NSA Bahrain CPO Selectees Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
MANAMA, Bahrain— Chief petty officer selectees from multiple commands on board the installation hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Sept. 11.
The event opened with the parading of colors, national
anthem, and invocation, and continued with the reading of first responder testimonials, a ceremonial flag passing, and a recount of the timeline of events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001.
Rear Adm. Matt Kawas, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, spoke about how the 9/11 attacks changed the
U.S. Navy and the American way of life forever.
“Thank you, first and foremost for being here today and remembering,” said Kawas. “Remembering it’s been 23 years since that fateful day. 23 years since four commercial airlines crashed into the Twin Towers in New York, in a field in Pennsylvania, and into the Pentagon, changing the trajectory of our nation. 23 years since naval ships executing one set of missions were suddenly redirected,” said Kawas. “The world felt like it was moving 100 miles a minute in those first few uncertain weeks, but we are a resilient Naval force. We grew. We adapted. We persevered.”
Kawas thanked NSA Bahrain personnel and partner nations for their commitment to maritime
security, regional stability, and the continued strengthening of interoperability and cooperation.
“Exercising vigilance, performing deterrence, and establishing enduring partnerships: these are what prevent another 9/11 from happening,” said Kawas. “Our work here honors those lives lost, both on 9/11 and the 23 years since. You all make a difference, and we continue to make a difference every day right here in 5th Fleet because we have been looking forward, remain looking forward, remain engaged, and most importantly, remain ready.”
Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain, explained the strategic significance of the installation in 2001, and how base personnel rose to the occasion to support
increased operations in the region.
“This base transformed to the center of gravity in the war on terror; CENTCOM’s [Central Command] main operation base in the AOR [area of responsibility]. They didn’t have everything we have now, but what they had was something far more important; the unbreakable spirit to serve; to protect; to fight back, and to honor their duty,” said Aperauch. “Here, at one of the most strategically vital installations on the planet, we are called to stand the watch in times of uncertainty. Tensions are high, the stakes are great, and, just like on that day before, today may feel like any other day, but we know that tomorrow can change everything.”
Aperauch reflected on the heart and grit of first responders and military personnel in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and how we should strive to emulate their courage and determination.
“This day isn’t just about remembering what we lost; it’s about remembering what we found,” said Aperauch. “Our sense of duty, our commitment to each other, our unwavering resolve to never forget. So today, let’s recommit ourselves to that same spirit of service and sacrifice. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by ensuring we are always prepared to defend what is right and just. And let us never forget the price of our freedom.”
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.
Story By MC1 Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs
NSA Bahrain Recognizes National Preparedness Month
Story by Jared Applefield, NSA Bahrain Emergency Management Officer
September is National Preparedness Month, a time when people across the country are encouraged to pause and consider their plans for emergencies and disasters. This month provides the opportunity to learn and understand the importance of preparing for disasters and reducing risks to health and the environment both here at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, and anywhere your loved ones call home.
Four simple actions can help anyone prepare for emergencies to keep them, their families and their communities safe: Be informed, make a plan, build a kit and get involved.
Be Informed. Being informed means knowing what disasters could happen in the areas where you live and work. Knowing what kinds of natural or manmade disasters you may face are vital to being ready if they were to occur. FEMA.gov, Ready.gov and Ready.navy. mil are helpful websites that can provide more information on getting you and your loved ones prepared.
Make a Plan. Planning for an emergency or disaster means taking into consideration any unique needs to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency situation. It is imperative that everyone in the family and work center are involved in the planning process to ensure a flexible and robust response. FEMA. gov and Ready.gov provide kid friendly plans, checklists, communication plans and more to ensure your colleagues and loved ones know exactly what to do during a crisis.
Build a Kit. No one can predict when an emergency or disaster may occur, so an emergency kit is a key component of preparation.
All emergency kits should contain a first aid kit, flashlight, whistle, wrench or basic tools, cell phone charger, batteries, prescription medication, food and water to last 72 hours. The Navy Exchange sells pre-made kits, or build your own kit unique to your needs. Games and books can help pass the time for children and adults. Pack any extras you may need like a change of clothes, toilet paper, wet wipes and other
hygiene products. Visit FEMA.gov and Ready.gov for sample checklists.
Get Involved. NSA Bahrain offers events throughout the year on base to help members prepare for emergencies. You can always
contact a member of the Emergency Management Office to inquiry how to be prepared in the event of emergencies. You can reach us by email at NSA. BahrainEMO@us.navy.mil or at DSN 318-439-9999 or
+973 1785 9999.
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.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
MANAMA, Bahrain - Chief Information Systems Technician Alex Fuentes, a native of Bogota, Columbia, plays a leading role at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, serving as the leading chief petty officer for the command's Information and technologies department.
Fuentes has served in the Navy for 21 years, performing core and specialty functions including information systems administration, cybersecurity, and communications operations.
A 2001 graduate of Simon Bolivar High School in Bogota, Fuentes’ journey did not begin the way most Sailors’ do.
"I served in the Colombian armed forces for one year right after high school and had a dream to join the U.S. Armed Forces," said Fuentes. "The Navy offered me the opportunity to travel around the world and that motivated me to join."
Fuentes has experienced a variety of cultures throughout his career, and recognizes diversity as one of the Navy’s
greatest strengths.
"One cultural value I treasure the most is respect to diversity," said Fuentes. "Our country and our Navy are composed of a myriad of cultural backgrounds and
experiences that make us more robust and powerful in all aspects. We must appreciate the contributions of every single Sailor regardless of their background or origin."
From September 15 to October 15, the DoD celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich history, tradition, and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino Americans. This observance honors inspirational Americans who trace their origin or descent to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures. This year's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," embodies the innovative and resilient spirit of the Hispanic community. It
highlights the unity that has been instrumental in forging a path for future generations.
“Hispanic Americans have had a profound and positive influence on our country,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “Currently, more than 14 percent of the DON's [Department of the Navy] total force shares Hispanic descent. As we discover more of these stories, and honor their ultimate impact, we not only enrich our understanding, but also strengthen our collective identity.”
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.
Combined Maritime Forces Welcomes Argentina as its 46th Member
Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet MANAMA, Bahrain –
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) welcomed Argentina as the 46th member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership, Sept. 4.
“The Argentine Navy has proudly served for over 200 years,” said CMF
commander, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff. “With such a maritime tradition, Argentina will greatly enhance regional partnerships and maritime security. The CMF team looks forward to being ‘ready together’ with our Argentinian partners.”
CMF is the world’s largest naval partnership and is comprised of a headquarters staff and five
combined task forces (CTFs). These task forces focus 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.
Task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and
eastern Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden; and CTF 154, which enhances maritime security training throughout the region.
E-Scooter Safety: A Shared Responsibility
By: Asif B. Thaj, Deputy Safety Director, NSA Bahrain
The advent of e-scooters has provided a convenient mode of transportation for many. However, with this newfound mobility comes a responsibility to operate these devices safely and responsibly. Our base has received feedback from the local community expressing concerns about the unsafe operation of e-scooters by personnel associated with the Navy.
It is imperative that we emphasize
the importance of adhering to traffic laws and regulations, both on and off base. E-scooters are subject to the same rules of the road as bicycles. This includes obeying traffic signs, yielding to pedestrians, and traveling in the same direction as vehicular traffic. Operating an e-scooter in the opposite direction of traffic is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous for both the rider and others.
We remind our community that the
authorization to use e-scooters on base is a privilege, not a right. This privilege is granted under strict guidelines outlined by Naval Safety Command. These guidelines include the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, proper storage, and prioritizing pedestrian safety etc.
Unsafe operation of e-scooters can lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to property. It also reflects negatively on the Navy and our relationship with the
local community. We urge all e-scooter users to exercise caution and good judgment. By following the rules of the road and practicing safe riding habits, we can ensure that e-scooters remain a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation for everyone.
If unsafe e-scooter operation continues, we may be forced to reconsider the privilege of using these devices on base. Let us work together to maintain a safe and harmonious environment for all.
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DSN: 439-2914 | BAHRAIN@NMCRS ORG NSA I: BUILDING 100, ROOM 130A
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13)1h 45m
After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. | Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara
Deadpool & Wolverine (R) – 2h 8m
Deadpool is offered a place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by the Time Variance Authority, but instead recruits a variant of Wolverine to save his universe from extinction. | Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Alien: Romulus (PG-13) – 1h 59m
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. | Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Johnson, Archie Renaux
Trap (PG-13) – 1h 45m
A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event. | Cast: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka, Shyamalan
