UK Frigate Patrolling for CTF 150 Seizes $6 Million Drug Shipment

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

A frigate from the United Kingdom Royal Navy seized $6 million worth of hashish from a fishing vessel transiting the Arabian Sea, May 8.

HMS Lancaster (F 229) was operating in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 when it discovered 3,000 kilograms of hashish on the smuggling vessel. The seizure occurred the same day the U.S. Coast Guard confiscated large quantities of methamphetamines and heroin from another fishing vessel while patrolling the Gulf of Oman under CTF 150.

“I am exceptionally proud of my team for their efforts,” said Cmdr. Tom Johnson, Lancaster’s commanding officer. “This success is shared with our international partners in CTF 150 who provided essential support to the operation.”

Currently led by the United Kingdom, CTF 150 is one of four task forces that form Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. Efforts by CTF 150 in the Middle East this year have resulted in drug seizures worth a combined estimated U.S. street value of more than $250 million.

CTF 150 conducts maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities, including the movement of personnel, weapons, narcotics and charcoal. These efforts help ensure legitimate commercial shipping transits the region free from non-state threats.

Combined Maritime Forces includes 38 nations and is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.

439-4520 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

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It's great to be a member of the most elite and powerful military today. The best trained, prepared, and arguable the most ready fighting force especially after World War II. This is because we put our money where our mouth is, in other words, we pay to be the best. We are one the most powerful military in the world, and the proof is recorded in the annals of those who have tested our resolved, those who have started conflicts and those who choose to terrorize Americans or our assets and have paid dearly for their actions or miscalculations. To paraphrase George Orwell, “The American People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because our armed forces stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

Furthermore, since 9-11, the reputation and popularity of military members have increased among Americans. Personally, I have enjoyed the privilege of getting upgraded on flights, offered drinks, coffee and meals, as well as numerous discounts from buying a car, at Footlocker and a mom and pop taco store in Texas. Some may say, it’s a great time to be in the armed forces. Yet over the last three years we have been distinguished for other infamous reasons. The mental health of our personnel is an urgent challenge for the institution. Death by suicide has risen over the last three years for military members in all branches. Furthermore, in the first quarter of this year we are on track to surpass last year`s record breaking numbers.

So, what can we do about it? First, we need to do our part by making sure we are ready, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What have you done to be mentally and emotionally prepared? It's great to be driven and to put in the work for success and promotion, but when was the last time you gave yourself a mental break? We give our ships, aircrafts, subs, engines, etc., rest in their life cycle for optimal performance especially at the time to fight. When do you take your stand-down and what does that look like. We take equipment offline for maintenance, for short and long term yard periods. So, do you take your maintenance break to go fishing, play an instrument, go camping, or take a retreat to connect with your creator and your God? When is your offline period? Without this, your success cannot be achieved.

Second, invest in others! You are your brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and those who wear the cloth of our nation is the military’s greatest asset. This means looking out for yourself and each other by understanding when a break is needed. It means being conscious of the emotional challenges service members face from relationships of all kinds, the drive for success, the demands of work, leadership, and duty. Invest in others by investing in yourself to be ready and stay ready. Some ways this can be achieved are knowing the resources available to you, both in Bahrain, and wherever you are. For example, the Veterans Crisis Line, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number, “988 then press 1,” or taking a SafeTALK or ASIST course to name a few of the resources available. Know yourself and your people by being engaged and caring.

Lastly, let’s put our money, time and effort into our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Coasties, etc. If we are going to remain the world’s best and most fearsome fighting force, we have to show them we care by taking advantage of our investments in people. Like making it priority to attend the Mental Health Campaign events being offered in our six part program. Take advantage of the investment by our leadership to provide imbedded mental health specialists, chaplains on most ships, and others being paid to provide you with relief before and in your time of distress. The best equipment without the best ready Warfighters will fail. Give yourself and service-members access to these paid professional so they can be best, ready today and when called upon.

Many faiths and others talk about, peace, shalom, Assalamu Alaikum and Walaikumussalaam, a peace that surpasses human understanding. What would that look like when you and other service members can find that peace, not just being the best trained, or physically ready, but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually fit? When the warriors have the tools to deal with issues, and do, they have the resilience to finish the mission with honor. There is no shame in saying, "I'm not okay," or to be unabashed in turning to your faith, Chaplains, behavioral and mental health personnel, MFALCs, Fleet and Family counselors, Military One Source, etc. It is only by caring for one another that we can address the enemies wearing the other uniforms and not the enemies within our uniform services.

Chaplain Foster

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

The Little Mermaid (PG) – 2h 15m

The youngest of King Triton's daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land. | Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Jessica Alexander

Fast X (PG-13)) – 2h 21m

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they've ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom's world and destroy everything -- and everyone -- he loves. | Cast: Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, Brie Larson

Evil Dead Rise (R) – 1h 36m

A reunion between two estranged sisters gets cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. | Cast: Alyssa Sutherland

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (PG-13) – 2h 30m

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them. | Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Will Poulter, Karen Gillan

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 Centre (East Riffa)

• Saar Mall (Saar)

• 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)

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.