Bahrain Desert Times (489) - February 2023

This February, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain celebrates the richness and diversity of our personnel and their achievements in honor of Black History Month. In this issue, we highlight some of our personnel and thank them for their contributions of serving in the military and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian forces.

KRYSTAL WATERS

instAllAtiOn security MAnAger

– nAvAl suppOrt Activity, BAhrAin

What is your role here in the base?

I serve as the Senior Security Specialist responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation the of Personnel Security (PERSEC) and Information Security (INFOSEC) policies and procedures, standards and training throughout NSA Bahrain and 96 tenant commands. At the installation level, I define policy guidelines and ensure they meet localized requirements. I am a special

NICHOLAS HUDSON

assistant to the Commanding Officer and report directly to him. How would you describe your time and experience in NSA and Bahrain thus far?

it help Desk techniciAn – nAvAl suppOrt Activity, BAhrAin

What is your role here in the base?

I Provide IT Support for users at NSA Bahrain. How would you describe your time and experience in NSA and Bahrain thus far?

My time at NSA Bahrain has been great. I've really enjoyed helping users with all of their IT needs.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History month for me is a recognition of all the amazing contributions that African Americans have made throughout history.

Are there any notable figures throughout black history that you would consider a source of inspiration and why?

Fredrick Douglas to me is an inspiration, he was a man that was born into slavery and became a social reformer, writer, and statesman. It goes to show you that no matter your circumstance in life that you can overcome and do great things. Martin Luther King is also an inspiration for all of his teachings of equality. In terms of military or government service, how do you feel your particular role contributes to Black History Month?

I feel that I'm making an impact and contributing to black history because I'm dedicated to helping others, and leading by example.

I have enjoyed this amazing opportunity for my family. Bahrain is a beautiful island nation with such an abundance of creative people and hospitality. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month for me is a time to show appreciation for not only our historic heroes but also our modern-day heroes who are making positive changes today. It's an opportunity to remind the world of where we were, where we're going and the freedom to tell our stories. It is a time to celebrate black culture. Black History is about integrity, leadership, and determination.

How would you describe your time and experience in NSA and Bahrain thus far?

I have enjoyed the liberty and the pay entitlement and just such great people I have met along the way. By far this has been a challenging command for me in my 19 years of experience.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It's about showing your true character. Are there any notable figures throughout black history that you would consider a source of inspiration and why?

Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist. She made history as the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration in United States history, when her poem, "The Hills We Climb" catapulted her into international stardom. Raised by a single mother in Los Angeles, Gorman overcame speech and vocal impediments, crediting this challenge for her growth as a reader and writer. Known for

writing work that focuses on oppression, race, feminism, marginalization and the complexities of the African Diaspora. In 2017, while at Harvard College, she became recognized as the first National Youth Laureate and was awarded the OZY Genius Award.

In terms of military or government service, how do you feel your particular role contributes to Black History Month?

As the first African American Woman to fill this position I am proud to be a part of NSA Bahrain's Black History.

It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these leaders have laid for future generations to follow.

Are there any notable figures throughout black history that you would consider a source of inspiration and why?

All that were involved and had the courage to stand up for rights.

In terms of military or government service, how do you feel your particular role contributes to Black History Month?

I feel like my role encourages everyone to do their best at everything they do.

understand Black stories. To uplift those who have made a difference in our history and to cast a spotlight on the pioneers and leaders of the Black community.

What is your role here in the base?

To provide security to ships, aircraft, detachments, and remote sites throughout the U.S. 5th FLT, in support of Operation Enduring Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. Additionally, we maintain the safety and security for over 9,000 military and DoD civilians and their families.

How would you describe your time and experience in NSA and Bahrain thus far?

This is actually my second time being stationed on NSA. I was initially stationed here in 2008, as a Master-at-Arms 1st Class Petty Officer. I had an amazing tour, and although many things have drastically changed over the years, the warm greetings and superb customer service has not. It still feels like home to me. The stunning architecture, history and ancient culture continues to astound me.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

For me, it's a prime opportunity for other others to

Are there any notable figures throughout black history that you would consider a source of inspiration and why?

Indeed! "The Golden Thirteen." In 1944, there were only 100,000 Black Sailors in the U.S. Navy, but none were officers. At that point in history, the sentiment was that African Americans could not succeed as officers. That same year, 13 Black enlisted Sailors completed a 16-week officer training course in just 8 weeks, and became the first 13 Black Naval Officers "Mustangs" in Naval History. Being a prior enlisted Black Naval Officer myself, this was one of the primary driving forces which stemmed my motivation to become a Naval Officer.

In terms of military or government service, how do you feel your particular role contributes to Black History Month?

I feel that young Black enlisted Sailors may be looking up to me and perhaps might see me as a role model. So, I strive to exceed their expectations, and provide mentorship as often as possible. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

USTRANSCOM strengthens partnerships in the Middle East

From U.S. Transportation Command

“Building enduring relations and increasing interoperable logistics with allies and partners across the Middle East are key to enabling peace and stability in the region,” said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, during her visit to the area.

Van Ovost and Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, USTRANSCOM senior enlisted leader, traveled to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait last week to deepen military-to-military and international relationships, as well as enhance interoperability, flexibility and capabilities within the region.

“We benefit from strong relations with multiple partners throughout the Middle East region and have been working together to address challenges presented by regional and global threats,” Van Ovost said during an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, a Saudi-owned pan-Arab newspaper.

She went on to explain that “to be able to address and safeguard our nations effectively against those threats, we need to continue to develop our partnerships and find ways we can operate together more fluidly.”

Government and military leaders hosted the command team throughout the trip to discuss navigating shared challenges, maximizing opportunities and innovating approaches to benefit national interests.

“Our ability to rapidly respond to a global crisis relies on strong relationships with our allies and partners,” said Van Ovost.

“The ability to fly over and land in their countries and utilize their seaports and land-based transportation networks is critical to our ability to project and sustain forces.”

As the command charged with directing and enabling military operations and activities in the Middle East, U.S. Central Command's priorities include deterring Iran’s aggression, countering violent extremist

organizations and enabling the nation and its allies to compete strategically.

“We are committed to advancing the security of our allies and partners against external threats, such as Iran,” Van Ovost said. “U.S. Central Command recently stood up multiple task forces, which are integrated with regional allies and partners.”

She recognized that “working together, we can combine our substantial capabilities and innovative approaches to deter and defeat these threats.”

During the trip, the command team had the opportunity to meet joint service members stationed at military installations in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.

Van Ovost and Myrick shared their appreciation with the teams and thanked them for their accomplishments, which include fostering relationships to better address challenges.

“The mission can’t be done without you,” Van Ovost said. “Each of you are

critical to our mission and we look to you to develop and incorporate innovative approaches to make the mission better.

“You all went above and beyond in your duties by taking initiative, demonstrating leadership, and supporting your teammates,” she continued, while recognizing topperforming defense logistics personnel stationed in Bahrain.

They also engaged with troops from allied and partner nations — most

notably, female service members from Saudi Arabia and Qatar — to discuss shared challenges, and the importance of mentorship and perseverance.

“The United States’ National Defense Strategy focuses on integrated deterrence, which entails developing and combining our strengths for maximum effect,” Van Ovost said.

“Our allies and partners remain an enduring strength that allows us to achieve our shared objectives by harnessing our combined

capabilities.”

USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation's choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, TRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the Joint Force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation's leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options while creating numerous dilemmas for our adversaries..

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain in the Spotlight: HAZMAT

From NAVSUP FLC Bahrain

Every day, thousands of sailors perform preventative and corrective maintenance on their equipment, from aircraft to turbine generators to communication equipment. These daily tasks directly allow the United States Navy to achieve a high level of mission readiness, which is critical to maintaining maritime superiority. The Navy is also committed to the highest standards of safety, utilizing proper operational risk management (ORM) to minimize tragic events. What happens when a sailor needs to perform maintenance but the material required is dangerous to self or ship? The answer is Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) team.

Petty Officer Second Class Pedro Regalado, a member of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain HAZMAT team understands the significance of the work he and his team do daily. “We know how important it is to balance the strict safety requirements surrounding handling hazardous material with efficiently providing [material] to our partners. We take both aspects very seriously, and I am proud of the service we provide. The Navy cannot steam without HAZMAT!”

The NAVSUP FLC Bahrain HAZMAT team is committed to the

safe stowage, issuance, receipt, handling and verification of hazardous materials for over 132 tenant commands in the 5th fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The team is comprised of active duty personnel and government civilian employees who are subject matter experts, as well as local nationals who, under the guidance of our US employees, make the team click. Below are just a few of the areas the HAZMAT team provides excellent customer service:

Hazardous Material Management – Hazardous Material Management involves the warehousing, issuing and receipt of all HAZMAT. Utilizing NAVSUP FLC Bahrain as the main warehousing provider allows FLC Bahrain personnel to specialize in the stowage and handling of dangerous material thereby reducing the risk of mishap during these phases of the material's lifecycle. When a tenant command requires HAZMAT, they submit a request to the HAZMAT team through the Hazardous Material Management program. FLC Bahrain HAZMAT team then verifies the material is safe for the command to have on hand. If so, the material is issued. If not, then the request is forwarded for further adjudication. This process ensures the tenant command requesting material has a legitimate requirement for the material and is not taking on inadvertent risk.

Big picture, the NAVSUP experts handle as much of the material as possible, while providing for tenant commands exactly what they need to carry out the mission.

Hazardous Declarations (HAZDEC) – Customers often need to ship large equipment overseas via military air. However, large equipment may have hazardous components (e.g., transporting a helicopter that has oil in it) which if agitated could endanger the aircrew. To minimize this risk, strict stowage requirements are put into place to isolate the hazardous materials. The experts at NAVSUP FLC Bahrain HAZMAT

team are trained to verify all hazardous parts are stowed correctly and certified to fly, keeping crews safe while allowing the military to move material.

HAZMAT Locker Inspections –Some HAZMAT is needed so frequently that tenant commands require to store it on-hand. As part of the ORM process, the HAZMAT is isolated from other stowage areas and kept in special lockers, known as “HAZMAT lockers.” To ensure all HAZMAT is stowed safely and all the lockers are up to specifications, the NAVSUP FLC Bahrain team provides HAZMAT locker training as well as

courtesy inspections. Some of the notable requirements of stowing HAZMAT is keeping it in a cool dry place, segregating HAZMAT by like groups (corrosives, flammables, etc) and having safety data sheets on hand.

Ship Support – NAVSUP FLC Bahrain’s HAZMAT support is not confined to just the tenant commands in the AOR. The team also works closely with Command Task Force 53 (CTF-53) to provide services for all ships embarked in the 5th Fleet AOR. For example, when a large dry cargo ship orders oil to be picked up at their next port call, FLC Bahrain HAZMAT team will stow the requisition until the ship arrives, and provide shipping to them on their behalf.

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, Sailors, and family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars.

Learn more at www.navsup. navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ navsup and https://twitter.com/ navsupsyscom.

NAVCENT Continues Expanding Mental Health Options in Pilot Program’s Second Year

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) started on Feb. 6 the second year of a two-year pilot program launched to expand mental health treatment options for military and family members serving across U.S. 5th Fleet.

The pilot program’s second year includes continued implementation of additional mental health services such as a revitalized walk-in clinic at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain and the launch of an intensive outpatient program. The new outpatient program for mental health patients has been established in partnership with communitybased provider Serene Psychiatric Hospital.

“Our goal is to provide our service members and their families with the best care possible,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “We couldn't be more pleased to continue partnering with the local

community in Bahrain, which has been absolutely tremendous in welcoming and supporting the U.S. military and our families for decades.”

The initial phase of the pilot program began in February 2022. It allowed service members and their families experiencing acute mental health problems to receive up to a month of inpatient care from local providers in Bahrain.

Prior to the pilot’s launch, military personnel and families could only receive approximately a week of inpatient treatment locally for mental health while awaiting return to the United States, and intensive outpatient care was not available.

The new options enacted last year reduced the number of patients who would have been evacuated to the United States for treatment by 40%, enabling more personnel to remain on duty and with family members stationed in Bahrain.

“During the first year of the pilot, we were able to keep

patients in theater instead of flying them home,” said Capt. Miguel Cubano, NAVCENT’s force surgeon. “This would have not

more immediate patient support.

Behavioral health technicians and providers now staff a readiness clinic each morning

patient spends a full day receiving treatment, including individual care at Serene and group therapy at the military health clinic.

“We’re invested in keeping Sailors ready – operationally, personally and for their families,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Bandermann, a psychologist who directs behavioral health services at the clinic. “It’s our job to get the right people to the right place at the right time.”

For information on pathways to mental health care, find the latest NSA Bahrain Mental Health Roadmap here: https://www. cusnc.navy.mil/BH-Road-Map/

been possible prior to the program. The coordination between the military health team and providers in the Bahrain community has been superb.”

In December, the branch health clinic at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain revamped walk-in services, enabling military and family members to receive

during workdays to evaluate potential patients and introduce them to a range of mental health services available locally.

In addition to enhancing walk-in support services, the branch health clinic recently launched an intensive outpatient program with Serene Psychiatric Hospital. Under this program, a

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The region is comprised of 21 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Personal Transportation Devices (E-Scooters) – Safety

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of personal transportation devices, such as electric scooters (e-scooters), as a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of local transportation. With the rise in demand, benefits and ease of availability of these devices, many base personnel began using them. However, Department of the Navy (DON) safety requirements prohibited the use of PTD’s on Naval installation roadways, streets etc. With careful deliberation and completion of a deliberate risk assessment, the command (NSA Bahrain) decided to pursue a waiver from this prohibition. After many months in the loop, the Naval Safety Command finally approved the waiver request from NSA Bahrain and authorized the Installation Commanding Officer (ICO) to develop site-specific safety controls prior to approving the use on NSA I & II.

On 16 February 2023, the Installation Commanding Officer (ICO), CAPT William Lane authorized the use of PTDs (e-scooters) on NSA public roadways, subject to

specific regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of these devices. While this is a positive development for those who rely on personal transportation devices for their daily commute and inter-base transportation, it’s important to stress the importance of responsible and safe use of these devices.

This authorization was implemented via the issuance of NSABAHRAINNOTE 5100 (dated 16 Feb 2023) which further clarifies the specific requirements, limitations and other statutory requirements. An important clarification is that this authorization is exclusively for e-scooters and does NOT include electric skateboards and other similar devices such as One-wheel. All requirements applicable to bicycles also apply to e-scooters such as registration at the Pass & ID office, parking in designated bicycle racks etc. It is incumbent on the operators to comply with ALL of the safety and administrative requirements, to ensure this authorization is not rescinded.

First and foremost, it is essential that users of PTDs take the time to familiarize

themselves with the rules and regulations that apply to their use. This includes understanding where and when they can operate the device, how to properly maintain the scooter, and how to ride it safely in traffic. It is also crucial that users properly wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The instructions detail the mandated and recommended

safety equipment.

In addition, users must be aware of their surroundings at all times and not operate PTDs in areas where they and bikes are not permitted or where there is a risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. This includes adhering to speed limits (maximum10 MPH), and avoiding reckless or dangerous behavior that could result in injury or damage to property. The

charging, recharging and/or storage of electric powered PTDs that utilize a Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery, is strictly prohibited inside of buildings due to the fire risk associated with rechargeable batteries of this type.

Another critical aspect to consider is the importance of being respectful to other road users, especially pedestrians. It is essential that PTD riders follow all traffic laws, and abide by local regulations, in order to avoid any collisions or injuries. PTDs have the potential to cause injury if not used with caution, so it is the duty of the rider to be responsible, and make sure that their safety, and the safety of others, is the number one priority.

Finally, it is important for users of PTDs to be considerate of others and to respect the rights of pedestrians and other road users. This means avoiding behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic or cutting off other vehicles, and yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles when necessary.

We recognize that personal transportation devices can be a valuable tool for our base population, and we encourage their use

when appropriate. However, it is important that we balance this with the need to maintain a safe and secure workplace environment. As such, the ICO reserves the right to restrict or prohibit (or even rescind this authorization) the use of personal transportation devices at their discretion, particularly in areas where there is a high volume of foot traffic or other potential hazards.

In conclusion, the recent authorization of personal transportation devices such as e-scooters on NSA Bahrain I & II is a welcome development that can provide a more efficient and sustainable traffic environment. However, it is essential that users operate these devices in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with the regulations and guidelines provided by the authorities. In doing so, we can ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the benefits without compromising the safety of themselves or others.

Ultimately, the success of this new mode of transportation will depend on the level of responsibility shown by its users, and it is up to all of us to make sure that PTDs are used in a way that benefits everyone in our community.

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

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.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, or the NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer for the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

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.

YOU MATTER AND YOU’RE ARE WORTH IT.

Who is the “you” in the previous statements? As I will discuss in the following sentences, the “you” is in reference to the “other” and not necessarily you who read this (although the above statements are certainly applicable). We who grew up in a Western paradigm (the US) are surrounded by the principles of intrinsic value, selfworth, autonomy, and self-determined destiny as we so choose. In my travels to now more than 71 countries and territories around the world, I am accurately aware that the perquisite we know as Americans are not afforded to the majority of the global citizens, at least those I encountered (which is why, I believe, so many want to come to the US).

So how do I as one who has known only potential and endless possibilities because of my God-given value convey to the “other” that the same holds true for them as well? Hold that thought for moment.

In January, the NAVCENT RMT traveled to Mombasa, Kenya to perform a community relations and service project for impoverished, physically disabled Kenyans that took more than 12 months to plan. Together with CTF 56.2 SeaBees, we donated more than $20,000 in much needed supplies and made wonderful improvements to their facilities that included refurbishing broken playground equipment, roof repair, painting their building, and erecting new soccer goals for the neighborhood residents to play with.

During the course of the 4-day project, I have come to learn that the disadvantaged and poor foreigner thinks differently than the average American does. They can ill afford to dream too big because the imposition of practical needs like food and steady employment squeezes out aspirations of grandeur. Understanding of self-worth also inhibits the ability to dream because if you do not recognize your incalculable value as a person made Imago Dei (image of God) your ambitions are limited to your own selfestimation and not how God sees you.

For all of our effort and resources in this project, the most important message we had to express was the value of the “other.” In Christian theology, the “other” is everyone else, not you. So when Jesus says to put “others” first and to serve “others,” He literally means to put yourself behind everyone else.

The gratitude from the thankful Kenyans overwhelmed our group; we were truly humbled and forever changed. A constant refrain from the people we encountered was, “Thank you so much. Thank you for coming here. Thank you for thinking of us.”

For me and our team, the only words we could think to utter was, “You matter and you’re worth it.”

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Plane (R) – 107 mins

Pilot Brodie Torrance saves passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a wartorn island -- only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When dangerous rebels take most of the passengers hostage, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. | Cast: Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Lilly Krug, Daniella Pineda

Ant-Man and the Wasp:

Quantumania (PG-13) – 125 mins

Ant-Man and the Wasp find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that pushes them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. | Cast: Kathryn Newton, Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors

Missing (PG-13) – 111 mins

When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June's search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it's too late. However, as she digs ever deeper, her digital sleuthing soon raises more questions than answers. | Cast: Nia Long, Storm Reid, Megan Suri, Ken Leung

Magic Mike's Last Dance (R)

– 112 mins

Mike Lane takes to the stage once again when a business deal that went bust leaves him broke and bartending in Florida. Hoping for one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse -- and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, he soon finds himself trying to whip a hot new roster of talented dancers into shape. | Cast: Salma Hayek, Channing Tatum, Juliette Motamed, Caitlin Gerard