VOLUME 19, NUMBER 508
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN
November 15, 2023
NSA BAHRAIN, NAVSEA CONDUCT OIL SPILL EXERCISE By Ameera Al-Kooheji, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain - Naval Sea System Command's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), in coordination with Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s Environmental Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Europe Africa Central, successfully conducted a comprehensive salvage and pollution response drill as part of an annual oil spill response training exercise onboard NSA Bahrain, Nov. 5-8. The four-day exercise coincided with the annual maintenance of SUPSALV equipment utilized for rapid response to pier-side oil spills and deployment to the open seas with the objective to demonstrate readiness in deploying its Tiered Preparedness and Response capability in Bahrain. “By actively deploying spill equipment we are able to maintain technical proficiency while maintaining our longstanding partnership with environmental protection organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Mr. Sean Suk, environmental director, NSA Bahrain. “In addition to protecting the coastlines to the best interests of our host nation, the exchange of information, technology and training is a key to an effective response in case of an actual incident." The SUPSALV team, led by Mr. Robert McClellan, has conducted oil spill recovery exercises at NSA Bahrain previously and assisted in real-world recovery oil spill efforts. They took lead in this year’s exercise, simulating various aspects of fuelspill response, including NAVSUP FLC Bahrain containment, cleanup, Detachment Dubai environmental monitoring, Hosts Industry Day and the promotion of health and safety measures. “The ability to come out and put this equipment in the water and operate it is vital to readiness. There are so many issues in the maintenance cycle that Destroyer Squadron can only be identified and 50 Holds Change of addressed by using it in Command Ceremony the field,” said McClellan, “Pairing that with the opportunity to coordinate with our other response partners, both on and off base, is what maximizes these events and ensures we are able to respond in a meaningful and effective way.” In attendance were several host-nation Sailor in the Spotlight agencies including Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), Bahrain 3- Exercise Digital Talon Petroleum Company Advances Unmanned (BAPCO), APM Terminals, Lethality at Sea Bahrain Coast Guard, Ports 5 - Chaplain’s Corner and Maritime Affairs (PMA). Participants 6 - Cinema received a tour of the
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SUPSALV Emergency Ship Salvage Material (ESSM) facility where they received a briefing on the capabilities and overall functions of various salvage systems, and equipment including a command van, rigging van, salvage skimmer system van, oil containment boom van, high-speed skimmer support van, shop and firefighting system vans. Participants were also given an in-water demonstration at the floating pier where they observed the SK0050 highspeed current buster and boom-handling boats along with the oil-containment boom in an operational-skimming configuration. The participating agencies were able to assess readiness and enhance their collective ability to mitigate environmental damage and protect public health. “This exercise demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and helps to foster cooperation and communication between the U.S. Navy and host nation partners such as ourselves," said Capt. Aref Al Awadhi, senior oil spill response officer, MEMAC. "It is a routine but important exercise that helps to ensure that we are all prepared to respond effectively to oil spills and other hazardous material incidents." The equipment deployment schedule was structured to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA-90) National Preparedness for Response Exercise program (NPREP) training and drill requirements for deploying
skimmers, containment systems, and training for ESSM personnel. The NPREP is a voluntary program developed for spill responders to provide a mechanism for compliance while being economically feasible to adopt and sustain. Completion of the NPREP exercises satisfies all federal oil pollution response exercise requirements mandated by OPA-90. "Mastering response procedures from a manual is a solid start, but it's the real-time application of these procedures in a live setting that truly enhances our team's capabilities," said Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain. "I am incredibly proud of our team's coordination and execution of this oil spill response exercise, which was demonstrated before representatives from the Kingdom of Bahrain. This exercise is a testament to our enduring partnership and dedication to our host nation." NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage and commitment. For more news from NSA Bahrain, visit https://www. dvidshub.net/unit/USNSA-B
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NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Detachment Dubai Hosts Industry Day
Story and photo by Margaret Algarin Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain detachment Dubai hosted Industry Day for all local businesses and contractors on October 19, 2023. NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Det. Dubai is responsible for providing repair, alteration, maintenance, supplies, and services to support the U. S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). This Industry Day focused on mission partners who can provide services and supplies in the United Arab Emirates specifically to the ports in Jebel Ali, Fujairah, Khalifa, and Zayed in Abu Dhabi. The purpose of Industry Day is to provide an overview of logistics support, ship and voyage repair availabilities,
contracting overview, base and general information for ship repair contractors interested in doing business with the U.S. Navy. Increasing vendor awareness and participation in ship maintenance and repair services ensures the ability to keep the 5th Fleet equipped for continuous mission readiness. Industry Day provides essential information to emerging and established businesses with the U.S. Government and the federal contracting process specifically geared toward enhancing awareness of ship repair and maintenance opportunities. NAVSUP FLC Bahrain contracting personnel provided an overview of how to do business with the U.S. Government and discussed different contract types. NAVSUP FLC
Bahrain is responsible for awarding and managing contracts to shipyards for the repair and maintenance of homeported and deployed U.S. vessels within the 5th Fleet AOR. Key speakers for the event included Captain Alexander D. Wallace, III, commanding officer, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, Mr. Richard Bauer, director of contracting NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, Mr. Jeffrey Gamboa, and Mrs. Cheryl Geneciran-Paulino. The event began with a welcome by Captain Wallace. He spoke about the mutually beneficial importance of partnerships and highlighted the benefits of partnering with NAVSUP FLC Bahrain and supporting the 5th Fleet AOR, its global reach, and its strong reputation.
It was a terrific opportunity to have experts from contracting and maintenance industries around the globe meet in support of mission readiness. "Industry Day is an incredible opportunity to liaise with current vendors and assist them in properly preparing competitive proposals,” said LCDR Bryan Pace, officer in charge, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain det Dubai. “In addition, this event allows us to welcome and assist new vendors in registering their business with the U.S. government which in turn will increase the capacity of the industrial base in the UAE and 5th Fleet AOR.” "We have had a long history of collaborating with mission partners. Since 2006, Industry Day has opened the door for us to engage with our partners in the business community and increase awareness of the capabilities and opportunities within the area,” said Richard C. Bauer Director of Contracts NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Director of Contracting. NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Penn., 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.
Ohio-Class Submarine Enters the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations
By NAVCENT Public Affairs An Ohio-class submarine arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Nov. 5. The submarine's rapid deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility demonstrates the flexibility and dynamic ability to deter potential adversaries, reassure partners, enhanced maritime security, and ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.
U.S. Naval Forces Central command is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's mission is to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities to promote security and stability in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
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Destroyer Squadron 50 Holds Change of Command Ceremony By NAVCENT Public Affairs Capt. David S. Coles assumed command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 from Capt. Anthony L. Webber during a changeof-command ceremony Nov. 2 held at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Headquarters aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Webber led DESRON 50, which serves as Surface Warfare Task Force for NAVCENT, since November 2022. He also commanded Combined Task Force 153 as part of the Combined Maritime Forces. In that role, Webber was responsible for an international task force maintaining maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. "The Navy has for many years sent top-tier leaders to DESRON 50," said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "It's no coincidence that under Capt. Webber's leadership, the squadron's value manifested itself daily, filling capability gaps and moving the ball forward with valued partners in the region. Now, command of DESRON 50 goes from one superstar to another under Capt. Coles, and the team's record of success will no doubt continue."
During his time in command, Webber oversaw 11 patrol force ships, 10 destroyers, a littoral combat ship, and the U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team to interdict, disrupt, and deter illicit activities counter to vital U.S. interests. His leadership was critical during three weapon interdiction missions, significantly disrupting malign activity in
the region. DESRON 50 also provided support to the evacuation efforts in Sudan, alongside seven other nations, assisting in the safe evacuation of more than 2,500 personnel, including 872 American citizens. Webber said he couldn’t have accomplished this on his own. “The successes of this past year are a
direct reflection of the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen I was honored to lead,” said Webber. “I could not be prouder of the entire team and their relentless pursuit to get after it. As America’s DESRON, they are the heart and soul of C5F.” Coles assumes command after serving as DESRON 50’s deputy commodore since last November. A career surface warfare officer, Coles served on a variety of ships, including command of the Arleigh Burkeclass guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) and Patrol Coastal Crew Bravo, serving aboard USS Monsoon (PC 4), USS Chinook (PC 9), and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12). “The women and men of our task force remain ready, resilient, and reliable,” he said. “We will continue to ensure we’re prepared to respond and support NAVCENT’s efforts to maintain freedom of the seas and regional security.” The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space 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.
Exercise Digital Talon Advances Unmanned Lethality at Sea By NAVCENT Public Affairs U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) is advancing lethality and the combat capabilities of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) during live weapons firing exercises in the international waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, Oct. 23. The firing exercises were conducted as part of Exercise Digital Talon and constituted the first use of lethal munitions from USVs in the Middle East region. During the exercise, NAVCENT’s Task Force 59, the Navy’s first Unmanned and Artificial Intelligence Task Force, demonstrated the ability of unmanned platforms to pair with traditionally crewed ships in “manned-unmanned teaming” to identify and target simulated hostile forces at sea. The hostile forces were represented through the use of a target boat. Then, using live munitions launched from another unmanned platform, NAVCENT forces engaged and destroyed the targets. During multiple firing events, a MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV, equipped with a Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System, successfully scored direct hits each time. A human operator ashore at Task Force 59’s Robotics Operations Center made the engagement decisions. Digital Talon was coordinated with and supported by Commander, Special Operations Forces Central Command. This exercise is the second time in as many months the U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated advanced unmanned capabilities in the region, according to Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, NAVCENT commander. In September, unmanned underwater surface and aerial vehicles were able to track Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are focused on the operational application of new, cutting-edge unmanned systems and artificial intelligence technologies. Last month, we integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ operations to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula,” he said. “During Digital Talon, we took a significant step forward and advanced our capability to the ‘next level’ beyond just
maritime domain awareness, which has been a traditional focus with Task Force 59. We have proven these unmanned platforms can enhance fleet lethality. In doing so, we are strengthening regional maritime security and enhancing deterrence against malign activity.” Looking ahead, Cooper said, he expects to see the progress expand in scale and impact, including future exercises expanding the arsenal of combat-capable unmanned systems.
“I’m excited about the direction we’re headed,” he said. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.
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439-4520 Public Affairs Officer www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain Chief Editor Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity Bahrain Capt. Zachariah Aperauch NSA Bahrain Executive Officer Cmdr. Jimmy Harmon
Lt. jg. Bryan Blair 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.
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November 15, 2023 5
Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.
You may have read the above maxim on a kitschy kitchen sign or a coffee mug or a black T-shirt in white cursive script. You know the kind. Cheesy or cheeky, sometimes coffee mugs bear good news and truth. This blessing’s formula intentionally resembles a series of counterintuitive blessings from a famous sermon from history. Unlike the ironic, surprising, and hard to swallow originals, the above blessing is rather palatable. Its unapologetic use of circular logic does not make it less true, good, or timely to hear. Speaking of logic, here’s a formula familiar to CREDO Personal Resiliency Retreat alumni: If R<E, then R=D. In sentence form it reads as follows: if your Reality (R) is less than what you Expected (E), then the Reality (R) is you’re likely going to experience Disappointment (D). Logisticians out there will recognize this may be a valid argument but not necessarily a sound one. You are not doomed to experience disappointment when life does not turn out as you expected. There are a couple of approaches you can take to mitigate disappointment in life. One is to lower your expectations. This is not inherently a pessimistic approach. Sometimes your expectations are unreasonable or unrealistic and you would do well to rein them in. A second and in my opinion better approach is to be flexible and accept life as it comes. This is not inherently a blindly optimistic approach. Flexibility does not require you condone or celebrate or rejoice in misfortune and unmet expectations, only that you bend without breaking under their weight. Woven into Taoism, Buddhist and Stoic philosophy, the Serenity Prayer, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are the principles of psychological flexibility and forbearance. Some things you can change or control and some things you cannot. When circumstances are out of your control you must at least control yourself. That may be all you can do. Status quo may change in an instant. When the future you imagined is not the present you experience, take heart and take hold of your values. What is most important to you in this life? Are you giving your best? Are you living as the type of person you desire and strive to be? Regardless of your circumstances including events outside of your control, you can control you. Live intentionally, live resiliently, live communally, live happily.
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New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema The Marvels (PG-13) – 1h 45m Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences see her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes to form the Marvels. | Cast: Brie Larson, Park Seo-joon, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton
Saw X (R) – 1h 58m Hoping for a miraculous cure, John Kramer travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure, only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, the infamous serial killer uses deranged and ingenious traps to turn the tables on the con artists. | Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Renata Vaca
PAW Patrol: The Movie (G) – 1h 26m The PAW Patrol pups magically gain superpowers after a meteor strikes Adventure City. However, things take a turn for the worse when Humdinger and a mad scientist steal their powers and turn themselves into supervillains. As the team springs into action to save the city, Skye soon learns that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference. | Cast: Brice Gonzalez, Kim Kardashian, Mckenna Grace, Will Brisbin
The Exorcist: Believer (R) – 1h 51m When his daughter, Angela, and her friend Katherine, show signs of demonic possession, it unleashes a chain of events that forces single father Victor Fielding to confront the nadir of evil. Terrified and desperate, he seeks out Chris MacNeil, the only person alive who's witnessed anything like it before. | Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Olivia O’Neill, Lidya Jewett
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