Bahrain Desert Times (510) - December 2023

NAVSUP FLC BAHRAIN POSTAL TEAM DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER

By NAVSUP FLC Public Affairs

The holiday season is upon us, and the dedicated team at the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain post office has geared up for the busiest time of the year to provide unwavering support to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), once again.

Driven by the ever-growing popularity of online shopping and the continued tradition of sending holiday cards, the postal service has seen a significant increase in both incoming and outgoing mail. This increase translates to extended hours, reserve support, and a renewed commitment to delivering every package and letter on time to the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain community, and all homeported and visiting ships in the 5th Fleet AOR.

The NAVSUP FLC Bahrain post office team on NSA Bahrain has been hard at work preparing for the influx of mail. They have extended two hours of service daily to support customers. They recently launched the Intelligent Mail Locker, which has 76 smart lockers, making it easier for parcel pickup enabled 24-hour package delivery.

The NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Postal Team has already processed more than 270,000 pounds of

mail for this holiday season and anticipates handling over 950,000 pounds of mail. This is a 9% increase from last year's holiday season. “The team works diligently behind the scenes, ensuring that packages, cards, and cherished gifts from friends and families arrive safely and on time. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Postal team,” said Mr. Willard Hughes, Regional Postal Manager NAVSUP FLC Bahrain.

Despite the anticipated surge, the post office team remains steadfast in their commitment to providing excellent service. They understand the importance of delivering gifts and greetings on time, and they are working hard to ensure that every family receives their holiday cheer in a timely manner.

While the post office team is prepared for the challenge

during this peak season, they work hard throughout the year to provide the best customer service to their customers. Take a moment to thank your mail carrier for their dedication and hard work during this busy season.

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 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 and Sailor & 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/NAVSUP.

U.S. Ambassador Celebrates Holiday Spirit with Local Bahrain Elementary Students

By Tracy Rowe,

Bahrain Elementary Information Specialist

The US Ambassador, Mr. Steven C. Bondy and his wife hosted the annual Embassy Staff Holiday Party at their home. The Bahrain ES 4-5th grade choir was able to send 18 students to perform a selection of holiday music for the guests under the direction of Mrs. Amanda Underwood. Following their performance students were able to join in the holiday festivities with food, cookie decorating and signing a card for the King of Bahrain. Ambassador Bondy personally met each student and thanked them for their participation. Each student received a wonderful US-Bahrain pin as a token of appreciation along with a small bag of holiday candies.

Littoral Combat Ship, Unmanned Systems Pair Up to Advance Lethality in the Middle East with Digital Talon 2.0

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) continues advancing lethality at sea, utilizing the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) as a staging base and command center for a host of unmanned systems during live weapons firing exercises in the international waters of the central Arabian Gulf, Nov. 27.

Digital Talon 2.0, the second exercise of its type in as many months, showcased “mannedunmanned teaming” by meshing together Indianapolis, three unmanned surface vehicles, and an unmanned aerial vehicle to create a single common operating picture and what is known as a “mesh network” providing targeting data to all stations taking part in the exercise.

NAVCENT’s Task Force 59 – the Navy’s first Unmanned and Artificial Intelligence Task Force – partnered with Indianapolis to demonstrate the ability of unmanned platforms to pair with traditionally crewed ships. The manned and unmanned teams identified, targeted, engaged and then destroyed simulated hostile

forces at sea, represented through the use of a target boat.

“This second iteration of Digital Talon continues building on our earlier successes,” said Capt. Colin Corridan, TF-59 commodore. “We keep progressing toward fulfilling NAVCENT’s priorities of deterrence and de-escalation by demonstrating live firing from a tight ‘mannedunmanned teaming’ model.”

In multiple firing events, a

T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel (USV), equipped with a Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System, and successfully scored direct hits on the target boat each time. As with the previous Digital Talon exercise, a human operator ashore at TF-59’s Robotics Operations Center made the engagement decisions.

The unmanned vehicles taking part in the exercise included a Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle;

an Arabian Fox MAST-13 USV; and an additional T-38 Devil Ray USV. Digital Talon 2.0 took a significant step forward, Corridan said, noting the results from this event, “have proven these unmanned platforms paired with our manned combat ships can enhance fleet lethality. In doing so, we are strengthening regional maritime security and enhancing deterrence against malign activity.”

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

Combined Maritime Forces Hosts Young Leaders Program

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

Combined Maritime Forces hosted representatives of the Manama Dialogue Middle East and North Africa Young Leaders’ Program at

the CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, Nov. 17.

Participants attended a Q&A session with the CMF commander, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, and other

key leaders from CMF as well as the International Maritime Security Construct. Attendees also visited a display of maritime unmanned systems, hosted by

Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 59, the first unmanned and artificial intelligence task force.

“As the largest maritime coalition in the world, we are invested in promoting maritime security across regional waters,” said Cooper. “Bringing young minds together for conversations on these topics allows for a greater multinational engagement within the organization and community.”

The event gave these up-andcoming strategic thinkers from across the region a platform to engage with top military leaders. Some of the topics they discussed included the integration and advancement of unmanned systems among regional partners to help ensure the free flow of commerce in vital waterways.

"We were very thankful that

Vice Adm. Cooper and the other naval leaders took the time to talk with us and address many policy issues concerning people in the region," said Maha Ghazi, a Young Leaders participant.

CMF, a 38-nation naval partnership, upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

IMSC promotes collaboration among member nations to deter threats and reassure regional mariners in and around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. Current members include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month

By CDR Elyse Braxton, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit Bahrain

December hosts two of the most celebrated, and often deadly, days of the year: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Before we raise a glass to toast in the upcoming holidays, let’s stop and think before we drink. As little as one drink can have lifelong consequences to you, your family, friends, or your career.

Service members are not only subject to local laws but the UCMJ as well. The harshest charge is Article 111 which may result in dismissal, forfeiture of pay, confinement to military prison, reduction in grade, loss of security clearance, fines, or a letter of reprimand (a “career killer” for officers as this is permanently retained in an officer’s record meaning it will be included in all selection board packages. A DUI for an enlisted member will eventually be removed from their record provided they have a clean record for several years).

In the U.S. roughly one American dies per day in alcohol-related crashes. Even below the legal limit, alcohol can still impair coordination and judgment resulting in slower reaction times behind the wheel. To promote safe drinking at command functions or in the home, hosts play an important role. To encourage safe celebrations, hosts can provide phone numbers of local taxi services; collect car keys at the start of a party; provide

food to minimize drinking on an empty stomach; provide non-alcoholic drinks for non-drinkers and designated drivers, and engage guests in games, prizes to distract them from drinking. Driving under the influence of drugs, such as prescription pain killers, is as problematic as alcohol because of its effects on motor skills, impaired judgment, and depth perception. More than 16% of vehicular crashes are related to the ingestion of legal or illegal drugs.

If you think you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol and would like assistance, there are many avenues towards wellness and sobriety. Service members can self-refer to their command Drug Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA) or Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP). Service members may see the DAPA via referrals by their command or as the result of an alcoholrelated incident. Tricare beneficiaries over 18 can self-refer to SARP at the Readiness Clinic embedded in the Mental Health Clinic Sunday –Thursday 0730 – 0930. No advanced appointment necessary. Evaluations within one business day. Appointment hours are Sunday – Thursday 0730 – 1600 and Wednesday 0730 – 1500. In case of emergency, contact your Medical Representative or Chain of Command, the Clinic OOD (3941— 9651), or emergency dispatch by dialing 4394911 from NSA Bahrain.

The American Forces Network Rings in "25 Days of Christmas," Celebrating 81 Years of Holiday Programs

Story courtesy of American Forces Network

The U.S. military's global radio and television service, the American Forces Network, AFN, is helping service members overseas celebrate the holiday season with "25 Days of Christmas," an extensive collection of holiday programming that will broadcast on all AFN channels, streaming services, and radio stations worldwide. This season, AFN also offers service members and military families overseas even more ways to bring home the holiday cheer.

"For 81 years, AFN has been providing U.S. forces and their families overseas the very best of holiday entertainment," says Hal Pittman, Director of the Defense Media Activity, AFN's parent organization based in Fort Meade, MD. "For many of our audiences, whether serving in Korea, eastern Europe, or the Horn of Africa, the holidays simply would not be the same without AFN."

In a holiday tradition that dates to 1942, AFN's network of 24 military radio stations worldwide will broadcast holiday music to local and regional audiences. For many overseas, AFN's launch of holiday programming marks the start of the Christmas season.

AFN's television service has successfully wrapped more than 75 holidays movies to air this season on its AFN Movie and Family channels. Many of those films are provided by industry partners like the Hallmark and Lifetime television networks. The holiday titles will also include a large collection of popular classics, such as, "Home Alone," "A Christmas Story," and "It's a Wonderful Life."

Ashley Gayton, AFN programmer and planner, says this is an especially exciting time of season for her.

"I spent many holidays seasons overseas myself with the U.S. Navy and truly appreciate how very important AFN's holiday programming is, particularly for our military families," says Gayton. "It is such an honor to serve our audiences and share with them the holiday spirit."

Gayton also takes pride in knowing that AFN's satellite service, Direct-to-Sailor, will even provide holiday programming to U.S. Navy ships at sea around the world.

Gayton notes that AFN's entertainment team is also working to make available additional holiday fare that speaks to those who celebrate Hannukah and Kwanza, among other observances - recognition that the Department of Defense is widely diverse and all-inclusive.

"We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to find personal pleasure and joy in our programming," says Chaplain (Maj.) Jason Hohnberger, AFN Chief of Religious

Programming. "In December, AFN will be sharing Sunday morning worship services from around the nation, to include Harvest with Greg Laurie. We currently broadcast for most denominations, to include, Catholic, Lutheran, Gospel, Jewish services, and are continuing to expand our offerings." All religious denominations provide their programming to AFN at no cost.

Jim Alexander, Director of the AFN Broadcast Center, applauds the great generosity and support of AFN's industry partners who continue to share their content for the benefit of troop morale.

"American media are among the most appreciative supporters of U.S. service members," says Alexander. "AFN could not provide such great programming without the tremendous support of our many great industry partners."

That appreciation, Alexander says, is reflected in the enthusiastic feedback AFN receives from its audience of more than 350,000 U.S. service members, military families, and DoD civilians serving around the world.

This year AFN is offering overseas audiences even more ways to share in the holiday spirit. The fielding of AFN's dual radio and television streaming services, AFN Now and AFN Go, provides unlimited opportunity for holiday entertainment on even the busiest schedules, while AFN's traditional television services and local community radio stations worldwide continue to introduce rich collections of new seasonal entertainment.

AFN's streaming television service, AFN Now, is providing two dedicated holiday channels, Holidays Television and Holiday Movies, that are filled with seasonal favorites from networks like Lifetime and Hallmark. There are video-ondemand holiday baking competitions from the Food Network, and specials like, "Christmas from Graceland." All

in addition to the many on-demand titles already available on the app. AFN Now's dedicated holiday channels and content are a wonderful way to catch the holiday spirit anytime.

Adding to the spirit of the season, AFN's streaming radio service, AFN Go, has created a dedicated holiday music channel with contemporary and seasonal classics, all provided by Westwood One. AFN Go's holiday music channel is now available through January 1st. Audiences with an AFN satellite decoder can also listen on channels 31 and 131.

Throughout December, AFN Go's holiday channel will air special weekend programming designed to add to the holiday spirit. The streaming service kicks off December with, "Christmas Across the Lands with Randy Sherwyn," a 12-hour variety show featuring stories, interviews, holiday trivia, and great Christmas music.

On December 8-10, AFN Go will stream, "100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time with Wink Martindale", a 10-hour countdown of the 100 best-loved Christmas songs, with the stories behind the songs and artists interviews. December 22-24, AFN Go features Chip Davis, founder of Mannheim Steamroller, who hosts, "An American Christmas", with classic Christmas songs and heart-warming Christmas stories.

AFN audiences are encouraged to download both the AFN Now and AFN Go apps from the Google Play or Apple Appstore. The apps are available to service members, families, and retirees living overseas. Both are free and easy to download and provide convenient access to toprated entertainment, news, and sports programming. If users experience difficulties in downloading the apps, there is an AFN Now Help Desk manned around the clock to provide support, available at DMA.AFNnow.Help@mail.mil

For 81 years, the American Forces Network has rung in the holiday season with good cheer and heartwarming entertainment for America's service members far from home. AFN's motto, "We Bring You Home," continues to provide comfort and unite audiences with the warmth of America's holiday traditions. AFN asks that you remember all those so far from home this holiday season.

A full listing of upcoming holiday programming and schedules is available at myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil.

For additional information on AFN programming and streaming services, please contact John Clearwater, AFN Public Affairs, at dma.march.afn.list.affrel@mail.mil

439-4520

www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding

Naval

Capt.

NSA

Cmdr.

Host

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

MOVIE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

REGULAR TICKETS: ADULTS : $4.50 CHILDREN (6-12) : $3.00

3D TICKETS: ADULTS : $5.00 CHILDREN (6-12) : $4.00

Children 5 and under : FREE Admission

|

Killers of the Flower Moon (R) – 3h 26m

Real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal as Mollie Burkhart, a member of the Osage Nation, tries to save her community from a spree of murders fueled by oil and greed.

| Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro

Journey to Bethlehem (PG) – 1h 39m

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (PG-13) – 2h 37m

Years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow remains the last hope for his fading lineage. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow becomes alarmed when he's assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird from District 12. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and political savvy, they race against time to ultimately reveal who's a songbird and who's a snake.

| Cast: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage

Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences see her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes to form the Marvels.

Trolls Band Together (PG) – 1h 31m

Poppy discovers that Branch and his four brothers were once part of her favorite boy band. When one of his siblings, Floyd, gets kidnapped by a pair of nefarious villains, Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop culture obscurity.

| Cast: Troye Sivan, Camila Cabello, Justin Timberlake, Amy Schumer

Cast: Brie Larson, Park Seo-joon, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton

MerryChristmas

A CHRISTMAS EVE FEAST TO REMEMBER

Explore festive dishes from around the world with a sumptuous buffet, shared with friends and family and transform your evening into an unforgettable gathering. The Obab Al Bahr Restaurant located at the scenic Jumeriah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa has a sensational feast in store from you.

The dinner will take place from 6:30pm to 11pm on December 24. The Christmas Eve buffet is priced at BD35 net per person inclusive of soft beverages, or BD45 net per person inclusive of selected beverages. Children ages

six to 12 since for BD17.5 net while children below six years old dine for free.

Call 77 771-000.

YULE LOVE THIS!

Wolfgang Puck’s Executive Pastry Chef Pierre Chambon has created classic yule logs for the holiday season. The Chocolate and Hazelnut Praline Yule Log with Chocolate Mousse, Praline Feuillantine, and Caramelised Hazelnut is a crowd-pleaser, while the Caramelised Puff Pastry and Madagascar Vanilla Yule Log with vanilla sponge, white chocolate mousse, and caramelised puff pastry are available for take-away starting on December 1 at CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

These are the finest of flavours that tantalise even the most discerning tastebuds. Just perfect for the holidays!

Call 17 115-044.

CHRISTMAS EVE WITH THE FAMILY

Make your Christmas Eve extra special this year with a special dining experience with your family. The K Hotel, located at Juffair, is hosting a Family Christmas Eve Dinner which you’re sure to remember.

This fantastic dinner will take place from 7pm to 11pm, with a dinner buffet for BD14+++ per person, including unlimited soft drinks and a welcome drink. For BD24+++, a dinner buffet with unlimited house beverages is available. Younger children can dine for free, while those aged six to 12 can enjoy the festivities at a 50 percent discount. A special Christmas gift will be given to children.

Call or WhatsApp 36 600-433.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH IN PARADISE

Experience a festive Christmas brunch at Obab Al Bahr restaurant, Jumeriah Gulf of Bahrain Resort, and Spa, featuring traditional Christmas fare including roasts, the best of grills, and fancy desserts. The resort has some fantastic activities planned for your kids this Christmas Day including face painting and interactive games.

This stunning property offers you the opportunity to connect over a lovely meal with your family while taking in a little slice of paradise.

The brunch runs from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD35 net per person, inclusive of soft beverages or at BD45 net per person inclusive of selected beverages. Children from ages six to 12 dine for BD 17.5 while children younger than six dine for free.

Call 77 771-000.

FESTIVE FAJITAS

Spice up your Christmas Feast with Margarita Mexicana’s Festive Fajitas! Join in at Margarita Mexicana, located at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, and celebrate the joyous Christmas season with special dishes that will tantalise your taste buds, crafted by none other than the talented Mexican Chef Ruben. Indulge in the Chipotle Cranberry marinated Turkey breast Fajitas, grilled to perfection and served with a medley of seasonal condiments that capture the essence of the holidays. This festive feast is available from December 10 to December 27.

Call 17 713-000.

A FESTIVE TAKEAWAY

This festive season, Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain offers delightful festive takeaways including Turkey or Beef Short Ribs for a delicious feast in the comfort of your home. Origins’ kitchen delivers the finest ingredients straight to your door, allowing you to enjoy a delectable roasted turkey made with care.

The Classic Roast Turkey is priced at BD70 net (serves eight people) and BD110 net (serves eight persons) for the Short Ribs. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance. This delightful takeaway feast is available from December 15 to January 6.

Call 77 488-100 or email reservations.vimbh@vidahotels.com.

UNBOXING FESTIVE FAVES

This December, indulge in the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Festive Feast Box. Feasting has never been so easy with this box featuring festive favourites including roasted turkey roulade stuffed with chestnuts and chipolatas; butternut, carrot, and ginger volute topped with croutons; roasted root vegetables infused with thyme; mashed potatoes and kale; sautéed Brussels sprouts accompanied by turkey bacon; homemade corn bread; classic turkey gravy; and pumpkin pie.

This captivating feast box is priced at BD40 net.

Call 17 713-000.

IF YOU’RE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Enjoy a cosy Christmas feast in the comfort of your home with Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s private Christmas feast. Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente brings you this divine feast featuring a delectable Lavender Honey Roasted Turkey with Chicken Cumberland Sausage, Glazed Sweet Potatoes, and Roasted Butternut Soup.

The feast is available from December 23 to December 26 and is priced at BD95 net for six persons for a roast turkey with all trimmings and BD180 net for six persons for a complete festive feast. Customers can save ten percent on their order before December 9 and receive complimentary delivery service for orders over BD50.

Call 17 115-500.

3, 2, 1… BRUNCH!

Celebrate the first day of 2024 with a delectable buffet feast at Obab Al Bahr Restaurant located at the picturesque Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa. Enjoy culinary creations and live music performances to start the year in a sparkling atmosphere.

The brunch will take place from 12.30pm to 4pm on January 1. Brunch is priced at BD35 net per person inclusive of soft beverages or BD45 net per person inclusive of selected beverages, and BD17.5 net for children six to 12 years old and free for children under 6.

Call 77 771-000.

YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST, ON THE MOVE

This festive season, don’t miss out on this “on the move” holiday feast with Diplomat Radisson Blu, Hotel’s 8KG whole turkey to go. This feast includes much-loved festive delicacies including roasted potato, roast gravy, cranberry sauce, Brussel nut stuffing and buttered vegetables. To get a hold of this Christmas classic order your turkey feast 48 hours in advance.

This take away is priced at BD75 net.

Call 17 531-666.

THIS NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH IS ABOUT RECOVERY

FESTIVE HIGH TEA: A SOPHISTICATED SOIREE

Indulge in the delightful Festive High Tea experience at the Gallery Lobby Lounge located at Mövenpick Hotel, Bahrain. Savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats complemented by tea, or coffee.

This festive treat is priced at BD 15+++ for two people and takes place daily (except for Fridays). Advance booking is required. Call or WhatsApp 33 640-032.

After an eventful night of ringing in the New Year, recovery is essential. Feast on a sumptuous recovery brunch hosted by Gulf Hotel Bahrain on New Years Day. It’s the right way to spend the first day of the year with friends and family – sharing a delicious meal while you discuss new dreams, new visions, and new goals.

This delectable experience is priced at BD 25 net inclusive of soft beverages and BD 32 net inclusive of selected beverages. Don’t miss out on the brunch that you deserve to get your 2024 started.

Call 17 713-000.