Bahrain Desert Times (504) - September 2023

VOLUME 19, NUMBER 504

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN September 20, 2023

AUSTIN WELCOMES INCREASED COOPERATION WITH BAHRAIN

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed increased security ties with Bahrain today in a meeting with the country's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The two leaders met at the Pentagon one day after the U.S. and Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration Agreement to enhance cooperation on issues ranging from defense and security to emerging technologies and trade.

"This important bilateral agreement will deepen our already strong relationship and underscores America's commitment not only to Bahrain but to the entire region," Austin said. "It gives us a framework for cooperation in areas from security and trade to technology and information sharing. And together we will demonstrate that integration and inclusion are the paths to security, stability and prosperity."

Bahrain, a major non-NATO ally that hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, remains as one of the United States' longest-standing partners in the Middle East.

Austin extended his appreciation for Bahrain's support of U.S. service members and their families stationed

abroad and praised the country for its active participation in coalition operations.

The newly signed agreement further strengthens coordination between the two countries' armed forces and

intelligence capacities.

The agreement also advances scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries through information sharing and exchanges and promotes the deployment of trusted technologies with the aim of protecting critical systems and privacy.

"The United States remains committed to Bahrain and the region," Austin said. "And we will continue to work with you to push back against all threats to regional stability both from states and non-state actors."

In addition to highlighting the new agreement, Austin u expressed appreciation for the Bahraini foreign minister's visit to Ukraine earlier this year. The crown prince, who also serves as Bahrain's prime minister, praised the close ties between Bahrain and the United States and extended his gratitude for U.S. service members' work alongside Bahraini armed forces to secure the region.

"Only by working together can nation states both very large and small, each in their own realm of responsibility, provide for a more stable and productive world," he said.

A Historic Perspective of Hispanic Sailors in the United States Navy: Admiral David Farragut and Bandmaster Jose Contreras

Admiral David Farragut

In addition to being the first full admiral of the Navy, David Farragut is also known as one of the Navy's greatest. While his career is a hallmark of Navy history, his background is often overlooked.

Admiral Farragut's father, Jordi Farragut Mesquida, was from Minorca, Spain and was the captain of a Spanish merchant ship. This ship was operating around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico when the United States declared its independence from Britain in 1776. After Spain announced its support of the United States, Jordi changed his name to a more Anglican moniker, George Farragut. He then enlisted as a lieutenant in the South Carolina Navy and went on to serve with great distinction. During his career, he married and had a son, James Farragut.

After losing his wife to yellow fever in 1808, George called on his friend and fellow Navy officer, David Porter, to help with family matters. Since he felt that he was unable to care for a small child, George Farragut asked Commodore Porter if he could take his son to raise him as his own. His friend agreed, and in 1809, James

Farragut was adopted into his new family. Immediately, Commodore Porter introduced the eight-year-old Farragut to the Navy. James went to sea with his newly adopted father and received his first naval appointment to midshipman one year later at the very young age of 9. At this time, James changed his name to David to show respect for his new family.

After Commodore Farragut’s astonishing victory over the Confederate Navy in New Orleans on 28 April 1862, the United States Navy honored him by creating the rank of rear admiral. It was on 16 June 1862 that David

Farragut became Rear Admiral Farragut. He went on to support the Union campaign at Vicksburg and was instrumental in the success of securing the Mississippi River fort, Port Hudson, from the Confederates.

In 1864, Admiral Farragut displayed his tenacity in battle by confronting the last Confederate stronghold of the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay. As his flotilla arrived in the bay, they were met with mines anchored to the sea bottom, known as torpedoes. One of his ships, Tecumseh, struck a mine and sank immediately. The entire flotilla came to a halt. Understanding the importance of moving forward in battle, he uttered his famous words, "Damn the torpedoes, all ahead full." Inspired by his bravado, the ships steamed through the mines and won a decisive victory. For his efforts, the Navy again created a new rank, vice admiral, to which he was appointed. His promotions were not finished, however, because shortly after the war, President Lincoln promoted Farragut to the newly created rank of full admiral.

Admiral David Farragut died in 1870 and

‘Go Army, Beat Navy’: A Time-honored Rivalry Transformed into Integrated Partnership in Bahrain

From the spirited chants of 'Go Army, Beat Navy' on football fields to the synergistic teamwork in the sands of Bahrain, the rivalry between the Army and Navy takes on a new dimension— collaboration for a common mission. At the heart of this mission are dedicated professionals reaping both career and personal rewards from serving in one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' most dynamic locations.

When the Army faces off against the Navy on the football field, the competition is fierce, the rivalry time-honored. Yet, thousands of miles away in Bahrain, members of the Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command set aside inter-service rivalries to partner on vital projects for the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. But the collaboration isn’t just about projects; it's also about people. For professionals considering a career with the Army Corps of Engineers, Bahrain offers a compelling package: challenging work that makes a real-world impact, valuable experience in a strategic region, and a unique chance to be part of a team that's defining what Army-Navy teamwork can accomplish.

In a series of key leader engagements, U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, visited Bahrain on Sept. 11, to fortify the already strong inter-service partnerships with the Naval Forces Central Command and Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

Naval Forces Central Command is one of the U.S. Navy's regional commands and is responsible for naval operations in the Middle East and parts of South Asia. They are the naval component of CENTCOM, which oversees U.S. military operations across 20 nations in the aforementioned regions. Their area of responsibility is strategically critical and includes some of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal.

Headquartered in Bahrain, they play a pivotal role in a variety of missions, including maritime security operations, anti-piracy efforts, and partnerships with regional navies to ensure freedom of navigation in international waters. Given the geopolitical complexities of the region, which include ongoing conflicts, regional

rivalries, and significant U.S. national security interests, their role is often multifaceted.

They coordinate with other U.S. military branches, allied nations, and regional partners to achieve shared objectives. This can range from direct military intervention to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. They also work closely with other U.S. military services, like the Army, through collaborations like the one with the Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division to achieve its goals in the region.

Hannan initiated his series of visits by meeting with the Transatlantic Middle East District’s Bahrain Area Office personnel. The discussions focused on ongoing and future initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of both the Army and Navy in the region.

Building on Hannan's focus on interservice cooperation, Jeffrey Pohlig, Bahrain Area Office resident engineer, elaborated on the specific infrastructure projects that exemplify the Army-Navy partnership in Bahrain.

“Right now, we are working on two base infrastructure projects,” Pohlig explained. “One provides additional electrical capacity to the base, as well as resiliency and redundancy within their electrical grid. The other project provides hotel stations for ships and all the infrastructure and utilities needed for telecoms, electricity, water, sewage, as well as waste oil. These significant infrastructure projects not only enhance the Navy's operational capabilities here but also offer considerable cost savings.”

Accompanied by Smith and key Middle East District personnel, Hannan toured the ongoing projects that serve as linchpins for the collaboration between USACE, NAVCENT,

and NSA Bahrain.

"These projects are pivotal in elevating both the strategic interests and security architecture in the region, serving as a testament to effective Army-Navy cooperation," said Hannan.

In separate meetings with U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and U.S. Navy Capt. Zachariah D. Aperauch, Commanding Officer of NSA Bahrain, Hannan discussed the current state and future trajectory of projects aimed at supporting naval operations and regional stability.

These strategic engagements underscored the collaborative energy and shared focus of the Army and Navy in Bahrain.

Echoing the sentiment of effective collaboration between the Army and Navy, Pohlig delved into the specific factors that have made the partnership so successful in Bahrain.

"The Navy has been great. We have built some strong relationships and partnerships,” Pohlig stated. “And we have great contractors here in Bahrain, so we have been very successful in all of our projects. "The majority of our projects in Bahrain, many of which were completed before my arrival, consistently meet deadlines, stay within budget, and prioritize safety. The Navy has recognized the expertise of USACE, allowing us a significant degree of autonomy in our operations. This trust has been built over the years, confirming our capability and success in what we do."

Discussing the challenges of adaptability and agility, especially in extreme weather conditions, Pohlig added, "In these environments, it's really important for our staff to be flexible, not only because of

weather—with temperatures reaching extremes in the summer—but also because we are working night shifts, weekends, and long hours. Flexibility is really important, not just on a day-to-day basis but also for longer terms as we flex our staff to other Middle East District offices to help support those that need more resources."

Echoing Pohlig’s sentiments on the importance of adaptability, VADM Cooper commended the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bahrain Area Office personnel, saying, "Keep up the great work!"

Hannan underscored the broader strategic context, stating, "The strong alliance between the Army Corps of Engineers and NAVCENT as a cornerstone for effective military cooperation throughout the CENTCOM AOR. As a crucial hub for naval operations, Bahrain has become an integral part of robust collaborations with CENTCOM component commands. These engagements provide an invaluable opportunity to enhance regional security and develop critical infrastructure."

Pohlig provided insight into his own career journey with USACE. "I started out with USACE in 2009 as a GS-5 with the Savannah District as a materials testing specialist. I then transitioned to construction in the Jacksonville District, working in Puerto Rico and South Florida. After various roles, I accepted an area engineer position here in Bahrain."

"The work here is probably the most interesting work that I've done,” Pohlig said. “The variety is greater than in other locations. I work on everything from munitions storage facilities to runways, aprons, hangars, military construction, and air traffic control towers. It’s also rewarding working with the various installations, supporting the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, and our host nations."

"I enjoy working overseas with the Middle East District,” Pohlig continued. “I would recommend it to anyone looking for a professionally and personally rewarding experience. It's a great place to advance your career and there are lots of opportunities and job openings. The work here is challenging, diverse, and complex. And it looks great on your resume. You're also only a short distance from Asia and Europe and can visit those places pretty cheaply. My wife and I just got back from Malaysia and Vietnam, and next, we are going to Barcelona. The Middle East District’s Bahrain Area Office is a just a cool place to be in the world."

Hispanic Sailors in the United States Navy: Admiral David Farragut and Bandmaster Jose Contreras

A Historic Perspective of

received a hero's farewell. His funeral procession, escorted by 10,000 Soldiers and Sailors, was led by Ulysses S. Grant through the streets of New York.

Bandmaster Jose Contreras

In 1909, as a young boy in Valparaiso, Chile, Jose Contreras witnessed the Navy ships of the Great White Fleet steaming in and out of port. Within a year, he enlisted as a Navy musician aboard Maryland (Armored Cruiser No. 8 ) . In 1919, Contreras was assigned to the newly forming official band of the United States Navy,

known as the "World's Finest," located in Washington, D.C. This was a high honor for any musician. Shortly after this assignment, Contreras was promoted to the rank of bandmaster, the highest rank attainable by a musician at that time.

President Calvin Coolidge officially recognized The United States Navy Band by signing Public Law 661 in 1925. During the 1920s, The United States Navy Band gained national recognition and became a presidential favorite. The band was heard in concerts aboard the Presidential yacht Mayflower (PY-1), important functions at

the White House, and at prominent local clubs and hotels. As an original member of this elite ensemble, Bandmaster Contreras performed in high profile ceremonies of national prominence. One such ceremony found Bandmaster Contreras beside President Coolidge as our nation welcomed home Charles Lindbergh from his historic flight across the Atlantic in 1927. In 1929 Bandmaster Contreras helped welcome home Admiral Byrd from his historic trip and flight over Little America, South Pole. Additionally, Contreras was heard on NBC radio in 1927 as part of Arthur Godfrey's

"Hour

of Memories."

After retiring from active duty in 1938, Contreras continued to work for the Navy at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., until 1955. A retirement letter from Secretary of the Navy C. S. Thomas dated 10 October 1955 reads, "During your many years of service, you have had an active role, both in a military and civilian capacity, in the growth of our Navy to its present formidableness. The loyal, conscientious attitude which you have displayed in carrying out your assigned duties has made you a valuable asset to the Navy."

NAVCENT hosts Israeli Foreign Minister

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) hosted Israel’s foreign minister, Sept. 4, for discussions on regional maritime security cooperation.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, welcomed His Excellency, Mr. Eli Cohen; His Excellency Mr. Eitan Na’eh, the Israeli ambassador to Bahrain; and The Honorable Mr. Steven Bondy, U.S. ambassador to Bahrain, and other senior officials at his headquarters aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

“As the Israeli Foreign Minister, I am honored to stand here today at the 5th Fleet in Bahrain,” Cohen said. “The cooperation with Israel and participation of Israel in regional security is an important outcome of the Abraham Accords. In the face of common challenges, let us remember that our shared commitment to peace and stability knows no boundaries. Together, we can chart a

course towards a safer, more prosperous future for our region and beyond.”

“This visit highlights the importance of U.S. 5th Fleet’s decades-long partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and underscores our expanding partnership with Israel two years on from the alignment

of Israel to U.S. Central Command,” said Cooper. “We are always at our best when we work together with our international partners.”

The foreign minister’s visit comes days after the two-year anniversary of Israel’s realignment under U.S. Central Command’s

Middle East Naval Coalition Expands with Jordan as 12th Member

area of responsibility, Sept. 1, 2021.

U.S. 5th Fleet has conducted nearly 20 bilateral and multilateral engagements with Israeli forces since the realignment. Both navies have completed multiple joint patrols in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Israeli Navy and U.S. 5th Fleet recently completed Exercise Intrinsic Defender in Haifa, Israel. The two-week bilateral exercise enhanced navy-to-navy cooperation and operational readiness, and included engagements on explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, maritime and global health management, underwater construction, maritime surveillance and vessel boarding procedures.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes 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 Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) welcomes the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as the latest member of the International Maritime Security Construct, a multinational maritime coalition established in 2019 to deter attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East.

Jordan becomes the twelfth member of IMSC and its operational arm, Coalition Task Force Sentinel, which also welcomed the Seychelles last October. The NAVCENTled IMSC is headquartered in Bahrain.

“Jordan as a proud nation understands the importance of free flow of global commerce and freedom of navigation and is committed to continuing its important role in underpinning global maritime security in cooperation with our allies and partners,” said Commander of the Royal Jordanian Naval Force, Col. Hisham Khaleel Al-Jarrah, in a statement announcing the move. “From this standpoint and in order to effectively confront the multifarious challenges this region faces in the complex maritime environment of the 21st century, we are excited to join the IMSC team.”

He said Jordan has a proud naval tradition and that the RJNF, “is looking forward to adding our skills and professionalism to one of the most essential and effective multinational organization in the Middle East.”

“Joining IMSC is the latest of many multilateral engagements by Royal

Jordanian Navy,” he said, “and it is a continuation of our commitment to the collective responsibility of Maritime Security in the Middle East. Together as a team with our partners in IMSC, we can ensure the inherent right of freedom of navigation to merchant masters and enhance our maritime domain awareness.”

“We’re very excited to have Jordan as part of IMSC,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “Regional security and stability is an imperative and Jordan has long played a key role in that endeavor. Their representation on the IMSC makes our team that much stronger.”

“I’m both thrilled and honored to welcome the Kingdom of Jordan to IMSC,” said United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Peter Laughton, commander of IMSC.

“Jordan brings to the construct a long history of championing the international

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Hosts Leadership Training

Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain hosted its first leadership off-site training, on 26 July 2023, to cultivate key leadership traits and discuss future innovation across the command.

The off-site training enabled NAVSUP FLC Bahrain leaders, including the command military leadership, department heads, and supervisors to step away from their daily operations to learn more about leadership styles, and effective communication strategies, and dive into practical applications of Get Real Get Better (GRGB) principles within their departments.

The NAVSUP FLC Bahrain team has a critical mission to provide full spectrum operational logistics support and quality of life programs to Navy, Joint and Coalition Warfighter, DoD civilians, and their families in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Reevaluating communication and leadership skills within the command ensures the team is successful and sustains a mission readiness environment.

“A strong team is more productive, innovative, and resilient,” said Captain Alex Wallace, III, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain commanding officer. “To provide the best support to the warfighter and mission partners, we need to foster an environment of synergy and collaboration.”

The Navy’s GRGB initiative drives our leadership to develop and cultivate our sailors, civilians, and local national workforce. Effective leadership topics that were

discussed were: “Build Learning Teams and Encourage Learning through Trust & Respect,” “Changes taking place: the Challenges and Expectations,” and “Embracing ‘The Red’ Mindset.” Creating strong teams and forging trust are the building blocks of the successful execution of the GRGB philosophy. The leaders explored ways to create safe spaces for identifying and embracing “the red,” self-identified improvement and growth areas that work towards sustained long-term solutions.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s Navy Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operations (CREDO) det Bahrain program team joined NAVSUP FLC Bahrain leadership to facilitate team-building exercises during the training. Attendees increased their familiarity with their own personal leadership skills by participating in a personality tool assessment and discussion to bring awareness to how the command team learns and processes information. This

rules-based order, and will join a vibrant and dynamic multinational coalition, committed to freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade in the Middle East. With Jordan’s addition, IMSC will continue delivering its vital mission along with our other important regional and European partners.”

IMSC was formed in July 2019 in response to increased threats to merchant mariners transiting international waters in the Middle East. CTF Sentinel was established four months later to deter state-sponsored malign activity and reassure the merchant shipping industry in the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.

In addition to Jordan, IMSC’s membernations include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Jordan is also a member of Combined Maritime Forces, another major naval partnership based in the Middle East, and also led by Cooper.

sequentially aids in the understanding of ways to support flourishment within the department personnel. CREDO team members Chaplain Travis Armes and Mr. Louis Urban educated team members on the skills needed to support staff with signs of stress and ways to avoid on-the-job pressure.

“Our leaders were able to strengthen their leadership skills with an exceptional day of training from our NAVSUP FLCB team and CREDO det Bahrain,” said Commander John Bing, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Executive Officer. “Ensuring we create a venue of effective communication within our team is essential for swift problem solving and operational readiness.”

“Armed with knowledge, we have a foundation; when we apply this information, we fuel transformation,” said Mr. Gerald Bridgers, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Director of Transportation. “Yet an abundance of information without application can only lead to frustration. The power of knowledge comes from its use, not its mere possession.”

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, and Sailor & 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/NAVSUP.

439-4520

www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer Cmdr. Jimmy Harmon

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.

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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.

SOURCES OF STRENGTH

Congratulations Team NSA, we have made it through the most grueling part of summer and now find ourselves beginning the beautiful fall season! Of course, in Bahrain it’s hard to discern the summer from the early fall, but school starting, football season kicking off, and the ever-so-slight idea of cool in the evening breeze gives away the fact that we have made it through the hottest part of the summer (hopefully:).

In addition to getting through the heat of a Bahraini summer, there are other even more difficult things many of you are enduring and trying to get through. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one and you’re trying to cope with the separation. Maybe you’re realizing your career choice just isn’t for you and you’re not sure how to broach the subject with your supervisor. Or perhaps no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to find meaningful relationships that stick, and you just feel overwhelmed and lonely.

These hard things are often painful, overwhelming, and cause suffering. If pain and suffering are as inevitable as the Bahraini summer, then how do we get through it? I’d like to offer one option for enduring life’s scorching heat: Look to your Sources of Strength.

From what sources do you draw strength and courage to go on? And not to just go on, but to flourish in the midst of the heat? What keeps you going? Where do you find peace? What sustains you in the midst of your troubles? The answers to these questions will likely be different for each of us, but here are few suggestions:

1. Identify 1 or 2 personal values and incorporate them into your daily routine

2. Find one way to create something this week and share it with someone else

3. Start a “feelings” journal and just make one unstructured entry this week

4. Find a funny meme that captures how you feel and share it with someone you trust

5. If you are a person of faith, find one way to creatively practice your faith this week

6. Try and do some sort of exercise at least 3 times a week (walking, yoga, biking etc.)

7. Find one person this week to surprise with an act of service they would appreciate

8. Try going to bed earlier

9. Find a good book and read a chapter this week

10. Consider ending each day by vocalizing at least three things you are thankful for

Certainly, there are many more sources of strength we could add to this list, and perhaps you would like to add your own. My invitation to each of us is to find sources of strength and cling to them as we wrap up our Bahraini summer and continue through our personal summers that come and go throughout our lifetime.

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema Blue Beetle (PG-13) – 2h 7m

Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he's bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that's capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle. | Cast: Bruna Marquezine, Xolo Maridueña, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo

The Equalizer 3 (R) – 1h 49m

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall finds solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Now living in Southern Italy, he soon discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall becomes their protector by taking on the mafia. | Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Sonia Ammar, Gaia Scodellaro

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG) – 1h 39m

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers. Their new friend, April O'Neil, helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them. | Cast: Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cantu, Seth Rogen, Micah Abbey

Meg 2: The Trench (PG-13) – 1h 56m

Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators. | Cast: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Able Wanamakok, Sienna Guillory

A DIVINE TURKISH FEAST

Turkey has been known to be a favourite destination among Bahrain’s avid travellers for decades. One of the main reasons is the nation’s divine cuisine! With Baharat, located at Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain, you won’t have to fly to Turkey to enjoy a lavish Turkish feast!

With the Turkish Night buffet, meticulously prepared by their skilled Turkish chefs, you can enjoy phenomenal kebabs, salads, freshly made pide, manti, and a wonderful spread of desserts.

Enjoy this buffet every Friday from 7pm to 11pm. The buffet is priced at BD19 inclusive of soft beverages and BD29 inclusive of selected beverages. Use the Entertainer app to buy one get one free.

Call 17 171-441 or WhatsApp 38 885-841.

TREAT YOUR TASTEBUDS

Fancy a bit of relaxation? The Royal Cafe at the Diplomat Radisson Blu offers a selection of sandwiches, sweets and scones accompanied by two pots of tea for just BD12. It’s a great option if you’re planning a catch up with great conversation with friends and family. If you fancy just a smaller snack just to satisfy the midday craving, you can have coffee and a delicious slice of cake for just BD4.

Call 17 531-666.

SEAFOOD LOVERS, REJOICE!

Immerse yourself in a gastronomic adventure filled with the freshest seafood delights and an electrifying live DJ performance at Silk’s Restaurant located at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Our menu spans a lavish spread of sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum dumplings, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster, and tiger prawns. Our skilled chefs are ready to craft your chosen seafood to perfection, promising an unforgettable evening for all seafood enthusiasts.

This delectable seafood night takes place every Monday from 7pm and is priced at BD26+++ per person including unlimited selected select beverages or BD22+++ per person inclusive of soft drinks and water. Packages include on platter of oysters.

Call or WhatsApp 33 640-032.

SUSHI FOR DINNER

Brush up your chopstick skills and delve into a formidable feast of the very best sushi at Teatro Downtown located at Downtown Rotana. Its unique all-you-can-eat sushi experience takes place every Tuesday and includes a divine selection of maki, nigiri and more.

Reserve your table for a great dining experience accompanied by live entertainment from 5pm to 12am. The Downtown Sushi Night is priced at BD21 inclusive of soft beverages and BD29 inclusive of selected house beverages.

Call or WhatsApp 33 605-070.

BAKE IT EASY!

Take a break from a busy day with the delectable Bubbly Afternoon Tea at Furn Bakery and Rotunda, located at The Westin. As part of this unique afternoon tea, you can enjoy a selection of delicious cakes crafted by skilled culinary hands at Furn Bakery. You can also savour delicious finger sandwiches, scones with jam and a colourful array of pastries.

This afternoon tea experience takes place from Sunday to Thursday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. The experience is priced at BD15 with unlimited tea or coffee or BD20 inclusive of a selected beverages

FOR THE LOVE OF TRUFFLE

Truffles have a uniquely nutty and earthy flavour, making it a delight in the culinary world! Enjoy a seven-course degustation dinner with special grape pairings at the ‘Celebrating Truffles’ culinary delights experience at the Legendz Steakhouse at the Intercontinental Regency Bahrain. This special experience sees their Director of Food and Beverage Chef Emmanuel back in his whites alongside Chef Rajesh and Chef Tauseef!

The dinner on September 27, runs from 6.30pm to 10pm and is priced at BD37 including selected beverages. Prior booking is recommended.

Call 17 227-777.

BRUNCH LIKE YOU’RE IN BRAZIL

Celebrate the culinary charm of Brazil at Via Brasil, located at Wyndham Garden Manama, with their new brunch concept that is stirring up island’s brunch scene. This unique brunch offers international, Indian and authentic Brazilian Churrascaria dining experience with succulent meat cut selections carved tableside, a variety of salads, a dedicated dessert station as well as a selection of Brazilian beverages. Their Latino Band will make sure that you are transported to Copacabana. Expect the very best of flavours with the bountiful selection of meats and memorable desserts to keep you tastefully engaged. This is sure to be a memorable experience of exquisite food, drinks, live entertainment and personalised service.

Feast at the Via Brasil brunch every Friday from 12.30pm to 4.00pm. This brunch is priced at BD29 net per person inclusive of unlimited selected beverages or BD17 inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 66 390-928 or email jashan@wyndhamgardenmanama.com.