SECNAV Carlos Del Toro Visits NSA Bahrain
By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visits U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Dec. 18-19.
Secretary Del Toro had a series of engagements including meetings with key leaders, service members and government civilians, visiting various facilities and ships, and holding an all-hands call in the base gym.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for what you have done to serve our Navy, our Marine Corps, our Department of Defense and our nation,” said Del Toro. “You all had a choice to make when you were entering the work force and you chose to serve your country.”
During the all-hands call, Secretary Del Toro reflected on his time in service and praised the team. Additionally, he highlighted the CNO’s NAVPLAN, Navy retention and support, and encouraged Sailors and Marines to enjoy their time in service.
“I’m proud of our Sailors, Marines and Merchant Mariners who are serving aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, cruisers, destroyers, combat logistics ships and watch floors in this critical region. You are American heroes!”
Before concluding the allhands call, personnel were given the opportunity to ask questions
about quality of life and quality of service opportunities. Del Toro was sworn in as the 78th secretary of the Navy Aug. 9, 2021. In 1983, he joined the United States Navy as a surface warfare officer for 22 years before departing active duty to enter the private sector.
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.
Task Force 53 Holds Change of Command Ceremony
From NAVCENT Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force (TF) 53 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Dec. 19.
Capt. Cherie Taylor relieved Capt. Chris Brusca, who assumed command of TF 53 in August 2023.
The task force specializes in coordinating replenishment-at-sea efforts and delivers passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea.
Rear Admiral, Lower Half Matthew J. Kawas, Deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, congratulated Capt. Brusca as he lived up to the Military Sealift Command’s mission.
“You were a steady presence in this highly crucial Task Force,” said Kawas. “Nothing happens without logistics. You ensured our forces made things happen. Thank you for forging a team that was a forceful provider. You were an incredible teammate to your fellow task force commanders and a naval fleet success. Well done.”
While commanding TF 53, Brusca oversaw 200 ordnance reloads and over 3.5 million tons of ordnance supporting 35 ships, including four carrier strike groups and independent deployers in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation. Additionally, the
By: Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist
Traditions are like mountains. They take a long time to form, evolve over time and are set in stone.
In my family, we have Christmas cookie decorating after which we package them and deliver them to various people. There are many traditions and the Navy is certainly not short on them.
Let's set the scene.
The explosive charges make a low muffled thump as they go off in quick succession, one after the other. The ship begins to list to the port side, shortly after the sea takes the ship to its new home. You, one of the ship's many sailors that had the honor and privilege
task force supported more than 30 million pounds of cargo, nearly 25,000 passengers and 4,000 aircraft movements across 27 countries.
Brusca praised the planning efforts of the men and women he served alongside.
Kickin’ it with Shaun – Traditions
to captain the vessel, now watch as the ship becomes a new home for marine life. You came here today to honor the memory and traditions that continued on the ship you captained with the sailors whom you and the sturdy vessel brought back to their families safe and sound.
The holiday season is drawing to a close with the New Year approaching faster than you intended. Leaving you thinking about new year's goals and resolutions to get back into fitness. Except, you have no idea where to start and worry about the toll the holidays have taken.
Just like the above metaphor, traditions are like the habits you
will get back into. Remember they are set in stone but they also evolve depending on the landscape. Where to begin: Like the
“I like to play chess, and in the game of chess you have to think multiple moves ahead and in logistics that’s what we have to do,” said Brusca. “What I have learned in my time in command, is that we are playing on a board that sometimes not everyone is playing on. We have great moves planned out on this board and we are prepared for all kinds of moves that could get made against us by the opposite side.”
With his tour complete, Brusca will next report to the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Mid-South Region Consortium.
Taylor assumes command of TF 53 following a tour as deputy commander of TF 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
"I accept the challenge and I’m excited to be a part of the TF 53 and MSC team," Taylor said. “I pledge my team and I will give 200% to the complex operation of providing logistics in 5th Fleet!”
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.
saying, “Every journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” just get back into the gym. Start that run, do that class, etc. Just get started and don’t push too hard for the first few weeks.
Goal setting: This could be as simple as just starting up again. Remember that you need to set small goals that are realistic and measurable in order to track success.
In the next article, How to Get Serious for 2025.
What is periodization? How you can use periodization to improve your sport, lifting and fitness.
Do you need to decompress
after a long day, maintain or increase fitness with 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.
Fill in a PT request form requesting Shaun at the P911 gym reception.
“Tu Certa Salutis Anchora“
NSA BAHRAIN
Holiday Special POSTAL HOURS
Christmas Day (Wednesday, 25 Dec 2024), the Post Office will only be open for package pick-up from 1000 to 1500.
- Normal postal operations will resume on Thursday, 26 Dec 2024.
New Year's Eve (Tuesday, 31 Dec 2024), the Post Office will only be open for package pick-up from 1000 to 1500. Normal postal operations will resume on Thursday, 2 Jan 2025.
- All postal operations will be closed on New Year's Day.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you!
YOU'LL GET THROUGH IT!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Three Kings/ Epiphany, Happy Holidays!
In a few days, it will be a New Year. Wow! For some, it seems as if time went by quicker than expected. For others, this year could not have ended fast enough. For some, there may be the blessings of promotions, new and positive life changes, desired orders, positive gains, and accomplishments. For others, 2024 may not have been very pleasant, whether losses, fail to promote, setback in health, finances, family challenges, or just life-ing. In the end, we are all here. We have completed another solar cycle, so win, lose, or draw! You made it, and we welcome the New Year.
Good, bad, or indifference you got through the year 2024. I am not a reader or teller of the future, but whatever the year 2025 brings, you can get through it! First, taking some time to be grateful. Second, reflect. Third, give yourself some credit. Lastly, shake it off.
Be thankful to God, your source of strength and inspiration. Thank those who supported you and served as anchor when you are faced with the challenges of life. Reflect on how you made it. What did you learn? Did you grow, empowered, become more self-aware, and have a clearer vision of your future. Did you get too hard on yourself because you didn't accomplish a goal or missed the mark? Those who helped, challenged, mentored, or motivated you may be awesome, but you had to do the work. The truth be told, you can even be thankful for the haters, dream killers, unbelievers, discounters of your dreams, and goals. Because they provided the fuel to keep you going and proving them wrong. You can give yourself some credit by having a positive attitude, which can be challenging at times. Yes! Easier said than done, but it is a practice that is worth its weight in blessings. A positive attitude will teach you how to shake some things off and keep going. Whether it is low selfesteem, false narratives, rising above your beginning or station in life. Be motivated to get better and be better from criticisms, the imposture syndrome, and negative thoughts. How do you get through another day, month, and year? I'm glad you asked?
The story was told of the old farmer whose mule fell into a well. Because there was no way to get the mule out, the farmer decided to bury the mule in the well. So, the farmer began throwing dirt down the well on the mule. As the dirt landed on the mule, he became hysterical and began to shake off of the dirt. Then, as he shakes off the dirt, he begins to step on it. Hours went by as the farmer continued the process of throwing dirt on the mule. The mule started to use the dirt that was meant to bury him for a foundation to get out, and eventually, he did!
You can't control those wanting to bury you. You can't control the critics. You can't control what 2025 will bring, but you can control your response. Whatever comes, use it as a fertilizer, foundation, fuel, and grow stronger. The challenges, situations, and circumstances, some beyond your control, can make you get better. If you stay positive! Recognizing what was meant to bury you can help you be victorious. But you must learn to shake it off. Let shake it off, be your mantra for 2025. Don't give up. Don’t give in. But grow through the offense of others. Live to fight another day. Recognize that you are more than a conqueror because of your faith, beliefs, and a God who loves you.
You will get through whatever 2025 brings because you are above and not beneath! You are victorious and not the victim. You are blessed. You are alive, and your faith, belief, honor, courage, and commitment are the foundational tools that will give you another opportunity to get through your whatever! If you just learn to shake it off, you'll get through it!
Winter Holiday Safety
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Holiday decorating
• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday entertaining
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Before Heading Out or to Bed
Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
FACTS
• More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (PG) –1h 50m
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance. Cast | Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves
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
Moana 2 (PG) – 1h 40m
After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Cast | Auli’i Cravahlo, Dwayne Johnson, Hualalai Chung
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
