Bahrain Desert Times (511) - December 2023

USS DEVASTATOR COMPLETES 7-MONTH MAINTENANCE PERIOD 18 DAYS EARLY

Public Affairs

Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC)

Detachment Bahrain completed the docking selected restricted availability (DSRA) for Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator (MCM 6) 18 days early on Dec. 18, 2023. Devastator is forward deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

“The FDRMC Bahrain team worked tireless with our industry partner and ship’s force to execute an early completion on USS Devastator,” said Capt. Brian

Karosich, FDRMC commanding officer. “With the ship back to the fleet more than two weeks early, it can return to national tasking and other operations alongside our Allies and partners, fully mission-ready for whatever is required.”

DSRAs are routine, planned maintenance periods providing necessary repairs, maintenance and modernization for the ship to operate at full technical capacity and mission capability. The DSRA required extensive planning and proactive project management to execute significant work on propulsion systems, electrical systems and structural areas as well as hull inspection and preservation on the 33-yearold wooden-hulled ship.

Completing significant depot-level maintenance like DSRAs early in a forwarddeployed environment occurs

only due to successful partnerships with the ship’s crew and industry partners. The technical expertise and maintenance workforce at Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company provided robust support with significant capability including docking the ship safely and partnering with FDRMC and the ship’s crew on fire safety and prevention. The combined team executed the 7-month DSRA successfully, completing all key events on time or early.

FDRMC provides emergent, intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization for transient and Forward Deployed Naval Forces in U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets through fleet technical assistance, voyage repair, contract management oversight, assessments, and diving and salvage.

Congress Passes Fiscal 2024 Defense Spending Bill, Pay Raise for Service Members

Both the House and Senate have passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president. Among other things, the bill authorizes a pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees.

"This important legislation not only authorizes a 5.2% pay increase for service members and civilian employees ... but directly invests in America's national security and military power projection to meet the challenges of the 21st century," said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a briefing today.

The most recent National Defense Authorization Act supports $841.4 billion in funding for the Defense Department. Included in the bill are provisions related to service members and their families. For instance, the bill increases family separation allowance to $400 per month.

Also included is language that excludes basic allowance for housing from the calculation of gross household income used to determine eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance. That allowance is provided to service members with dependents who have a gross household income less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

The FY24 NDAA also authorizes the Navy to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for up to 13 Virginia class submarines and authorizes the department to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are used to manufacture the permanent magnets used in major U.S. military weapons systems and in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries.

While Ryder said the department applauds passage of the FY24 NDAA, it also urges congress to pass its supplemental budget request as well, which funds continued support to American partner nations and funds needed investments in the U.S. defense industrial base.

Sri Lanka Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 39th Member

Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Sri Lanka, Nov. 20th, as the 39th member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership.

“We are excited to have Sri Lanka as part of CMF,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CMF commander. “We welcome them into a growing international naval coalition in the Middle East, which protects some of the world’s most important waterways.”

In accepting the invitation to join CMF, the country’s naval commander, Vice Adm. Priyantha Perera, said Sri Lanka “is eager to

collaborate with the CMF and other partner nations in joint exercises, patrols and operations…to uphold the principles of the CMF and contribute to its success.”

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seizes Illegal Narcotics in Gulf of Oman

A U.S. Coast Guard ship seized illegal drugs worth over $6 million from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Dec. 12.

Crewmembers from the Sentinelclass fast response cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144) observed individuals on a fishing vessel throw seven bales of material over the side. The material was discovered to be 174 kilograms of heroin.

Glen Harris arrived in the Middle East region last year and operates from Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

The fast response cutter is part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Seaman 1st Class James R. Ward

Navy Seaman 1st Class James Richard Ward only had moments to decide what to do on the sinking USS Oklahoma during the bombing of Pearl Harbor: save himself, or do what he could to save others? Ward chose the valiant option, giving his life so his fellow sailors could escape. He earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for his gallantry, and just recently, his remains were finally accounted for and buried.

Ward was born Sept. 10, 1921, in Springfield, Ohio, to parents Howard and Nancy Ward. He had a sister named Marjorie.

According a 2014 Dayton Daily News article, as a teen, Ward, who went by the nickname Dick, did odd jobs for his neighbors to earn some cash. He played football and the trumpet, but his real love was baseball. After graduating high school in 1939, the article said Ward took a factory job before landing a minor league baseball contract with the Shelby Colonels out of North Carolina. However, the gig only lasted a month before he was replaced. Ward then worked at a steel mill for a time before enlisting in the Navy on Nov. 25, 1940.

After basic training, Ward was sent to serve on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii. Since baseball was a huge pastime for service members, he was able to join the ship's team. Ward helped them win the Pacific Fleet championship, and he was even

named top batter.

Unfortunately, Ward would not live to see beyond the opening moments of the United States' entry into World War II.

A Pivotal Decision

In the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Oahu, surprising installations all over the island. The Pacific Fleet's ships that were moored at Pearl Harbor's Ford Island took the brunt of the assault, including the Oklahoma.

In the first few minutes of the attack, the ship was hit by as many as nine aerial torpedoes, which ripped open more than 250 feet of hull on the ship's port side. The massive amount of damage caused the Oklahoma to roll over and sink in less than 20 minutes.

Ward was in one of the ship's turrets, which lost electricity immediately, leaving him and his fellow sailors in darkness.

According to the Dayton Daily News, Ward was the only one in that turret with a flashlight.

When the order was given to abandon ship, Ward stayed in his turret, using the flashlight to allow the remainder of the crew to see to escape. While many of them made it out of the turret, Ward did not. At 20 years old, he sacrificed his own life for the lives of his fellow sailors.

All told, the Oklahoma lost 429 men that day. Thirty-two men who had been trapped inside its upturned hull were rescued days

later.

In the aftermath of the attacks, it took a while for official death notices to go out. According to the Dayton Daily News, Ward's parents didn't learn of his official death until Feb. 20, 1942.

Despite the chaos of that fateful day, Ward's valor didn't go unnoticed. He was quickly nominated for the Medal of Honor, which was mailed to his parents in Springfield in March 1942, along with a letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Navy Secretary Frank Knox.

A Long Journey Home

In 1943, the capsized Oklahoma was rolled upright and raised in one of the salvage profession's greatest undertakings, naval historians said. Throughout the war, Navy personnel worked to recover the remains of the men who died inside the ship and bury them in temporary Hawaiian

cemeteries.

After the war, the American Graves Registration Service was created to carry out a new mission -- to identify and recover our fallen service members from around the globe. AGRS members disinterred the remains of the men from the Oklahoma and transferred them to an Army laboratory, which confirmed the identities of 35 men at that time. The rest of the remains were buried in plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. By 1949, a military board classified those who hadn't been identified as "nonrecoverable," including Ward.

Nearly a lifetime went by before that changed.

In 2015, investigators – now with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency – exhumed the comingled remains of the buried unknown men from the Oklahoma to run tests using dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis in the hope of finally identifying them. The agency compared those findings to DNA samples that had been provided years earlier by the 394 families of those who were never identified from the Oklahoma.

On Aug. 19, 2021, the DPAA announced it had finally accounted for Ward's remains. He was buried last week in Arlington National Cemetery – a decision that was made by Richard Ward Hanna, his nephew and namesake.

Hanna, who lives in Gainesville, Florida, said his family didn't talk about Ward much while he grew up, but he knows how incredibly respected the fallen sailor is in his hometown of Springfield.

"It'll be very emotional," Hanna said in early December. "I've been asked a lot, ‘Does this really give you a sense of closure?' And for me personally, I wouldn't so much say it's closure. I think what's meaningful is he'll finally have a resting place that's permanent that people will know about. And being a Medal of Honor recipient is an incredible thing."

After the war, Ward's name was recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with many others who were missing during World War II. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Even when Ward was missing for all those years, he was not forgotten. The Edsall-class destroyer escort USS J. Richard Ward, which commissioned in 1943 and was used throughout World War II, was named in his honor. Camp Ward at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho was also named for him, and in 1953, a Pearl Harbor baseball field was christened Ward Field. There's an "in memory" marker for Ward at Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio, as well as an American Legion there that bears his name.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Visits Bahrain

On December 19, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman

bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Commander in Chief of Bahrain’s Defense Force, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, in Manama, Bahrain.

The Secretary emphasized the strong and

enduring partnership between the United States and Bahrain, as reflected most recently in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). The Secretary thanked Bahrain’s leaders for working

together with the United States to promote regional security and stability.

Secretary Austin thanked the King and Crown Prince for Bahrain’s generosity in hosting U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT)

and its leadership in regional integration and maritime security efforts.

The Secretary condemned increased Houthi aggression to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and emphasized that Houthi aggression toward

commercial vessels transiting critical waterways pose risks to the free flow of commerce.

Secretary Austin conveyed his desire to work with all nations who share an interest in freedom of navigation.

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BAD LUCK, GOOD LUCK, WHO KNOWS?

Ready for some better fortune in the new year compared to 2023? I’ve heard murmuring around the base that many hope for good luck, but who really knows what 2024 will bring. It reminds me of a story I heard….Once upon a time, there was a farmer with only one horse, and it ran away unexplainedly. The neighbor says, “Ha! What bad luck!” The man answers, “Good luck, bad luck…who knows?”

The next day, the man’s horse returns, bringing twenty more horses. The neighbor remarks, “Haha! What good luck!” To which the man shrugs, “Good luck, bad luck…who knows?” The next day, the man’s son is outside trying to tame one of the wild horses when it kicks the boy and breaks his leg. The neighbor sees the incident and gasps, “What bad luck!” The man looks at the neighbor and says, “Good luck, bad luck…who knows?” The following day, a band of thugs comes into town and begins grabbing young men to force them into the gang. They see the broken leg of the man’s son and decide not to take him. Good luck, bad luck, who knows?

If I were to poll the NSA Bahrain masses, the consensus would affirm that no one could have predicted how 2023 would conclude—from either a professional, personal, global, regional, political, or cultural perspective (although I remember people saying back in January, “There is no way 2023 is going to be crazier than 2022.” Folks said the same about 2022 when 2021 came to a close, and that was a crazy one. We humans seem adept at reaching new levels of self-inflicted chaos with each passing year, sadly). Back to the point—each of life’s twists and twirls moves us along toward a destination we would not have necessarily chosen for ourselves; yet here we are. Each of your successes, disappointments, and surprises ushered you along life’s journey toward your ultimate eternal dwelling. I’d like to make a suggestion in light of the truths written here—in 2024, seek the greater purpose and meaning in each of life’s events, either significant or seemingly trivial, as they are collectively at work to do something in you, through you, or for you (and part of God’s divine sovereign plan, I might add). Time and reflection will allow you to look back and see how God moved you to the exact time and place you needed to be, but in the moment, you can say, “Bad luck, good luck…who knows?”

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Migration (PG) – 1h 23m

A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime. | Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito

The Boys In The Boat (PG-13) – 2h 4m

A 1930s-set story centered on the University of Washington's rowing team, from their Depression-era beginnings to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

| Cast: Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness

Wonka (PG) – 1h 56m

With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers. | Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gustave Die, Murray McArthur

The Color Purple (PG-13) – 2h 20m

A woman faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. | Cast: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks

ELEVATE YOUR NEW YEAR'S IN STYLE

31 December 2023

Experience the epitome of luxury this New Year's Eve with international dining and live music by oud player Ali Alrasheed, a dynamic 2-piece band, and a mesmerizing belly dance performance, all at one exclusive venue.

Prepare for a remarkable 25|50 New Year's Eve in your finest attire, featuring global cuisine and top-tier performers. Enjoy a gourmet feast with live saxophone and DJ Agata Angel for a chic celebration.

Dinner | Zahrat Al Fayrouz | 7pm – Midnight

BHD 30 net per person (soft beverages)

BHD 40 net per person (selected beverages)

New Year Eve Party | 25|50 Lounge | 9pm – 2am

BHD 30 net per person, unlimited selected beverages & snacks until 12am

Complimentary kids club access until 2am

For reservations, please contact:

JGBsales@jumeirah.com | +973 3366 3466

Avenue 63, Al Jazayer Beach - 1067, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain

EXPLORING THE GULF

Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Experience

The Gulf region, also known as the Persian Gulf, is a beautiful and fascinating part of the world. It is located in the Middle East and is surrounded by several countries. Each country has something unique to offer, making the Gulf region an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience culture, history and natural beauty.

Whether you seek the glitz and glamour of Dubai, the cultural richness of Oman, modern sophistication in Doha, the historical treasures of Bahrain or the natural beauty of Salalah, the Gulf region has something for every traveler. The combination of ancient traditions and futuristic cities creates a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to the Gulf, where you not only get to experience the city life and learn about the history of the countries, but also embrace the beautiful culture and the welcoming atmosphere that the Gulf is well known for.

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

The ‘Pearl of the Gulf,’ Bahrain, is a location with a rich cultural history. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qal’at al-Bahrain, visitors can learn about the ancient Dilmun culture, or they can visit the Bahrain National Museum. Water activities and opulent resorts like Jumeirah Resort and Spa are available at the spotless Zallaq beaches. Adhari Park is a magnificent recreation area in Zinj. The Al’ali pottery farm and The Lost Paradise of Dilmun are open to visitors throughout the summer. People looking for a blend of traditional and urban life frequently travel to Bahrain because of its balance of both.

Saudi Arabia is a country with a storied history and culture, offering a variety of remarkable destinations. In recent years it has become quite the attraction for people to visit since Saudi Arabia’s football association brought in the world famous Cristiano Ronaldo as a player for Al Nassr Club, followed by many more influential football players. We begin with the capital city of Riyadh which is a must-see, offering modernity and traditional charm. The King Abdulaziz Historical Centre is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Mecca, which the holiest city in Islam, is home to the Kaaba, a sacred site. The Abraj Al Bait Towers offer stunning views and luxury hotels. Don’t miss out on the blissfulness of Al’Ula which is an archaeological treasure trove in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Let’s not forget the hidden gem of a city, Abha, which is home to the underrated Abu Kheyal Park that blooms with purple flowers all over the park making it an absolute beauty.

United Arab Emirates Kuwait

Qatar

Qatar is a small but vibrant country in the Gulf that offers a plethora of experiences waiting to be explored. Doha is known to be the futuristic city of Qatar and combines tradition with contemporary sophistication, offering iconic landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art and bustling markets like Souq Waqif. Take a dhow cruise along the Corniche, witness the stunning skyline of this rapidly developing city. Visit the inland sea, Khor Al Adaid, for an exciting desert safari experience or head to the stunning beaches of Zekreet and Fuwairit for a relaxing getaway. Qatar recently took off on its tourism experience as they hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022 and had the internet flooded with spectators and visitors complementing the hospitality and amazing culture of the country making it a must-visit spot in the Gulf.

United Arab Emirates is home to a variety of destinations that make it a place to visit. Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem in the UAE that offers a plethora of natural attractions. Visit the Jais Mountain, the highest peak in the UAE, or the Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, which is known for its scenic views and water sports activities. Sharjah is a cultural hub that is filled with art exhibitions, museums and cultural events. The city is known for its luxury shopping destinations, theme parks and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building on the world and also invites visitors to fine dining at the top of the building, or experience the thrill of a desert safari, where you can ride camels, watch falcons and camp under the stars.

Kuwait is a Gulf region country that offers a blend of rich culture and modern attractions. The capital city known as Kuwait City features modern architecture and heritage sites like the Kuwait Towers and Grand Mosque. The Arabian Gulf Street offer high-end restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. The National Museum showcases Kuwait’s history and culture, while Failaka Island offers archaeological sites and water sports. When it comes to entertainment you cannot miss out on experiencing The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre that hosts concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions. Make sure to visit and delve into the cultures of Kuwait.

Oman

Oman is a country well known for its history and nature; Muscat is a tapestry of it. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque showcases intricate design, while the Mutrah Souq offers a glimpse into traditional Omani life. The rugged Hajar Mountains and serene beaches surrounding Muscat provide ample outdoor adventures. Salalah, located in the southern region of Oman, offers lush landscapes and pristine beaches, in beautiful contrast to other Gulf destinations. During monsoon season, witness the transformation of the desert into a verdant paradise, with waterfalls and lush greenery. Explore the Frankincense Land Museum and learn about the region’s rich history as a centre for the incense trade. Make sure to visit the picturesque Al Mughsail Beach for a relaxing and tranquil experience. Don’t miss out on Nizwa City, which is a historic city that is famous for its ancient forts, museums and souqs. You can visit the Nizwa Fort, which dates back to the 17th century, or explore the Nizwa Souq, which offers a wide range of handmade crafts and traditional Omani pottery.