NAVCENT HOSTS 249th NAVY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT NSA BAHRAIN
Story by MC1 Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command hosted a basewide ceremony celebrating the 249th birthday of the U.S. Navy at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Oct. 16.
The theme of this year’s observance is “Warfighting, Strength and Readiness,” highlighting the Navy’s ability to operate anywhere at any time, promote security, deter aggression, and defend shared ideals.
During the ceremony, Vice Adm. George Wikoff delivered remarks, emphasizing how NSA Bahrain and U.S. 5th Fleet embody this year’s theme.
"This past year in the 5th Fleet area of operations, we have lived that theme every day,” said Wikoff. “The men and women out there in harm’s way are making the difference. They provide presence and reassurance as certain as those who came before did, in places such as Guadalcanal, Midway, and the Coral Sea.”
The ceremony continued with the reading of the Chief of Naval Operations’ birthday message.
“From the Eastern Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific and everywhere in between, our Sailors have been standing the watch, around the world and around the clock, in every domain from seabed to space, and in cyberspace,” said Chief Religious Program Specialist Ryan Sharpton. “No other Navy in the world can train, deploy, and sustain such a lethal and combat credible force at the pace, scale, and tempo we do. All of this has been made possible by you, America's Warfighting Navy. Each one of you plays a critical role in our Fleet. You are truly our secret weapon. As we look to the future and the decisive decade ahead, we know that our team will continue to answer our Nation's call and build on our Navy's legacy with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.”
The event concluded with a bell
ringing ceremony, honoring the lives of fallen Sailors, followed by the singing of Anchors Aweigh, and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony featuring the oldest and youngest Sailor in attendance.
“Every day we show pride in our Navy and the legacy of honor, courage and commitment passed down through the generations,” said Wikoff. “I am every bit as proud to serve with you today as I was when I first entered the Navy 34 years ago. I wish you all a Happy 249th Navy Birthday.”
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.
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 ten ants 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 – PS1 Sonia Gamboa
MANAMA, Bahrain – Personnel Specialist
1st Class Sonia Gamboa, a native of Reseda, Calif., is playing a critical role at Regional Support Center (RSC) Bahrain, serving as the command’s leading petty officer.
Gamboa is a 2011 graduate of Northridge Academy and has been serving in the Navy for 10 years. Today, she serves as a personnel specialist (PS). PS’ serve in many capacities, but some of their main roles include maintaining financial and electronic service records for active and reserve component Sailors, providing customer service to active and reserve members, retirees, and dependents, and processing and reviewing military pay entitlements.
“My family and I are originally from Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico,” said Gamboa. “Drawing from my cultural heritage has profoundly influenced my journey in the Navy. Growing up in a close-knit community, I was always surrounded by
values such as respect, hard work, and a strong sense of family. These principles have been instrumental in shaping my approach to teamwork and camaraderie within the Navy.”
When asked what inspired her to join the Navy, Gamboa said her.
“My mother has been the most influential person in my life,” said Gamboa. “Watching her navigate life's obstacles has instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work and determination. Her journey has taught me that success isn't landed on us; it's earned through grit and dedication. This resonated with me, especially when I started contemplating my future. I wanted to serve a greater purpose, to challenge myself, and to be part of something larger than myself, which led me to enlist in the Navy.
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.
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 SpotlightRP2
MANAMA, Bahrain – Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Gilberto Olavarria Vidal, a native of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, is playing a critical role at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain by serving as the assistant leading petty officer for the command's Religious Ministries Department.
Olavarria is a 2013 graduate of Fernando Suria Chavez High School and has been serving in the Navy for four years. Today, he serves as a religious program specialist (RP). RPs support the provision and facilitation of religious ministry, care of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families of all faith groups, and they advise leadership on religious program planning and execution.
When asked what inspired him to join the Navy, Olavarria said he joined for several reasons. First, he wanted to represent his family's growing military heritage by serving in a different branch than most of his relatives who had served in the U.S. Army. As there is strong Puerto Rican representation in both the Army and Navy, Olavarria was inspired to continue his cultural heritage and serve his country by joining the Navy.
Additionally, like many Sailors, Olavarria was inspired by the opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures. During his time in college in Puerto Rico, he recognized the importance of social support systems, especially for students facing personal or academic
Olavarria Vidal
challenges.
“My goal was to promote a safer community for those in the military," said Olavarria. "Simple acts of listening, caring questions like ‘how are you?’ and ‘can I help?’ can make a big difference in helping others through difficult times. By joining the Navy, I hoped to help ensure that no Sailor, Marine or any other service member feels alone in their struggles. The Navy provides opportunities to both represent one's cultural heritage and support others, and
these factors inspired me to serve.”
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.
4th Quarter In Review
240926-N-DH168-1198 Chief Masterat-Arms Jesse Soto receives his combination cover during a chief pinning ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, September 26, 2024. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Margaret Algarin)
240826-N-AC117-1007 Service members and staff assigned to various commands onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain cut a Women's Equality Day celebration cake in the Blue Jacket Bistro, Aug. 26, 2024. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
240718-N-AC117-2526
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Lucas Vasoncellos, from Santa Barbara, California, mans an M240 Bravo machine gun aboard a 33-foot Force Protection-Medium (FP-M) Harbor Security Boat (HSB), assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, during high-speed maneuvers training in the vicinity of NSA Bahrain, July 18, 2024. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
240806-N-AC117-1103 Hull Technician 2nd Class Zachary Newberry, from Boise, Idaho, brazes a metal pipe with a brazing torch in the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center Detachment Bahrain repair shop aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, August 6, 2024. FDRMC provides emergent, intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization for transient and Forward Deployed Naval Forces in U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets through fleet technical assistance, voyage repair, contract management oversight, assessments, and diving and salvage. FDRMC is the only forwarddeployed RMC supporting two numbered fleets, serving three combatant commanders, and conducting work on three continents. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
240820-N-AC1171107 Electronics Technician 1st Class Caleb Lopez, from Tolleson, Arizona, left, and Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Renelson Derilus, from Fort Pierce, Florida, right, pour paint into roller trays during a community relations event at the Bahrain Mobility international Muneera Bin Hindi Early Intervention Center and Azhar Al Harak Nursery in Isa Town, Bahrain, August 20, 2024. Naval Support Activity Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy
Specialist 1st Class
240730-N-AC117-1185 Master-at-Arms 2nd Class David Stitt, from Kingston, New York, left, watches Master-at-Arms Seaman Brian Morales, from Philadelphia, right, aim a training pistol during an active bomber training scenario aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, July 30, 2024. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
240924-N-IR096-1009 Lt. j.g. Tony Davis, command chaplain, delivers the invocation during the Ombudsman Appreciation Breakfast onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Sept. 24, 2024. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton)
photo by Mass Communication
MacAdam Kane Weissman)
Pilot Program to Cover Certain Child Care Costs After Permanent Change of Station Move
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA
Bahrain Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command hosted a cake-cutting ceremony for the 249th birthday of the U.S. Navy at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Oct. 16.
The central theme of this year's observance is "Warfighting Strength and Readiness” honing in onthe Navy’s ab
During the ceremony, Vice Adm. George Wikoff delivered remarks, emphasizing the presence of U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors during tensions in the region.
"This past year in the 5th Fleet area of operations, we have lived that theme every day,” said Wikoff. “I’m inspired by your dedication, The stakes cannot be higher,” said Wikoff. “You are standing the watch. You’re focused on the black skies and building seas on the horizon. You understand the high consequence of failure in this critical time in this region’s history. You are focused on the mission at hand.”
“How appropriate for this team who have personified these attributes over the last few months,” said Wikoff.
The ceremony continued with the reading of the Chief of Naval Operations birthday message.
“From the Eastern Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific and everywhere in between, our Sailors have been standing the watch,
around the world and around the clock, in every domain from seabed to space, and in cyberspace,” read Chief Religious Program Specialist Ryan Sharpton. “No other Navy in the world can train, deploy, and sustain such a lethal and combat credible force at
the pace, scale, and tempo we do. All of this has been made possible by you, America's Warfighting Navy. Each one of you plays
a critical role in our Fleet. You are truly our secret weapon. As we look to the future and the decisive decade ahead, we know that our team will continue to answer our Nation's call and build on our Navy's legacy with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.”
The event concluded with a bell ringing ceremony, honoring the lives of the singing of Anchors Aweigh and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony featuring the oldest and youngest Sailor in attendance. cut the ceremonial cake, symbolizing the passing of tradition from one generation to the next. The oldest Sailor in attendance was Capt. Briton, and the youngest Sailor was born in 2004, with one year of Naval service.
“Every day we show pride in our Navy and the legacy of honor, courage and commitment passed down through the generations. I am every bit as proud to serve with you today as I was when I first entered the Navy 34 years ago. I wish you all a Happy 249th Navy Birthday.”
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DSN: 439-2914 | BAHRAIN@NMCRS ORG NSA I: BUILDING 100, ROOM 130A
CERTAINTY
What’s happening? Well, it depends on who is asking and who you are asking. Life is happening all around us flowing at different intervals. Chief season just wrapped up which we celebrated our newest Navy Chiefs. Then there were Navy officer promotions for O4-O6 in September, which many whom have been waiting for 18 months since they first heard the news of their promotion to the date of being actually promoted. The waiting is terrible, let me tell you! Whether it’s taking a test for the next rank or waiting for the results of a board, we wait. This waiting creates anxiety because of the uncertainty of life.
What’s happening? Wars and rumors of wars? On the continent of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe there is war. According to some, it is coming soon, in the not so far distant future. For those of us who wear the uniform of our nation, we are prepared and stay ready because we are a ready force. There are hurricanes, political elections, the moving parts of our lives from PCSing to the ever changing dynamics of our lives. Things such as growth and maturation of our children, death of close family and loved ones. Dealing with our own health and development to better ourselves or to get rest. Even knowing what to do does not eliminate the stress of the uncertainties
In the upcoming movie, Conclave, directed by Edward Bergeror, released later this month, Cardinal Lawrence states, "There is one sin which I've come to fear above all others, Certainty! If there is only certainty, and no doubt there would be no mystery and therefore no need for faith."
The National Institute of Mental Health identifies the following symptoms from the uncertainties that comes with making decisions; feeling irritable, tense or restless, experiencing nausea or abdominal distress, heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, trouble sleeping and having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
The certainty to the uncertainty is to have faith. It is more than luck, fate, happenstance, and coincidence. It is a divine design by someone and something greater than myself. Yes, life will be life(ing). We can’t change the happenings, but we can have now is faith, which is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. Let’s live with confidence and boldly with certainty in faith that everything is going to be alright!
Fire Alarms in
Apartment Buildings
Large apartment buildings are built to keep people safe from fire. Fire alarm systems detect smoke and fire. They will warn residents of danger.
KKK The fire alarm system has many parts that work together. Some of the parts are out of sight. In a fire, smoke detectors sense smoke and activate the fire alarm. Manual fire alarm boxes allow people to sound the alarm. When the fire alarm system activates it will warn residents of danger.
KKK Everyone in the building should know where to find the manual fire alarm boxes (alarm boxes on the wall with a pull bar). Most are found within five feet of an exit door.
KKK If there is a fire, pull the manual fire alarm box handle on your way out of the building.
KKK When the system senses smoke or fire, a loud horn or tone will sound. Everyone must know what this sound means and how to react.
KKK Leave the building right away if you hear the sound of a fire alarm. Stay outside at your meeting place until you are told the building is safe.
KKK Treat every fire alarm as an emergency. When the alarms sounds, get outside.
KKK Only use a manual fire alarm box if there is smoke or fire. Frequent false alarms are a problem. People might ignore the sound if they hear too many false alarms. False alarms also put firefighters at risk.
Escape 101
Know the locations of all exit stairs from your floor. If the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke, you may have to use another exit.
If the fire alarm sounds feel the door before opening. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, use this exit to leave.
Close all doors behind you as you leave. Take the key to your apartment in case you are not able to get out of the building.
If fire or smoke is blocking all exits, return or stay in your apartment. Keep the door closed. Cover cracks around the door with towels or tape. Call 9-1-1 and let the fire department know you are trapped. Signal from the window by waving a flashlight or light-colored cloth.
Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features and plans in your building.
NSA Bahrain Fire Department
DSN: 439-7012
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
Toucan Lounge October 31st from 9:00PM-2:00AM
SPOOKY BRUNCH HALLOWEEN PARTY
Pool Delight | October 25 & November 1st from 12:30PM-4:00PM
BUBBLE POOL PARTY
Pool Area | November 1st from 1:00PM-9:00PM
