NSA Bahrain Names 2024 Sailors of the Year
MANAMA, Bahrain— Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain announced the 2024 Sailors of the Year, Dec. 6. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Phillip Hamilton-Dewalt, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lina Vang, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jade Pinacruz, and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jasmine Allert, were named Senior Sailor, Sailor, Junior Sailor, and Blue Jacket of the Year, respectively.
Sailor of the Year selection is a prestigious honor and recognizes Sailors who embody
sustained superior performance, command impact, proven leadership, and the Navy’s core values. The time-honored tradition was introduced in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet. Hamilton-Dewalt, a native of Cincinnati, currently serves with NSA Bahrain’s Harbor Patrol Unit, where he’s acted as leading petty officer, leading and mentoring more than 120 Sailors providing oversight of operation and maintenance of Harbor
Security boats.
“I feel blessed and honored to be selected as Sailor of the Year,” said Hamilton-Dewalt. “It’s a privilege and a testament of not only my work, but it’s also a representation of the work put in by the junior Sailors, my peers, and our chain of command as a whole. This level of recognition has motivated me to continue pushing forward."
Hamilton-Dewalt will move on to represent NSA Bahrain at the Navy Region
Europe, Africa, Central Sailor of the Year competition.
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.
Night of Extraordinary Lights 2024
The Night of Extraordinary Lights event was a memorable one! The Bahrain School children's choir opened up the event with some amazing songs to set the tone, Santa arrived, the tree was lit, and in snowed in Bahrain!
Armed Forces Entertainment provided the fun and energetic musical group, Pop Rocks, for the night’s entertainment and they did not disappoint! Playing hits that spanned decades of music and kept the crowd moving and grooving the whole event.
Task Force 51/5-Led Operation Leads to Seizure of Narcotics At Sea
From NAVCENT Public Affairs
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter Glen Harris (WPC 1144) interdicted a large cache of illicit narcotics at sea in international waters, Nov. 25.
The boarding team discovered and seized 5,316.1 kilograms of hashish, 181.4 kilograms of heroin and 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and, after documenting and weighing the illicit haul, properly disposed of it. Total estimated market value of the narcotics is $4.6 million.
Glen Harris was supporting a Task Force (TF) 51/5 mission at the time of the seizure.
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot, commanding general of TF 51/5, said operations such as these help maintain freedom of the seas and is part of a larger effort with partner nations in the region.
“The collaboration between our Coast Guardsmen, Marines and Sailors is outstanding,” Lightfoot said. “I’m proud of our interoperability. We are disrupting criminal acts at sea and keeping over five tons of narcotics from hurting more people.”
“Glen Harris is one of six U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters performing maritime security operations throughout the region,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Murphy, commodore of TF 55, also known as Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50, which has tactical control of Glen Harris. “The U.S. Coast Guard brings expertise and flexibility to the wide range of missions we execute.”
Glen Harris is forward deployed to Bahrain as part of a Patrol Forces Southwest Asia under tactical control of TF 55, consisting of surface forces, including U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats and independently deployed ships in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Task Force 51/5 executes operations, responds to contingencies and crises, and conducts theater security cooperation at sea, from the sea and ashore in support of U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet and Marine Forces, Central Command theater objectives.
Kickin’ it with Shaun – Man Overboard!
By: Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist
Let's set the scene – it’s a cold, rainy night when you hear a shipmate shout “Man Overboard!” That shipmate keeps their eyes and a pointed finger fixed on the Sailor in the water, as to not lose track of them before they are rescued and brought safely back on board.
We can all apply this real-life metaphor for our physical wellness, whether it be post-holidays or just losing track of our goals. The above example is a strong one – so let's break it down and relate it to our fitness objectives. Also, it’s important to remember that we are never alone in the fight: Stronger Together. Everyone has a battle buddy, and the more we work together, the greater the opportunity for success. When it comes to fitness, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, so find a workout partner or group to keep you accountable for nutrition and workouts. Stay on Target. Don’t take your eyes off the goal. Just like the crewmate always pointing at the sailor until they are picked up. You, your partner or the group should always focus on the goals. Keep each other accountable!
Don’t Give Up the Ship. No matter how hard it might feel or how strong the temptation - stay strong and steadfast. Lean on your friends and family to maintain discipline and push towards your goals one step at a time. Falling overboard doesn’t make you less of a Sailor – as a matter of fact – it makes you stronger, tougher and more
accustomed to adversity. You will inevitably lose motivation or experience setbacks at some point in your life, but it is how you choose to face it that makes all the difference. Of course you know how to make a comeback, and just because you lost sight of your goals temporarily, doesn't mean that you have failed.
Life can be stressful during the holiday period, with many things that need doing thrown on the back burner until the New Year when they become resolutions. So how do you start? Where to begin in the New Year and what are the kinds of goals that need to be set?
We will cover that in the next article – but in the meantime - do you need to decompress after a long day, maintain or increase fitness, and a team to help keep you motivated and accountable? If so, my classes are a sure way to get you on track.
• Sun. @ 1600 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)
• Mon. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)
• Tues. @ 1700 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)
• Wed. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)
And if group sessions aren’t really your thing, I am available for one-on-one coaching as well! Just fill in a PT request form requesting Shaun at the P911 gym.
“Tu Certa Salutis Anchora“
EMBEDDED MENTAL HEALTH
- Providers/teams stationed at select units
- Make military duty determinations
- Keep you “fit to fight” and medically ready
- Evaluate and treat mental disorders with therapy and medications
- May communicate with CO/medical providers
- Health record documentation
EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Contact your unit’s CDO, Medical Department Representative, or
Chaplain E.J. Prevoznak
There is one thing I lament about my time in Bahrain and it’s that there is a lack of stars in the night sky. A combination of high humidity and ambient light block out most of the winter stars. I always found the stars to be comforting because they are always present. Never judging, just nearby which brings simple joy. NSA chaplains know that the "joy of presence" during the holiday season has the power to turn the cold dark nights warm and bright by spreading cheer through small acts of generosity and kindness. It is truly a blessing to see so any festive holiday lights both on and off the base, but what truly makes these lights shine brightly is seeing them with friends and family. The power of "just showing up" to be present for someone can change a life. In Charles Dickens’, “The Christmas Carol”, Ebeneezer Scrooge just showed up and cared about the Cratchit family at the end of the story. It changed Scrooge and the Cratchit family for the better. Your presence matters in the lives and families of those around you, most especially during this holiday season, but it can most certainly be difficult. Family is always important, and being a part of family is hard, but love of family is why we sacrifice in all the ways we do. NSA chaplains strive to keep families a number one priority and are always available to talk if you need a word to help you and your family get through a difficult time. Always have faith that chaplains are here for you and your family now during the holiday season and every other time of year as well.
Winter on the Sea
Watching white caps crash onto the dull gray cement flight deck. Searching out shelter from ancient ocean winds numbingly chill. Knowing, beneath our feet lay an enduring shipwreck, Shining winter moon night proving time and tide flows freely against our will. Writing a holiday wish list remembering what makes me whole. A star to follow to make calm the ocean and brighten the Hoping this letter in a bottle can make it to the North Pole.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (PG) – 1h 39m
Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance. Cast | Kynlee Heiman, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Judy Greer
Wicked (PG) – 2h 40m
Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. Cast | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum
MOVIE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
Gladiator II (R) – 2h 28m
After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people. Cast | Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal
Mufasa: The Lion King (PG) – 2h
Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny. Cast | Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen
