparts to make a positive impact in their community.”

During the mission’s opening day, NAVCENT hosted a Women, Peace and Security Symposium that included a panel discussion with participants from Bahrain, Jordan, Kenya, Qatar and the United States. The conversation focused on the prevention of conflict and promotion of peace through the empowerment of women.

“We came here with the intent to do something good for someone,” said Cmdr. Anthony Baker, a NAVCENT chaplain. “But we actually come away from the experience changed for the better.”

NAVCENT is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain and includes maritime forces operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

Combined Task Force 152 Conducts Exercise in Arabian Gulf with Unmanned Vessel

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

A Bahrain-led multinational task force from Combined Maritime Forces practiced vessel boarding procedures during exercise Falcon Warrior, Jan. 24-25, while operating with an unmanned system in the Arabian Gulf.

Ships and boats from Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia sailed simultaneously in regional waters while operating with a MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel from U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59. The exercise was led by Combined Task Force (CTF) 152.

“We appreciate the great opportunity provided by exercise Falcon Warrior for crewed and uncrewed teams to work together to provide safety, security, and stability in the maritime environment within the Arabian Gulf,” said Royal Bahrain Naval Force Capt. Rashed Al-Ameen, commander of CTF 152.

Participating forces met ashore Jan.

From

23 at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, where CTF 152 is headquartered. CTF 152 personnel received briefings on Task Force 59’s unmanned systems and artificial intelligence platforms during a daylong tour.

While operating at sea the following two days, maritime units rehearsed vessel boarding and search procedures to enhance partner collaboration and interoperability.

“The opportunity for the boarding teams to work together and share skills was invaluable,” said Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Matthew Ryall, the operations director for Combined Maritime Forces. Established in 2004, CTF 152 is one of four task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces, the largest international naval partnership in the world, consisting of 38 member-nations and partners. CTF 152 operates inside the Arabian Gulf to ensure maritime security and promote regional maritime cooperation.

U.S. Navy Collecting Surveillance Balloon Debris

David Vergun, DOD News

The U.S. military today began collecting the remnants of a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon shot down by an Air Force fighter over the weekend.

Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander of the North American

Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, said the recovery effort began about 10 a.m. Rough seas thwarted safe, comprehensive debris collection yesterday, he said.

On Saturday, an F-22 Raptor fighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fired one AIM-9X

Sidewinder missile at the balloon, which had floated southeastward across the United States.

It fell about six miles off the coast of South Carolina into about 50 feet of water. No one was hurt.

Precautions are being taken during the salvage operation in case explosives or

toxic substances are present, VanHerck said.

Due to changing ocean currents, it's possible that some debris could escape notice and wash ashore. VanHerck said members of the public can be assist by informing local law enforcement personnel if they spot remnants of the balloon; they should not collect it themselves.

The USS Carter Hall, an amphibious landing ship, is collecting debris in the vicinity of the splashdown, he said.

The USNS Pathfinder, a survey ship, is mapping the ocean floor using sonar for the debris search, VanHerck said.

Explosive ordnance members and at least one unmanned underwater vehicle are also participating, he said.

In addition, VanHerck said the Coast Guard cutters Venturous, Richard Snyder and Nathan B. Bruckenthal, along with Coast Guard aviation support, are keeping the area safe for military personnel and the general public.

The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents are embedded with salvage operations personnel to assist in counterintelligence work, he added.

VanHerck mentioned that the Federal Aviation Administration was helpful in closing air space when the balloon was being shot down.

It's truly been an interagency team effort, VanHerck noted.

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

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Mark C. Mosher

Mass Communication Specialist

1st Class Sean Gallagher

Host Nation Public Affairs Director

Ameera Al-Kooheji

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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

A Man Called Otto (PG-13)

– 126 mins

When a lively young family moves in next door, grumpy widower Otto Anderson meets his match in a quick-witted, pregnant woman named Marisol, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world upside down. | Cast: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Truman Hanks, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

M3gan (PG-13) – 102 mins

M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a lifelike doll that's programmed to be a child's greatest companion and a parent's greatest ally. Designed by Gemma, a brilliant roboticist, M3GAN can listen, watch and learn as it plays the role of friend and teacher, playmate and protector. When Gemma becomes the unexpected caretaker of her 8-year-old niece, she decides to give the girl an M3GAN prototype, a decision that leads to unimaginable consequences. | Cast: Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Allison Williams, Violet McGraw

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

Babylon (R) – 189mins

Decadence, depravity and outrageous excess lead to the rise and fall of several ambitious dreamers in 1920s Hollywood as the industry begins to transition from silent pictures to the world of sound films. | Cast: Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, Diego Calvaw

14th February 2023

Due Mari Valentine’s Dinner

Enjoy a special night infused with a charming atmosphere, live entertainment, romantic table set-up and indulge in a unique menu crafted with love by our executive chef and his creative team.

5pm to 10 pm

BD68 net per couple including soft drinks

BD85 net per couple including a bottle of selected vine

Couple’s Retreat in Talise Spa

45 min. massage for 2 persons

Romantic bath for 30 min

Complimentary glass of bubbly BD140 net per couple

1-night Romantic Stay starts from BD139 net*

*Terms and conditions apply

For reservation, please call +973 77771000 or visit jumeirah.com/bahrain

Avenue 63, Jazaer Beach - 1067, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain