Task Force 51/5 & NAVCENT Complete Air MEDEVAC Drill with Bahrain Defense Force at King Hamad University Hospital
Story by 1st Lt. Michelle Lin
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade conducted integrated air medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training with the Bahrain Defense Force Royal Medical Services (BDF RMS), September 23, 2024.
This training improved collaboration between the U.S. military and BDF regarding patient MEDEVAC and en-route care by establishing effective protocols for future real-world operations.
Comprised of Marines, Sailors, and BDF RMS personnel with civilian doctors and nurses, the team worked together on the roof of King Hamad University Hospital at a newly-renovated landing zone, constructed earlier this year. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 53, provided air transport, enabling the team to practice triaging, packing, and loading two simulated patients
onto the helicopter. Following initial treatment, the team conducted communication drills focused on transferring patients to higher echelon of care.
“Using our air assets, we mitigate the need to deal with traffic and travel to the gate,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Freddie Mawanay, NAVCENT Director of U.S. Navy Global Health Engagement. “Before, we could not access the tarmac where the plane lands. The newly-established landing zone has drastically improved our processes and access to partner nation medical capabilities, ultimately increasing the survivability of casualties.”
Task Force 51/5 has conducted training events of similar size and scope with BDF RMS in the past to ensure regional security. This training was made possible with support from CTF-53’s HSC-26.
“We had a valuable opportunity to collaborate with King Hamad University Hospital and enhance our understanding of Bahrain's
communication, transportation, and treatment plans for injured U.S. service members,” stated U.S. Navy Lt. Lauren Greenberg of HSC-26 and aircraft commander for the exercise. “We look forward to assisting with training for local personnel in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
By the end of the drill, the team successfully established a sustainable MEDEVAC process for casualties, using BDF medical support and ensuring interoperability with the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical Systems. This approach also demonstrated effective
capabilities for ship-to-shore operations.
Task Force 51/5’s training with the host nation is vital to maintaining critical response capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of operations for potential employment and realworld crisis reaction.
USS Abraham Lincoln Conducts Underway Operations in U.S. 5th Fleet
NSA Bahrain Youth Basketball All-Star Teams End Season with Victory
MANAMA, Bahrain— The Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Youth Basketball League competed against the local Pinoy Bahrain Basketball League (PBBL) during an end-of-season game, Oct. 26.
The NSA Bahrain Youth Sports Basketball All-Star teams, ages 9-11 and 11-13, triumphed over the PPBL Youth All-Star teams in a spirited game, showcasing skill and sportsmanship. The event marked the first matchup between NSA Bahrain and PPBL All-Stars in the Youth Basketball League, symbolizing both the end of a successful season and the start of a new tradition at NSA Bahrain.
“More than just a game, the event strengthened community ties and encouraged a positive, competitive atmosphere focused on teamwork and enjoyment for players and families alike,” said Lt. Eric Boykin Jr., NSA Bahrain Youth Basketball League coach. “It highlighted that, even while stationed overseas, military families can maintain a strong
commitment to youth sports and a competitive spirit.”
Boykin also said he and other coaches are exploring the idea of creating a year-round youth basketball travel team, similar to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) model, allowing young athletes to hone their skills and compete against diverse talent levels throughout the year.
For those interested in participating in MWR Bahrain Youth Sports, please keep an eye on MWR notices for all upcoming schedules and coaching opportunities.
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.
USS Abraham Lincoln Conducts Underway Operations in U.S. 5th Fleet
U.S. 5TH FLEET - The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts routine operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the
Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 21 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
U.S., UAE Forces Begin Exercise Iron Defender in Arabian Gulf
From Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces joined the United Arab Emirates naval defense force for exercise Iron Defender 24, Oct. 14-24. This maritime exercise will take place in the UAE and its territorial and coastal waters.
The combined bilateral exercise is designed to broaden levels of cooperation, support long term regional security, and enhance interoperability. Scenarios included: visit, board, search and seizure, unmanned system integration, harbor defense, diving, medical training, and training at sea.
This is one of many exercises in which the U.S. military participates with partner nations in the Middle East intended to enhance partnerships and interoperability.
The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 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 Bab al-Mandeb.
Task Force 51/5 Sailors Earn Fleet Marine Force Pin
By: Staff Sgt. Anabel Abreu NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY
BAHRAIN – Four Sailors assigned to Task Force 51/5 Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) completed their qualification and were awarded the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pin, Oct. 20.
Within two weeks of checking into TF 51/5, the Sailors had study material in hand, eager to start the three-stage process. The FMF pin normally takes a year to earn, but for the Sailors at Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) 32, they completed the qualification in 180 days due to their operation tempo.
“The FMF pin is more than just an accessory on our uniforms,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Amber-Lynn Twig, one of the enlisted Sailors who earned her FMF pin. “It’s like a rite of passage, as a Sailor working with Marines it means being accepted as one with the unit.”
The course includes Marine Corps knowledge, practical application, physical fitness, and
evaluations. For officers, their course material requires a broader scope of the three components of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, while enlisted service members focus solely on the ground element.
Along with written tests, the Sailors demonstrated their fortitude during the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and a sevenmile hike in full gear. The course concluded with an oral board, comprising seasoned Sailors and Marines who evaluated the progress the four Sailors made, ultimately deeming them successful in completing the FMF qualification.
“Enduring the course and completing the FMF qualification was a unique experience compared to other qualifications I’ve done, but definitely one of my favorites as it wasn’t all about studying, it was hands-on and physically challenging,” said Lt. Cmdr. Hannah Ceen, a physician with ERSS-32.
The Fleet Marine Force pin designates a Sailor as a member of
the Navy/Marine Corps team and can only be earned by Sailors with a U.S. Marine Corps operational command.
Task Force 51/5 responds to
crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts
at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.
Contact NMCRS at 439-2914 or email bahrain@nmcrs.org for more details. Command Reps encouraged to hold a Uniform Drive within command and arrange for delivery. Volunteer hours will be recognized.
DO YOU HAVE YOUR SWEATER?
CDR Foster, Deputy Chaplain, NAVCENT
One of my favorite memories growing up in Brooklyn occurred when we would go to Heckscher State Park on Long Island. It was exciting leaving the Big City time for those who lived in the small neighborhood of Monroe Street, between Bedford and Franklyn Ave. We adventured to 1,469 acres that offers a beach, picnic tables with pavilions, a playground, ball fields, hiking, biking, and fishing. It was like traveling to another country! The Heckscher Forest was also a campground with tent and trailer sites with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which was the main attraction for the children and teenagers of Monroe Street.
We prepped the grill. We got out our best outfits, and invited our friends and family excited for a summer outing, but grandma reminded us to pack our sweaters. We nodded, said yes ma’am, knowing full well this is July. Who wears a sweater in the summer? We took buses paid for by the Block Association or the family cars and made our way to the park. Upon arriving we found our designated spot and moved our stuff there. Then my friends and I spent the majority of the day at the pool often going back and forth until the evening sun began going down. That’s when we felt the cool breeze coming off the shores of South Islip hit us hard. We trembled, shivered, and cold goosebumps forced us to reach for the damped towels to wrap around ourselves for warmth. We heard Grandma Grant yell from a distance, “Did you bring your sweater?” Again, exhorting us “You can’t put on what you don’t have! You can’t put on your sweater if you don’t have it! If you are cold put it on then take it off if you are warm, however if didn’t bring your sweater you can’t do either.” Throughout October, you are asked to be mindful of an untold number of different observances. Things such as National Hair Day, International Coffee day, World Vegetarian Day and Fire Prevention Week to name a few, but I would like to draw your attention to World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): “1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24, Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14. One study shows Thirty-eight per cent of veterans had a code on their medical record for a common mental health disorder. The highest disorder prevalence was depression at 18%, followed by alcohol misuse at 17%, anxiety 15%, post-traumatic stress disorder was 3% and dementia 2%. Furthermore, Health.mil states, “During 2022, 17.6% of active duty service members had some form of psychological health concern for which they sought treatment.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., “In 2024 more than 360,000 will diagnosed with breast cancer. But hope comes when caught in its earliest stages to improve survival rate up to 99%.” The Purple Heart Foundation states, “1 in 8 U.S. woman will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.” Both men and women can get breast cancer but mostly likely women. “Breast cancer is estimated to be up to 40% higher in women that are veterans and service members than the general population. However, regular health screening and checkups and early detection can lead to getting early treatment and an opportunity for recovery.
I know some of you are over saturated by our Mental Health Campaign and support Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pink (real men wear pink). The information seems redundant… But take this information, write down the numbers for your selves and others. In the words of my grandmother, “You can’t put on what you don’t have!” This is your sweater of knowledge for yourself and others to more than stay warm, but to save lives. DO YOU HAVE YOUR SWEATER?
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Military/Veterans Crisis Line Military/Veterans Crisis Line call 988 and press 1 or text 838255
In Europe, call: 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
In the Pacific, call: 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
In Southwest Asia, call: 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
Breast Cancer:
Ladies get check regularly and men know your body and remember you are not exempt.
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
Joker (R) - 2h 18m
Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. | Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Venom: The Last Dance (PG-13) – 1h 49m
Eddie and Venom, on the run, face pursuit from both worlds. As circumstances tighten, they're compelled to make a heart-wrenching choice that could mark the end of their symbiotic partnership. | Cast: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple
NMCRS volunteers generously give their time to help assist Sailors, Marines, & their families when faced with financial crisis
Develop marketable skills to enhance your resume & give back to your military community! Scan the QR Code to complete our Volunteer Interest Form
Red One (PG-13) – 2h 3m
After Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world's most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas. | Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu
Never Let Go (R) – 1h 41m
A family that has been haunted by an evil spirit for years. Their safety and their surroundings come into question when one of the children questions if the evil is real. | Cast: Halle Berry, Percy Daggs IV, Anthony B. Jenkins
