Bahrain Desert Times (519) - April 2024

NSA BAHRAIN CELEBRATES THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

By MC1 Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain proudly recognized the strength and sacrifice of military children by proclaiming April as the Month of the Military Child during a ceremony at the Bahrain School, April 4.

The proclamation, signed by Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, NSA Bahrain’s commanding officer, underscores the vital role these young heroes play in our military community, highlighting their resilience and unwavering support for their parents in service to our nation.

“This month recognizes the courage and the resilience of young people, like yourselves, who are part of military families serving around the globe,” said Aperauch. “It’s about recognizing the courage you had to move to a new country on the other side of the world; the courage to leave your school; leave your home; and say goodbye to your friends and all the familiar settings you knew so well. It’s about the courage you had to show up here on the first day of school, not knowing anyone, and open yourself up to

making new friends and having new experiences. It’s about the resilience, to not only do well at adapting to a new environment, but to thrive in it.”

Throughout April, the DoD acknowledges the sacrifices made by the 1.6 million military children across the nation. Military families move as often as every two to three years, impacting military children through constant school and network changes.

As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, I want to say to every student here, from the young kindergarteners just starting their educational journey, to our seniors, who are preparing to step into the bigger world and begin a new adventure; your story is one of inspiration,” said Aperauch. “It’s the story that speaks to the very best of what it means to be part of a military community; a community that knows no borders, and a community defined by shared values and shared experiences. Keep embracing your journey through open hearts and open minds. Keep learning, keep growing, keep showing the world the strength and resilience that defines you as a military child.

Thank you for being who you are and for the bright future you represent. You inspire us all.”

Each year, the DoD joins national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make.

While the Month of the Military Child is recognized by the DoD on a larger scale, families local to NSA Bahrain can find support through diverse services including Work/Military and Family Life Counselors with the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Child Development Center, various youth programs, and other military families.

“We have numerous classes available for military families, whether that’s educational courses on navigating finances and investing, life skills classes like anger and stress management, and parenting classes, in addition to the class that I offer, on Ages and Stages,” said Carolyn McCorvey, Work and Family Life program supervisor. “Ages and Stages deals with looking at children through the developmental stages, focusing

on helping parents navigate ageappropriate behaviors.”

On April 29, military parents can attend the Ages and Stages: Parenting through the Years course, offered by the FFSC.

“It’s important for parents to have realistic expectations of their children’s behavior and interactions across the developmental stages,” said McCorvey. “Children behave differently as they develop and parenting styles that align with a child’s natural development milestones, are most successful.”

In addition to parenting courses, FFSC Bahrain offers classes to assist newcomers with learning everyday Arabic, survival Arabic, and cultural norms.

“When you move to Bahrain, there are major differences culturally, so we have two staff members dedicated to assisting newcomers with navigating the local culture,” said McCorvey.”

“We also offer sponsorship training to ensure sponsors are equipped with the tools necessary to support incoming service members. If we don’t have the information here, we have an amazing pool of resources and referral services to point military

families in the right direction.”

As both a father and commanding officer of an overseas installation, Capt. Aperauch shared his insight on the unique perspective military children possess.

“As some of you may know, my three children attend the Bahrain school and just like you, they have learned that home is where we are together; that cultures, languages, and countries aren’t barriers but bridges,” said Aperauch. “Bridges that connect us to one another in this huge world. Many of you are too young to realize it, but from growing up as a military child living overseas, your lives will be a mosaic of experiences that many people can only dream of.”

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.

2 - Italy Takes Command of International Red Sea Task Force

3 - Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) is coming to NSA Bahrain!

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NSA Bahrain Distributes Iftar Boxes During Ramadan

NSA Bahrain Distributes Iftar Boxes During Ramadan

By Ameera Al-Kooheji, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain - Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, in coordination with the NSA Bahrain Chaplain Corps, took part in the custom of distributing Iftar meal boxes during the holy month of Ramadan to drivers and pedestrians in Manama, Bahrain, April 8.

Traditionally, Iftar boxes contain a light meal comprising dates, water, and other snacks. The boxes were provided by the NSA Bahrain Chaplain Corps and distributed by Sailors, allowing drivers and pedestrians to break their fast during their commute.

This initiative is part of NSA Bahrain's Community Relations (COMREL) program, demonstrating the installation's commitment to voluntary and humanitarian engagements through community interactions reinforcing social responsibility, generosity, compassion, and solidarity.

"We are honored to join in the giving spirit during the holy month of Ramadan and give back to a local community that is so giving to our service members and civilians," said Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain. "We are always looking for any opportunity to strengthen our longstanding bond with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and this is certainly one we are very excited about "

NSA Bahrain's mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. Sth 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.

Italy Takes Command of International Red Sea Task Force

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet MANAMA, Bahrain – The U.S. Navy turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 to the Italian Navy during a change of command ceremony at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters here, April 3.

Italian Navy Capt. Roberto Messina assumed command from U.S. Navy Capt. David Coles, who has commanded CTF 153 since November.

This is the third time Italy has assumed command of CMF task force since the 42-nation maritime partnership was established in 2002.

Established on April 17, 2022, CTF 153 is one of five task forces under CMF. It is responsible for maritime security operations in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden in order to deter and impede illicit non-state actors. CTF 153 enhances maritime security and stability, protects the freedom of navigation and builds a strong foundation for multinational cooperation in the region.

Under Coles’ command, CTF 153 led Operation Prosperity Guardian, a 24-nation international presence operation intent on ensuring freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. He said that mission, among other accomplishments, defined the teamwork CMF strives to achieve every day.

“I am incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication by CTF 153 staff and

units at-sea in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Their efforts have directly contributed to regional maritime security and freedom of navigation in the CTF 153 area of operations,” Coles said. “It is a true honor to hand over command to an incredibly strong maritime partner like Italy. I know the Task Force is in good hands, and look forward to celebrating CTF 153’s future accomplishments under Capt. Messina's stewardship.”

Messina now leads a 35-person multinational staff from 10 countries, planning, coordinating and executing maritime security operations. Messina said this teamwork highlights the strong international partnerships required to ensure regional maritime stability.

“It is my honor to serve as commander of CTF 153,” said Capt. Messina. “I look forward to working closely with regional and partner nations to ensure maritime security

and stability in this vital economic artery.”

CMF is the world’s largest naval partnership, with 42 countries working together. Other task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional antipiracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 154, enhancing maritime security training throughout the region.

Canadian-Led CTF 150 Seize Nearly 2,000kg of Narcotics in Two Interdictions in a Single Day

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – The Canadianled Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 carried out two drug interdictions at sea in a single day as part of Focused Operation Crimson Barracuda in the Arabian Sea, April 10. The two interdictions resulted in the seizure of a combined total of nearly 2,000 kg of drugs.

The Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster, a Duke-class Type 23 frigate, seized over 800 kg of hashish, 390 kg of methamphetamines and 110 kg of heroin from a stateless dhow in the Arabian Sea. This was the crew’s first day of deployment after completing a crew swap a few weeks before.

“I am exceptionally proud of the entire team in Lancaster executing this interdiction on the first day of our deployment,” said Royal Navy Cmdr. Chris Sharp, HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer. “Complex interdictions in such a challenging environment require true teamwork across the entire ship's company. This success is shared with our partners in CTF 150 who provided essential support to the operation.”

92 kg of heroine, 17 kg of amphetamines, 296 kg of hashish, and 15 kg of marijuana from another dhow in the Arabian Sea. After weighing and documenting the hauls, the crew disposed of the narcotics.

Then, using Canadian space-based intelligence, the Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) seized 257 kg of methamphetamines,

Clarence Sutphin Jr is forward deployed to Bahrain as part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK)

By Dr. Penelope Miller-Smith, Principal BES

BES is excited to share that Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) is coming to NSA Bahrain for the 2024-25 school year! BES will offer full-day, Universal Prekindergarten to all military-connected children who turn four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024.

UPK Information Session

A special information session for parents to learn more about UPK will be held from 2-2:40 PM to Sunday, April 14th, at BES in the Gill Hall. You can also find more information, including a list of frequently asked questions about the UPK program, in

“These two interdictions have made a significant dent in criminal and terrorist organizations’ ability to use drugs to fund their activities,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews, Commander Combined Task Force 150. “The collaboration of our assets and personnel allowed us to become a precise and highly effective team that not only undermined the efforts of these organizations, but also nearly 2,000 kg of drugs from hitting the streets.”

Crimson Barracuda counters terrorist and criminal organizations’ use of the high seas to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 42-nation naval partnership upholding 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.

is coming to NSA Bahrain!

our most recent newsletter. About UPK

DoDEA's UPK program supports students' social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development using an ageappropriate curriculum. Children will explore subject areas including literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts, and participate in a family-style meal program.

How to Register

Sponsors currently stationed at NSA Bahrain with children eligible for pre-kindergarten can register now via the DoDEA Student Information System (DIS) portal, available

at the following address: https://dodeasis. myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do. If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact the registrar at BES, Fatma Myers at fatma.myers@dodea. edu

UPK will be implemented across DoDEA in three phases spanning a five-year period. When completed, DoDEA will serve an additional estimated 6,000 prekindergarten students at 60 military communities worldwide.

We look forward to welcoming prekindergarten students to the Falcon family this fall!

Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Stay Focused During Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and encourages drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Distracted driving through texting, talking on the phone, adjusting radio or even eating puts people at a significant risk of accidents. Disturbingly, distracted driving contributed to a sizeable percentage of road accidents as revealed by a recent General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) –Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Bahrain report released last year in Bahrain. These are not just numbers but real lives that

have been lost and families affected forever.

This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, let's pledge to make our roads safer. Here are some simple steps you can take:

• Put the Phone Away: It's the leading cause of distraction. If a call is necessary, pull over to a safe location first.

• Focus on the Road: Multitasking while driving is dangerous. Adjusting music, eating, or applying makeup can wait until you're parked.

• Enlist Your Passengers: Ask them to help navigate or handle non-driving tasks.

• Be a Role Model: Set a positive example for young drivers by demonstrating safe driving habits. Most new vehicles offer features – like

voice-activated calling and navigation – that can help minimize distractions. Utilizing these features keeps your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Distracted driving prevention isn't just a driver's concern.

Pedestrians and cyclists also play a vital role by staying alert and avoiding distractions while using crosswalks or designated cycling lanes.

Let's make Distracted Driving Awareness Month more than just a campaign. Let's make it a lasting commitment to safer roads for everyone. By staying focused and putting down the distractions, we can all arrive at our destinations safely.

Facts from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

• In 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

• Five percent of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2022 were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. Six percent of drivers 15 to 20 years old, 21 to 24 years old, 25 to 34 years old, and 75+ years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. Each of these age groups have the larger proportions of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.

• In 2022 there were 621 non-occupants (pedestrians, pedal-cyclists, and others) killed in distraction-affected traffic crashes.

NSA Bahrain Safety Gram

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

APR 24

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common hazards in the workplace. They put many workers at risk of sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, fractures, and other injuries. At worst, they can also lead to death, especially in high-risk occupations such as construction but remember that it can happen anywhere even at homes.

• Slips happen because of a lack of friction or traction between a person’s footwear and the walking surface.

• Trips occur when your foot strikes or hits an object, which causes a person to lose their balance.

• Falls can result from a slip or a trip when a person’s center of gravity is shifted and balance is lost.

How can you help to prevent slips and trips in your workplace?

• Report near misses and accidents promptly to your supervisor or facility manager

• If you see slip and trip risks, try to sort them out or inform your supervisor or facility manager

• Help to keep floors clean and dry

• Clear up spillages straight away

• Avoid causing trailing cables

• Keep place of work clear of obstacles

• Ask your facility manger to mark slopes and changes of levels

• If there isn't adequate lighting, report it

• Follow all safety advice

The above aspects only focus on the physical hazards of slips, trips and falls. This is the first priority, but since we can't eliminate slips, trips and falls by only dealing with physical factors, consideration of human factors should be the next step in incident prevention.

The truth is that many slips, trips and falls are caused or made worse by a person’s state of mind. When we’re rushing, frustrated, tired or complacent we tend to make errors and decisions that increase the chance of injury

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For more information on this and other safety topics, please call DUTY SAFETY OFFICER 3940 -0734

NSA Bahrain Safety Gram

The presence of tripping hazards is not enough to cause an incident on its own. It also requires employees to take their eyes and mind off the task at hand. And when that happens hazards and human factors quickly add up to injury-causing falls.

Addressing Human Factors

1. Rushing:

• Emphasize the importance of managing time effectively to reduce the need for rushing. Promote realistic schedules and break down tasks to alleviate time pressure.

• Clearly mark areas prone to hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces, to alert individuals who might be in a hurry.

2. Frustration:

• Provide resources and training on stress-reduction techniques to help individuals cope with frustration and maintain focus on their surroundings.

• Create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards without fear of reprisal. Addressing concerns promptly can reduce frustration.

3. Fatigue:

• Emphasize the importance of taking breaks, especially in roles that involve prolonged periods of standing or repetitive tasks, to combat fatigue.

• Implement task rotation to prevent monotony and fatigue. This approach helps distribute physical and mental strain more evenly among workers.

4. Complacency:

• Keep safety training programs current and engaging. Frequent updates help combat complacency by reinforcing the importance of staying vigilant.

• Rotate safety responsibilities among team members to prevent a sense of routine and ensure everyone remains actively involved in maintaining a safe environment.

Addressing the physical factors along with these human factors not only contributes to preventing slips, trips, and falls but also enhances overall workplace well-being.

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For more information on this and other safety topics, please call DUTY SAFETY OFFICER 3940 -0734

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Dune 2 (PG-13) – 2h 46m

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. | Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Zendaya

Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG-13) – 1h 34m

After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. | Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis

Arthur the King (PG-13) – 1h 47m

An adventure racer adopts a stray dog named Arthur to join him in an epic endurance race. | Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance

Imaginary (PG-13) – 1h 44m

TA woman returns to her childhood home to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is very real and unhappy that she abandoned him.| Cast: DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun