Bahrain Desert Times (493) - April 2023

U.S. Navy Holds Mental Health Standdown in Bahrain

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Vernier

The U.S. military community dedicated April 12-13 to promoting mental health awareness among service members, staff and families stationed in Bahrain.

Personnel and their families attended interactive presentations and visited information booths ran by mental health professionals during what was dubbed a “mental health standdown.” The two days kicked off a series of events military leaders and mental health experts will facilitate this year to raise awareness about resources and support services available to the U.S. military community in Bahrain.

“This standdown allows leaders at every level of our organization to raise awareness and better prepare our teams and families to recognize, discuss, prevent and address mental health concerns,” said Capt. Hamish Kirkland, chief of staff for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

The command is currently conducting a two-year pilot program to expand mental health treatment options for military and family members serving across U.S. 5th Fleet. The program includes implementation of additional mental health options, such as a revitalized walk-in clinic at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain and the start of an intensive outpatient program.

Two

Prior to the pilot’s launch, military personnel and families could only receive approximately a week of inpatient treatment locally for mental health while awaiting return to the United States, and intensive outpatient care was not available.

New options enacted

last year reduced the number of patients who would have been evacuated to the United States for treatment by 40%, enabling more personnel to remain on duty and with family members stationed in Bahrain.

“We have a very supportive community here in Bahrain,” said Capt. William Lane, Naval Support Activity Bahrain's commanding officer. “If anyone is struggling – no matter

the issue – there are multiple people to turn to who are willing to listen and help. It's important for everyone to know what resources are available to them and encourage one another to use them.”

For information on pathways to mental health care, find the latest Naval Support Activity Bahrain Mental Health Roadmap here: https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/BH-Road-Map/

U.S., France, UK Complete Counter-Mine Exercise in Arabian Gulf

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

Forces from France, the United Kingdom and the United States completed a two-week exercise in the Arabian Gulf, April 13, focused on countering mines.

The training exercise, called Artemis Trident, included mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator (MCM 6) as well as landing ship dock RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009).

Dive teams and explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the U.S. Navy, UK Royal Navy and French Navy also participated.

The exercise included a professional exchange among Sailors from all navies aboard Cardigan Bay during the initial week. Participants shared best practices and tactics for detecting, classifying and clearing naval mines effectively.

“This exercise truly enhanced our interoperability and operational effectiveness in mine countermeasures and EOD operations,” Capt. Oscar Rojas, commander of Task Force 52, which oversees U.S. 5th Fleet’s mine warfare assets. “Working together at sea is vital to security in the region.”

The previous iteration of Artemis Trident took place in April 2021 when the Australian, French, UK and U.S. navies conducted mine hunting and clearance training in the Arabian Gulf.

The U.S. 5th Fleet operating area includes 21 countries, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal.

Ships Supporting Two Naval Partnerships Conduct Training in Gulf of Aden

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

Ships from the navies of Japan and Italy sailed together and conducted combined training in the Gulf of Aden, April 8, while operating under two multinational maritime partnerships, Combined Maritime Forces and European Union Naval Forces.

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Makinami (DD 112) and Italian Navy frigate ITS Carlo Bergamini (F 590) transferred personnel and conducted professional exchanges on topics related to vessel boardings and maritime security.

“The combined training instilled a firm belief that our ships performing maritime operations can work together anytime and anywhere,” said Capt. Kenichi Fujii, commander of Japan’s 7th Escort Division that is in charge of Makinami.

During the training, Makinami operated in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, one of four operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, which includes 38 member-nations and partners. CTF 151 conducts counter-piracy missions led by Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Ko Seung-bum.

“Training opportunities that enable multinational naval forces to work together more closely enhances maritime security and stability in the Middle East. That’s why we are here,” said Ko.

Bergamini participated while operating under Task Force (TF) 465, a multinational naval unit from European Union Naval Forces that also focuses on countering piracy in the Middle East. Task forces from Combined Maritime Forces and European Union Naval Forces regularly

collaborate to enhance interoperability through combined patrols and joint training.

Established in 2009, CTF 151 conducts maritime security operations to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy

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DOD Calls Document Leak 'a Criminal Act'

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

The U.S. government is taking the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information very seriously and is working with interagency partners and the intelligence community "to better

understand the scope, scale and impact of these leaks," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said on April 13.

Even as Ryder was speaking in the Pentagon briefing room, U.S. Attorney

General Merrick Garland announced that the FBI had arrested Jack Teixeira, an airman in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, "in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified national defense information."

Ryder said DOD officials continue to review a variety of factors in an effort to safeguard classified materials. DOD already has stringent guidelines in place for safeguarding classified and sensitive information. "This was a deliberate criminal act, a violation of those guidelines," he said. "I think it's important understand that we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that the people who have a need to know when it comes to this kind of information have access to that."

The press secretary said there have been daily meetings with the defense secretary and the senior DOD leadership team to assess the scope and impact of these disclosures. They are also discussing mitigation measures. "I will tell you that these discussions are very focused, very deliberate and very measured … in terms of ensuring that we're doing the right things, while not impeding or impacting

our ability to do our important missions worldwide," he said. "Frankly, we're continuing to conduct our operations and provide people with the information they need, without missing a beat."

Just because documents appear in the media or on a website or in a chat or as an attachment does not mean they have been declassified, DOD officials said. These documents remain classified and should be treated as such. Even though these documents may be in the media, service members and DOD employees must not read or download them.

"Just because classified information may be posted online or elsewhere does not mean it has been declassified by a classification authority," Ryder said. "We're just not going to discuss or confirm classified information due to the potential impact on national security, as well as the safety and security of our personnel and those of our allies and our partners.

"And for that reason, we will continue to encourage those of you who are reporting this story to take these latter factors into account, and to consider the potential consequences of posting potentially sensitive documents or information online or elsewhere."

armed robbery at sea, outside the Horn of Africa. The task force is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright

New Commodore Takes Command of Task Force 56

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. 5th Fleet’s task force responsible for expeditionary combat forces operating in the Middle East welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, April 5.

Capt. Oliver Herion relieved Capt. Joseph “Karl” Haywood as the commander of Task Force 56 during a ceremony attended by leaders and members of U.S. 5th Fleet.

Haywood assumed command of Task Force 56 in February 2021. During his twoyear tenure, he led more than 800 Sailors, Soldiers and civilians in eight subordinate task groups deployed across the Middle East.

Expeditionary combat forces specialize in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), naval coastal warfare, naval construction, expeditionary intelligence and expeditionary logistics support. Under Haywood’s leadership, Task Force 56 personnel participated in more than 20 joint and combined training exercises with regional partners.

“Thank you for trusting me,” said Haywood to his staff. “Your support and

professionalism has been beyond reproach.”

Haywood also led logistics coordination and planning during U.S. 5th Fleet’s support for Operation Allies Refuge in 2021, which assisted the safe evacuation of more than 7,000 people from Afghanistan to the United States. U.S. 5th Fleet provided the evacuees meals, entertainment, short-term lodging and medical care during a temporary stop in Bahrain.

Herion assumes command of Task Force 56 after most recently completing a tour at Joint Special Operations Command based in North Carolina. He has previously deployed with various EOD mobile units to the IndoPacific, Africa, Europe and Middle East regions.

“It’s great to be back in the 5th Fleet of the world’s finest Navy,” said Herion. “We will continue the coordination, the integration and the interoperability that Capt. Haywood fostered.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet operating area includes 21 countries, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal.

Official Describes Steps DOD Taking for Energy, Environmental Resilience

By David Vergun, DOD News

Brendan

Owens, assistant secretary of

defense for energy, installations and environment, spoke today at an Earth Day event at the Pentagon.

The department's primary mission is to maintain a robust military force capable of deterring conflict while ensuring the nation's security, said Owens.

To effectively carry out this mission, the department must have access to essential resources like energy, land, air and water, he said.

"These are required for the development and training of our forces both now and well into the future. So, we are committed as a department to protecting our planet, and ensuring health and safety for our people," Owens said.

The department has made remarkable progress in various areas such as operational energy, climate resilience and environmental remediation, he said.

DOD is the leader on power beaming technology, he said.

"Because of the investments that we've made, NASA and the Department of Energy are now racing to match and improve on our work to develop this revolutionary means of distributing energy," Owens said.

Power beaming technology could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to space-based solar power, global energy distribution networks for humanitarian response and national defense, he said.

Last month, the department launched the first groundbreaking demonstration of optical power beaming in space, he said.

The department is also working on an all-electric autonomous vehicle designed to carry exportable energy to the point of need, he said.

"The ability to autonomously maneuver through battlefields and disaster events makes it a powerful resource in ensuring the safety of our warfighters while reducing

our environmental footprint," he said.

The department has also made significant strides in preparing for the inevitable impacts of climate change, Owens said.

The DOD Climate Assessment Tool improves the department's ability to make climate-informed decisions by estimating climate vulnerabilities for all major domestic and international installations, he said.

The department expects in the coming months to deliver this tool to six partner nations, he said.

The department has also developed water resilience methodologies that greatly advance its ability to assess water management and security at DOD installations, he said.

"The methodology provides us with consistent, comparable data and helps us evaluate water risks that DOD faces and helps us support decision making to ensure that our installations are resilient," Owens said.

The department is also working to restore lands that have experienced environmental impacts attributable to past military activities, he said.

Through the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program, the department has remediated over 100 impacted sites and executed 369 cooperative agreements valued at over $179 million with Native American tribes, he said.

"The goal of this program is to prioritize health and human safety by restoring and protecting natural and cultural resources and return tribal lands to optimal use," he said.

"Key advancements in energy resilience, environmental stewardship, pollution prevention research and cleanup, and climate resilience will help us confront some of the greatest challenges the department is facing," Owens said.

"Military facilities must adapt to an increasingly challenging threat environment. Improving energy resilience and reliability is key to that adaptation," he said.

The department is also investing in microgrid technology and electric vehicles to support mission requirements, he said.

"We're also going to continue to improve energy efficiency of operational platforms to maximize our ability to operate in contested logistics environments," Owens said.

The department is pursuing gamechanging technologies, such as adaptive cycle aircraft engines and blended wing body airframe designs, he said.

"These technologies can reduce energy use for our operational forces by 20 to 30%. compared to current systems. Our effort to hybridize ground vehicles and develop microgrids will also decrease our dependence on fuel convoys and increase operational capability," Owens said.

Hybrid technologies leverage auxiliary

battery power to reduce fuel usage and emissions when tactical vehicles are idle. This also reduces heat signatures, he said. Microgrids can provide stability of operations in installations as well as in the field, even when infrastructure is under attack, he said.

DOD manages nearly 27 million acres of unique ecosystems and habitats. This natural infrastructure is critical for providing realistic environments to test new technologies, train service members and mitigate climate change impacts, he said.

The department is steward of over 500 threatened and endangered species, 55 of which only exist on DOD lands. DOD is working to sustain and restore threatened, endangered and at-risk species, while carrying out its mission-essential activities, he said.

The department is also working with the Environmental Protection Agency to, measure and clean up contaminated sites at various locations, he said.

Photo by Spc. Aaron Troutman

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www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Capt. William Lane

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer

Cmdr. Ernesto Rivera

Public Affairs Officer

Chief Editor

Lt. Nicolas Mahone

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Mark C. Mosher

Mass Communication Specialist

1st Class Sean Gallagher

Host Nation Public Affairs Director Ameera Al-Kooheji

The Bahrain Desert Times is an authorized publication primarily for members of the Navy and Marine Corps military services in Bahrain. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

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CAN YOU SOLVE THIS WEEK’S SAFETY PUZZLE? WHAT POPULAR SAFETY PHRASE IS BEING SHOWN HERE? ANSWER BELOW!

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) – 1h 32m

With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world. | Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Charles Martinet

65 (PG-13) – 1h 33m

After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills quickly discovers he's actually stranded on Earth -- 65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at a rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa, must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures. | Cast: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman, Alexandra Shipp

John Wick: Chapter 4 (R) – 2h 49m

With the price on his head ever increasing, legendary hit man John Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin. | Cast: Keanu Reeves, Scott Adkins, Donnie Yen, Lance Reddick

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor

Among Thieves (PG-13) – 2h 14m

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long lost relic, but their charming adventure goes dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. | Cast: Sophia Lillis, Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Hugh Grant

ANSWER:

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Keep up with all that’s happening in the Kingdom with Bahrain This Month Be sure to check out our website, Facebook page and Instagram account or sign up for our newsletter to get the best of dining, entertainment, business and more.

Endless traditional souqs, malls and shops selling the best of Bahrain. Be prepared to barter! The Kingdom offers first-class shopping malls that cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture clothing, electronics, furnishings and sports equipment will likely all be found under the same roof. Free of tax, many designer labels are less expensive here than in their countries of origin. Items, such as gold and jewellery, high fashion, carpets and handicrafts can be bought for amazing deals unmatched anywhere else.

Retail Destinations

• Al A’ali Shopping Complex (Seef)

• Al Hayat Shopping Centre (Segaya)

• Al Murjan Centre (Juffair)

Bahrain Mall (Sanabis)

• BFH Harbour Mall (Manama seafront)

• City Centre Bahrain (Seef)

• Country Mall (Budaiya)

Dana Mall (Sanabis)

• Enma Mall (Riffa)

• Gold City (Central Manama)

• Gold Souq (Central Manama)

• GOSI Complex (Exhibition Ave.)

• Isa Town Mall (Isa Town)

• Juffair Mall (Juffair)

• Lulu Centre (Manama)

• Marina Mall (Manama)

Moda Mall (Manama)

• Najibi Centre (Saar)

• Oasis Centre (East Riffa/Muharraq)

• Palm Square (Budaiya)

Ramli Mall (A’ali)

• Reem

(East Riffa)

• Seef Mall (Seef District)

• Sitra Mall (Sitra)

• Yateem Centre (Manama Souq)

• The Centre (Nwaidrat)

• The Jawad Dome (Barbar)

• The Lagoon (Amwaj)

• The Walk (Riffa)

• Wadi Mall (Riffa)

Curios &

1727 0607

Yaquby Stores 1721 0959

Ladies Salon

Yourself 6634 6233 Optician Yateem Optician 1725 3397 Pharmacy

1729

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Taking Centre Stage Again

Teatro is now open!

Experience a culinary show and enjoy a theatrical dining experience at Teatro Downtown now open daily from 5 pm to 1 am. Sample tantalizing food options available in the new menu launching on May 1st and save 20% off your bill.

Every Saturday, make your way to Teatro and indulge in a delightful brunch experience from 12:30 pm to 4:00 as you enjoy live entertainment and save 20% off the unlimited selected house beverages package of BD 29.

Teatro. Where Eastern cooking meets Western cuisine