Bahrain Desert Times (517) - March 2024

NSA Bahrain’s Blue Jacket Bistro wins second Ney award for food service

By MC2 MacAdam Weissadam,

NSA Bahrain Public

Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s Bluejacket Bistro was recognized as the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award (Ney) winner for outstanding food service excellence in the overseas general mess category for fiscal year (FY) 2024, March 8.

This is the second Ney Award for the Bahrain Bluejacket Bistro since its opening in 2018. Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT) nominated Blue Jacket Bistro to represent after receiving the highest score during Commander, Navy Installations Command’s five-star accreditation assessment.

“The first Ney award we achieved in FY-22 was during the COVID period and our inspection was done virtually.” said Arnie Limon, NSA Bahrain’s Bluejacket Bistro’s food service officer. “This time, it was an actual inspection and evaluation. We have great support from the [EURAFCENT] program director’s office, and that helped us prepare for the inspection day.”

The Bluejacket Bistro team competed against all other dining facilities in the overseas category. The yearly Ney competition challenges all competitors to maintain the highest level of excellence in safety, sanitation, administration, management and service.

“I believe our team was able to win a

second time is because we have always had high standards.” said John Henton, NSA Bahrain’s Bluejacket Bistro senior food service manager. “75% of us have been working together for over 8 years. We consider ourselves as family, and we work together like a fine, well-oiled machine.”

Henton added that post COVID-era challenges were met through their general practices in order to maintain a high service, and that the Bluejacket Bistro had continued to operate above and beyond Ney expectations.

“This Ney award in food service excellence is an extraordinary, something truly remarkable. It is huge for any command who wins it,” said Limon. “This awards consistently prove the food service program onboard NSA Bahrain Bluejacket Bistro succeed in all areas of responsibility and leave a positive impact to all customers year-round.”

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, understands that the measure of

success for the Bluejacket Bistro extends far beyond the numbers.

“I could not be more proud of our galley team and their relentless dedication to excellence and tireless support of our service members,” said Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain. “Most of our Sailors and personnel are away from their families and having such an amazing galley team can make a stressful tour much easier. This award just goes to show how much we care about our Sailors and their quality of life. ”

The Bluejacket Bistro team consistently incorporates customer feed-back into there. Command duty officers and assistant command duty officers complete daily meal checks to ensure sustained quality service and continued commitment to personnel aboard NSA Bahrain.

“We build the culture of winning and our team is passionate in providing the best customer service to others. We constantly seek feedback from customers utilizing the QR codes, surveys, word of mouth, and through quarterly menu review board meetings,” said Limon. “This Ney Award can’t be achieved in two weeks of preparation. To win it, the team must practice it every day, and it must be the standard throughout the year. I’d also like to thank our chain of command. Without them, we could not have achieved this prestigious award!”

NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department receives multiple awards from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central

By Kristine Cruz, NSA Fire and Emergency Services Department

MANAMA, Bahrain—NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department (NSAB FESD) have bene recognized by Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT) with three major annual awards for fiscal year 2023. Of the seven award nomination packages, NSAB FESD was recognized as EURAFCENT Fire Prevention Program of the Year, Battalion Chief Thanzeer Basheer was recognized as Fire Officer of the Year, and Captain Redmond Floyd was recognized as EURAFCENT Fire Inspector of the Year. Additionally, NSA Bahrain was selected as the runner-up EURAFCENT Fire Department of the Year for the small department category, and Firefighter Gihan Chamira Polketiyage was chosen as runner- up for EURAFCENT Firefighter of the Year.

Following the three major award wins, NSAB FESD will go on to compete at the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) level for the opportunity to be recognized as the best in their respective categories.

NSAB FESD Fire Chief Shawn Herrera explained what these achievements mean – not only for the department, but NSA Bahrain and the 147 tenant commands aboard the installation.

“These awards are significantly important to us because we were voted by the Region command team, representing the installation and Region at the CNIC level,” said Herrera. “These awards are the true validation of what every personnel in our department is capable of in meeting our standards and provide service to the community.”

Herrera went on to congratulate Basheer, thanking him for his dedication, initiative and leadership. Basheer played a major role in the department achieving accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in March 2023, and was the first locally-hired NSAB FESD person to receive Navy Region Emergency Medical Technician certification.

“I am very honored to receive this recognition,” said Basheer. “There are no words I could use to describe how proud I am to be part of this organization.” Expressed by Battalion Chief Basheer.

Floyd reported to NSA Bahrain in June 2022, and is a certified risk assessment code (RAC) reduction specialist. His efforts included the revamping of the inspection abatement process, decreasing overall RAC’s of 4 and 5 by 25 percent.

“Inspector Floyd leads the way in achieving our department’s common goal – 100 percent compliance and enforcement of standards,” said Herrera. “He comes to work with a positive attitude and strives to become better in his craft every single day. He truly deserves this recognition.”

NSAB FESD comprises personnel from a variety of countries including the U.S. Bahrain, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and India. Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain, believes that diversity is what makes NSAB FESD such a strong and effective unit.

“Our FESD is unique, combining the team’s diversity and collective talents in order to operate as a unified emergency response force,” said Aperauch. “I know how special of a team we have here, and these awards from EURAFCENT are a testament to that. I couldn’t be prouder of the NSAB FESD and their superior performance, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to the installation and everyone on board.”

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft, and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage, and commitment.

NSA BAHRAIN CELEBRATES

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

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NSA Bahrain Safety Gram

Electrical Safety: The Importance of Authorized Adapters

Mar 24

Ensuring electrical safety in the workplace is paramount to protect both individuals and equipment. One recurring issue that demands our attention is the use of unsafe electrical adapters. It has come to our notice that some adapters lack the essential 13 amp fuse required per the British Safety Standard, which aligns with the safety system in use here in Bahrain. This safety gram emphasizes the critical need for using high -quality adapters to mitigate electrical hazards.

U Understanding the Risk:

Adapters lacking the specified 13 amp fuse pose a significant risk of electrical overload and potential fire hazards. The absence of this essential safety feature compromises the adapter's ability to handle sudden surges, putting both users and the surrounding environment at risk.

T The Consequences of Unsafe Adapters:

1 Electrical Overload: Without the proper fuse, adapters are susceptible to overload, leading to overheating and potential short circuits.

2. Fire Hazards: The increased risk of overheating poses a direct threat of fire, endangering lives and property.

3. Equipment Damage: Unsafe adapters can damage electronic devices and equipment connected to them, resulting in operational failures or irreparable damage.

B Best Practices for Electrical Safety:

1 Use “Authorized” Adapters: Invest in adapters from reputable manufacturers that comply with safety standards. Ensure they are equipped with a 13 amp fuse.

2. Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect adapters for signs of wear, damage, or overheating. Replace any adapters showing visible issues immediately.

3. Avoid Overloading Sockets: Refrain from connecting multiple high-power devices to a single adapter, as this can lead to overload.

P Promoting a Safer Workplace:

1. Education and Awareness: Share this safety gram with your colleagues to raise awareness about the importance of using quality adapters.

2. Reporting and Resolution: Encourage employees to report any unsafe adapters immediately. Timely reporting allows for prompt resolution and mitigates potential risks.

Our commitment to electrical safety extends beyond mere compliance; it is a shared responsibility to create a safe working environment. By using adapters with the required 13 amp fuse, we actively contribute to the prevention of electrical hazards. Let us prioritize safety, stay vigilant, and collectively work towards maintaining a workplace free from preventable electrical risks.

For Further Assistance or Questions If you have any questions or concerns related to electrical safety or need assistance in identifying safe adapters, please contact your servicing Safety Specialist or Duty Safety Officer or use the QR Code. Your safety is our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in upholding the highest standards of electrical safety.

R Remember, adaptors only adapt the plug, they don’t change the voltage (110V vice 220V) Stay Safe, Stay Powered!

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