Bahrain Desert Times (507) - November 2023

VOLUME 19, NUMBER 507

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN

November 1, 2023

WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO ME:

A JOURNEY OF REFLECTION AND GRATITUDE

By Gerald D. Bridgers As an author, I ponder the significance of Veterans Day, a day when we collectively pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces. This day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans, both past and present, and the enduring importance of their service.

For me, Veterans Day holds a deeply personal meaning. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. It is a day when I think about the journey of servicemen and women, their dedication, and the values they uphold. It is also a day when I reflect on my experiences and

connections with the military community.

As I look back on my interactions with veterans, I am struck by the selflessness and courage that define their character. Veterans are ordinary individuals who have embraced the extraordinary. They have left behind the comforts of home, the warmth of family, and the familiarity of their towns to stand as guardians of our nation's ideals.

They are the defenders of freedom, the embodiment of honor and duty.

The stories of veterans, their journeys from hometowns like Tarboro to distant lands, their sacrifices, and their resilience have left an indelible mark on my

perspective. These stories have taught me that freedom is not merely an abstract concept; it is a living, breathing reality protected by the unwavering commitment of those who serve.

Veterans Day asks me, "What does this day mean to me?" It

means a day of profound gratitude.

It means acknowledging the debt we owe to those who have stood on the front lines and faced the darkest storms to ensure that the torch of liberty continues to burn bright. It means honoring the fallen heroes who gave their all and the living veterans who continue to inspire us with their dedication.

It also means a day of reflection on my journey as a civilian and member of a community that benefits from the sacrifices of veterans. It is a reminder that the freedoms I enjoy, the security I feel, and the opportunities I pursue are made possible because of the service and sacrifice of those who wear

the uniform.

So, on this Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in reflecting on what this day means to you.

What do you feel when you think of veterans and their contributions?

How has their service impacted your life, community, and nation?

What can you do to express your gratitude and support for veterans, not just on this day but throughout the year?

Ultimately, Veterans Day is a day of unity, when we unite to honor those who have given so much. It is a day to remember, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles and values veterans have defended. So, what does Veterans Day mean to you?

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Celebrates 10 Years 2

National American Indian Heritage Month From: Naval History and Heritage Command & oksenate.gov Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy Serving the Nation Since Its Birth

Photo by MC2 MacAdam Weissman

Pentagon Official

Impact of 3 Underscores Senate Hold on DOD Nominees

6 Sailor in the Spotlight 5 - Chaplain’s Corner 6 - Cinema

Story by Margaret Algarin, NAVSUP FLC Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special event to recognize the extraordinary efforts of its team throughout the years on October 23.

Located on Naval Support Activity in the Kingdom of Bahrain, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain was officially established on August 27, 2013, becoming the youngest NAVSUP FLC to join the NAVSUP enterprise.

Today, FLC Bahrain provides the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and joint and allied forces with global logistics capabilities enabling a broad base for effective phase zero operations and empowering them to take the fight to the enemy; to provide full-spectrum logistics capabilities to Naval forces; to provide Logistics Support Services, supply chain management, contracting support, hazardous materials management, and

household goods operations for both ashore and operational forces; and to support the regional commander as his or her regional program director for ashore logistics.

"We gather here to celebrate a significant milestone - a decade of NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain, a center that was initiated on August 27, 2013. This Center, under the stewardship of leaders like CAPT Gerry Raia, CAPT Sean Egge, CAPT Kerry Pearson, CAPT Terrel Fisher, CAPT Tim Griffin, and currently headed by myself, has developed a commendable legacy of mission support and personnel care," said CAPT Alex Wallace, III, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Commanding Officer. "The legacy of FLC Bahrain is a shining testament to the dedication, talent, and resilience of the team present here today.

Your contributions to the U.S. Navy's mission are invaluable and have a significant impact on our national security."

The event concluded with twenty-three of the 126 plank owners joining NAVSUP FLC Bahrain leadership to cut the celebratory cake and commemorate the milestones the command accomplished over the last decade. The event was a great opportunity for the team to celebrate their triumphs.

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Penn., NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, Sailors, and family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars.

Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www. facebook.com/navsup and https://twitter.com/ navsupsyscom

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National American Indian Heritage Month From: Naval History and Heritage Command & oksenate.gov Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy Serving the Nation Since Its Birth

By Naval History and Heritage Command & oksenate.gov Since 1776, when General George Washington began enlisting Native Americans for his Army, Navy, and Marines, Native Americans have contributed significantly to the defense of our nation. During the Civil War, 20,000 Native Americans served with Union forces both at sea and on the land. During World War I, although ineligible for the draft, 15,000 Native Americans volunteered to fight in the Great War. Although Native Americans have been an integral part of our country long before its birth, Native American veterans weren’t awarded citizenship and voting rights until 1919. In 1924, voting rights were extended to all Native Americans after the Snyder Act was passed. In World War II, 44,000 fought with distinction, including 1,910 in the Navy and 874 in the Marines. For the Navy, two Oklahoma Cherokees distinguished themselves. Rear Admiral Joseph J. “Jocko” Clark commanded aircraft carriers and later a task force. Commander Ernest E. Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle off Samar, Philippines.

Admiral Jocko Clark

Joseph James Clark was born near Chelsea in Indian Territory, in 1893. His father was a Cherokee named William A. Clark and his mother was Mary Poly Ward.

He attended Willie Halsell College in Vinita, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater. In 1913, Clark received an appointment to and was the first Native American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy.

Clark was commissioned as an engsign in 1917. During WWI, Clark performed convoy duty in the Atlantic before becoming a destroyer commander. In 1925, he graduated from Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. He became a naval air specialist and was instrumental in the development of offensive naval air power.

During World War II, he commanded the USS Suwanee (ACV-27). Following the loss of the USS Yorktown in the Battle of Midway, Clark was assigned to command the new USS Yorktown (CV-10) from April 1943 until February 1944. Yorktown's first combat operation was part of a strike against Marcus Island in August 1943.

Clark received a promotion to Rear Admiral in January 1944 and given command of Task Force 58. As commander, he made the USS Hornet CV-12 his flagship as he led naval forces in the Marianas campaign which included the Battle of the Philippine Sea. It was during that battle that he ordered his ships to turn their lights on at night to allow his planes to return safely at the risk of revealing the fleet’s position to the enemy.

During the Korean Conflict, Clark was the commander of the Seventh Fleet. Clark was famous for his self-proclaimed “Cherokee Strikes,” where he concentrated his fleet’s efforts on the destruction of enemy weapons and supplies behind enemy lines. The Cherokee Strikes served as a much-needed morale boost for American frontline troops.

Worshiped by his crewmen and despised by others for his “call ‘em as I see ‘em” method of leadership, the flamboyant Jocko Clark was respected by all. Clark became the highest ranking naval officer of Native American descent in U.S. history.

His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Cross, Silver Star, and the Legion of Merit. Clark’s career lasted more than forty years. After his retirement from the Navy in 1953, he lived in New York City and was chair of a construction and investment corporation.

Clark was made honorary chief of both the Sioux and Cherokee nations. He was also honored in 1969 by the National Aeronautic Association with the Elder Statesman of Aviation Award. Clark died on July 13, 1971, at the Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

In honor of Admiral J. J. Clark, the Navy named a guided-missile frigate the U.S.S. Clark (FFG-11) in 1980, a ship nicknamed the “Determined Warrior.”

Ernest Edwin Evans

Ernest Edwin Evans was born on August 13, 1908, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He was graduated from Central High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and on May 29, 1926, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After a years’ service as an enlisted man, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, from the Navy at large and entered as a midshipman on June 29, 1927. He was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science and commissioned ensign in the U.S. Navy in June 1931, and by subsequent promotion attained the rank of commander to date from November 1, 1942.

After graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1931, he was assigned to the Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, for a year, and thereafter, until August 7, 1933, served consecutively in USS Colorado, USS Roper and USS Rathburne. After service at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, he joined USS Pensacola, and six months later become aviation gunnery observer of that cruiser’s Scouting Squadron NINE. He served in that capacity until April 15, 1937, then continued sea duty for four years, serving successively in USS Chaumont, USS Cahokia and USS Black Hawk.

On August 9, 1941 he joined USS Alden, and was serving in that destroyer at the outbreak of World War II in December of that year. He assumed command of the Alden on March 14, 1942, and continued as her commanding officer until July 7, 1943.

He was then ordered to duty in charge of

fitting out USS Johnston at the SeattleTacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, Seattle, Washington. Assuming command of Johnston at her commissioning, October 27, 1943, he commanded her during her entire service, being on board when she sunk on October 25, 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Sea. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” for “meritorious achievement as commanding officer of the USS Johnston in action against an enemy Japanese submarine on May 16, 1944…”

During the Battle for Leyte Gulf, October 24-26, 1944, Johnston formed a part of the screen for escort aircraft carriers of the SEVENTH Fleet which, on October 25, encountered off Samar the center force of the Japanese fleet after it had transited San Bernardino Strait during the night of October 24-25. Johnston waged a gallant fight against heavy Japanese fleet units but was sunk by the enemy ships.

Commander Evans was awarded the Navy Cross, later recalled and replaced by the Medal of Honor, awarded by Congress.

After the loss of the Johnston, Commander Evans was reported “missing in action.” Subsequently he was declared to have lost his life in this action. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, and was entitled to the Ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation awarded Pacific Fleet Task Unit 77.4.4, of which Johnston was a unit, for extraordinary heroism on October 25, 1944.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Commander Evans had the China Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, and was entitled to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with six engagement stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons with the one star.

A destroyer escort vessel, USS Evans (DE-1023), was named in honor of Commander Evans. Mrs. Hugh Hendrickson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sister to Commander Evans, sponsored the vessel at the launching at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company, Seattle, Washington, on September 14, 1955.

More than 160,000 Native Americans call themselves veterans today.

Approximately, 15,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian members of the Navy’s total force declare themselves Native American or Alaska native. The Navy’s leadership remains strongly committed to diversity.

For more information on visas and CPR cards contact Immigration at 1785-4258

November 1, 2023 3

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Pentagon Official Underscores Impact of Senate Hold on DOD Nominees

By Joseph Clark , DOD News Defense Officials continue to push for a path forward on Senate confirmation for hundreds of military nominees, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said today.

A total of 378 general and flag officer nominations have been delayed indefinitely as part of the blanket hold put in place by Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama in February.

"The holds continue to grow, unfortunately," Singh said.

"We are continuing to be in touch with the Senate on the best way forward, and it's really up to them to decide on how they decide to lift these holds," she said. "But we're going to continue to advocate for all of our general and flag officers."

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and his legislative team have, for months, remained engaged with Senate leaders and lawmakers from both parties to clear a path for the held-up nominations.

Austin has underscored the impact the lawmaker's holds are having on military readiness and the risks posed to national security.

At one point during the summer, three service leaders were among those awaiting Senate confirmation. In July, Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith took over as acting commandant of the Marine Corps. In August, Army Gen. Randy A. George took over as acting chief of staff of the Army, and Navy Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti became acting chief of naval operations.

It was the first time in decades that any one of the branches has been led by an acting service chief — and the first time in history that all three have operated simultaneously without confirmed leadership.

In September, the Senate voted to confirm the individual nominations for Smith and George in addition to confirming Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. to become chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

While that process allowed lawmakers to sidestep the blanket hold blocking a speedy nomination process, doing so for the remaining nominees consumes considerable time on the Senate floor.

And the list of held-up nominees continues to grow as the Defense Department responds to flashpoints around the globe.

In addition to leading the global coalition helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's unprovoked invasion, the U.S. remains committed to helping Israel defend itself and to deterring further conflict in the Middle East following the deadly Hamas terrorist attack earlier this month.

Singh said the impact of the holds reverberates across the DOD. "It's not just the [U.S. Central Command area of responsibility] that is being impacted by these holds," she said. "It's also [U.S. European Command] and it's here at the Pentagon. So, in all of our conversations we're advocating for all of our nominees to get through, for the holds to be lifted."

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (Week 4): Prioritize Cybersecurity: Adopting the Navy’s Cyber Ready Initiative From Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2N6) As the Navy concludes its Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign, spending the month highlighting cybersecurity best practices while in the office, teleworking, underway, or off the clock, it begs the question: How can we, as individuals, keep year-round emphasis on cybersecurity in support of the Navy’s mission? Regardless of rank, grade, or where you serve, the first step is understanding Cyber Ready, the Department of the Navy’s Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity.

“A successful cyber-attack in one part of our network can jeopardize systems and data because attackers move across the network to other targets once they are inside it -- at network speed,” said Scott St. Pierre, Director of the Navy’s Enterprise Networks and Cybersecurity Division.

“Cybersecurity must be practiced all day every day, at home and in the office.”

In August 2022, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released a strategic intent memo providing guidance for transforming the Department of the Navy’s approach to cybersecurity. In this memo, Secretary Del Toro directed the department to pivot from a compliance-based mindset to a more dynamic model rooted in the philosophy of readiness. And consequently, “Cyber Ready” came to be.

Cyber Ready is a continuous state of cybersecurity awareness, where the Authority to Operate (ATO) on the Navy’s network is earned and managed every day. A Cyber Ready posture ensures secure delivery of information into

the right hands at the right time and allows programs with network applications to continuously evaluate their security for threats and vulnerabilities.

“Teach Cybersecurity, Practice Cybersecurity and Prioritize cybersecurity should be everyone’s mantra.” said Director St. Pierre. “These 4 themes are the foundation stones for effective cybersecurity, And we must ensure going forward that our Sailors, civilians, contractors, industry partners, and family members have a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats and actions that increase Navy’s cybersecurity readiness.”

The cyber environment is constantly changing, therefore being Cyber Ready equates to continuous monitoring of networks and systems, thus making the system owner responsible for staying up-to-date and at the ready for someone or something to test the system for vulnerabilities.

While National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is coming to a close, remember that cybersecurity, while focused on in October, truly has no season and must be prioritized 24/7/365. Thank you for your dedication as we continue to be CYBER WARRIORS! For the most up to date policy and news about Navy cybersecurity visit doncio.navy.mil and search “cybersecurity.”

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439-4520 Public Affairs Officer www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain Chief Editor Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity Bahrain Capt. Zachariah Aperauch NSA Bahrain Executive Officer Cmdr. Jimmy Harmon

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.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Public Affairs Officer.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, or the NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer for the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

The Bahrain Desert Times is published bi-weekly by Red House Marketing, P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.

Red House Marketing, is responsible for commercial advertising, which may be purchased by calling: (973) 1781 3777 or send in a Fax to (973) 1781 3700.

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November 1, 2023 5

Leveling Out Have you ever hung a picture up in your flat or in your office and then after some time the picture seems to shift and slant in one direction or the other? The reasons for this shift can be many, but regardless the reason, most of us tend to level the picture back out if we notice its position. Leveling the picture out requires a few steps: 1) STOP and notice the picture isn't level; 2) pause and notice what needs to be done to adjust the picture and make it level again; 3) level out the picture as planned. Let me apply this process to ourselves! Most of us recognize from time to time that we are not quite level.

Recent events in our world are unsettling, disturbing, and disruptive. We each experience these events in different ways, but for many of us these-combined with the normal life challenges (separation from loved ones, illnesses, finances, relationship struggles etc.)-can have the combined effect of disrupting our levelness! So, I'd like to recommend application of this three-step approach: 1) STOPnotice you're not feeling level and acknowledge it. Accept the reality of what you're experiencing. Share it with someone else or write down your feelings. 2) BREATHE & REFLECT. Take some time to breathe in and out, and reflect on why you're not feeling level. What has contributed to this? What can be done about it? 3) CHOOSE. Make a conscious choice to re-align with some of your life values and virtues. Put first things first. As you apply this 3-step model my hunch is you will start to feel more level. Try it out and re-apply as necessary!

Have a great weekend!

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New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema Saw X (R) – 1h 58m Hoping for a miraculous cure, John Kramer travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure, only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, the infamous serial killer uses deranged and ingenious traps to turn the tables on the con artists. | Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Renata Vaca

PAW Patrol: The Movie (G) – 1h 26m The PAW Patrol pups magically gain superpowers after a meteor strikes Adventure City. However, things take a turn for the worse when Humdinger and a mad scientist steal their powers and turn themselves into supervillains. As the team springs into action to save the city, Skye soon learns that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference. | Cast: Brice Gonzalez, Kim Kardashian, Mckenna Grace, Will Brisbin

The Exorcist: Believer (R) – 1h 51m When his daughter, Angela, and her friend Katherine, show signs of demonic possession, it unleashes a chain of events that forces single father Victor Fielding to confront the nadir of evil.

Terrified and desperate, he seeks out Chris MacNeil, the only person alive who's witnessed anything like it before. | Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Olivia O’Neill, Lidya Jewett

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (PG-13) – 2h 49m The cultural phenomenon continues as pop icon Taylor Swift performs hit songs in a once-in-alifetime concert experience. | Cast: Taylor Swift

November 1, 2023 7

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