Bahrain Desert Times (521) - May 2024

CNIC Selects 2023 Shore Enterprise Sailor of the Year

Story by John Belanger

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Master-at-Arms 1st Class Natalie Hasbrouck was named the 2023 Commander, Navy Installations Command’s Sailor of the Year during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Museum on the historical Washington Navy Yard, May 2.

Hasbrouck, who is also Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central’s Sailor of the Year, was one of four finalists who competed to earn the prestigious award, which includes a spot promotion to chief petty officer.

“Although I’m merely representing the physical form of the Sailor of the Year, there has been many, many puzzle pieces that have come together to create who I am today,” said Hasbrouck, who hails from Forest City, Iowa. “I would like to take this moment to express my greatest gratitude to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, all the leaders, my peers, and my junior Sailors there.”

To be able to compete for the honor, Sailors must consistently demonstrate superb job performance, contribute to the enhancement of command climate, participate in peer group development events and community service activities, showcase educational accomplishments, and meet physical fitness standards to name a few.

“You’re here today because you exceed the standard all the time,” said Naval District Washington Commandant Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, who was the guest speaker. “You’ve demonstrated superior leadership, professionalism and commitment to duty that sets you apart from your peers and I am really proud of each of you.”

Hasbrouck currently serves as Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s Harbor Patrol Unit leading petty officer, where she leads and mentors more than 125 Sailors while providing oversight of operation and maintenance of fully mission capable Harbor Security boats. She sustained operational capability by ensuring that watch stations were adequately manned utilizing faster reporting tool providing real time manning and force availability information in accordance with CNIC guidelines.

“We’re 10 regions and 70 installations,

so when I say these Sailors up here are the top of the pinnacle of what we do every day at CNIC, that’s truly a profound statement and it’s an important one,” said the shore enterprise’s Force Master Chief Jason Dunn. “Congratulations for all of you being here.”

The other 2023 CNIC Shore Sailor of the Year finalists were:

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Franklin Mateo, a native of Kissimmee, Fla., leads the helm as the Security Operations leading petty officer at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam where he revolutionized the security framework, orchestrating a formidable force across multiple disciplines to secure the installation with unmatched efficiency. Mateo’s role as a lead command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response victim advocate exemplifies his commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment.

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Mycah Love, a native of Sheridan Ark., performed two separate challenging roles at Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa as Operations leading petty officer, and Antiterrorism & Physical Security leading petty officer. As Operations LPO, she maintained administrative and operational oversight of landside and waterborne operations. As Antiterrorism & Physical Security LPO she led tenant command antiterrorism officers in quarterly, semiannual, and situationallyrequire threat working groups.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Julia Murphy, a native of Toledo, Ohio, assigned to Navy Region Southwest, assumed responsibilities as leading chief petty officer, managing and training financials and logistics in regional dining services program for 11 ashore galley facilities and 150 Sailors and civilian staff. She

coordinated the Annual Region Southwest Culinary Competition attended by 32 culinary specialists throughout the region and spearheaded the first ever “Sea vs Shore” culinary competition, which garnered so much attention that future event will be renamed “Best of the Bay” Ultimate Culinary Competition. Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as quality of life programs. CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 43,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family. Follow CNIC on social media: Facebook, Facebook.com/NavyInstallations; Twitter, @cnichq; and Instagram, @cnichq.

3 - U.S., Pakistan Forces Complete Exercise Inspired Union 2024

5 - Chaplain's Corner

6 - Cinema

Rivalries During the Season, Teammates for a Reason

Sailor in the Spotlight

UMGC, NSA Bahrain Hold Commencement Recognizing College Graduates

UMGC, NSA Bahrain Hold Commencement Recognizing College Graduates

Story by MC1 Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain— In a collaboration between the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, 36 college graduates from various universities were presented with earned degrees and certificates during a commencement, May 9.

The commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone for service members and civilians who have dedicated themselves not only to service, but also to pursuing higher education.

The partnership between UMGC and NSA Bahrain underscores a commitment to supporting servicemen and women in their educational pursuits, regardless of their location or circumstances. Through joint efforts, command career counselors, education services officers, and UMGC staff members at NSA Bahrain ensured service members who have completed their college degrees within the past year had the chance to partake in this culminating event.

"What is happening today is immensely important, but not nearly as important as what happens next,” said Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, NSA Bahrain’s commanding

officer. “You’re sitting here today because you were hungry for something more, driven to reach that next level of personal and professional growth. Earning your degree might satisfy that hunger for now, but I promise that it will return, and when it does, I want you to push even harder. Stomp that gas pedal down and drive towards the next goal, the next achievement. I’ve already said it, but I can’t stress enough – the more you excel, the more we excel. There is no better win-win scenario than you striving for your own brand of greatness.”

The significance of this event extends beyond the conferral of diplomas. For many service members stationed in the Middle East, the opportunity to walk across the stage represents a reminder of their commitment to personal and professional growth, even in challenging environments.

“Walking across the stage was more than just a simple gesture for me,” said Yeoman 1st Class Miracle Murphy-Page, UMGC graduate. “For me, and a lot of others sitting beside me, this was a testament of resilience, determination, and a commitment to reaching the goals we set for ourselves.”

Hundreds of guests attended the ceremony, including

fellow service members, families, and other guests. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and pride as the graduates stepped into the spotlight and received their recognition.

"Traditionally, the moving of the tassel during the commencement ceremony is called, ‘turning of the tassel,’” said Misha Ross, UMGC program coordinator and master of ceremonies. “It symbolizes the transition from candidate to graduate. It is time to move your tassels from the right side to the left side and if you have a class ring, turn your class ring around to signify your graduation. Graduates, turn your tassels. If you ever forget which side your tassel goes on, remember that you wear it on the left side over your heart to remind you of your alma mater.”

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.

Rivalries During the Season, Teammates for a Reason

Story by Chief Petty Officer Justin Stumberg

When Chief Information Systems Technician Ledget Glover III and Chief Master-At-Arms Nick Brown play basketball it’s usually as opponents.

Even though they share a passion for basketball, their rivalry is palpable with the court crackling with intensity whenever their teams face off.

Glover, known as "LG," hails from Shubuta, Miss., represents U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Standing tall and agile, he dominates the paint with his rebounds and layups, earning respect for his precision and strategic play.

Meanwhile, Brown, from Augusta, GA., plays for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Bahrain. Reminiscent of Muggsy Bogues, his lightning-fast dribbling and three-point shots make him a formidable opponent, often putting his team ahead.

Both ball players are notorious for their love for the game and competitive spirit which fuel intense matchups in Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s regular season captain’s cup league, where NAVCENT and NCTS are tied for base championships over the last six years with a record of 3-3.

“There’s a little rivalry between us,” admits LG. “It’s killing me right now. Every time I see [NCTS] I already know I’ve got one season left to get over on this tiebreaker.”

Basketball isn't just a game for these athletes; it's a lifelong passion. Brown recalls how he fell in love with basketball as a kid, his day incomplete without playing.

“That’s how I knew it was the sport for me. I’ve played football, I’ve played baseball, I’ve played it all,” said Brown. “If I didn’t play those sports, I would be okay. But if I couldn’t play basketball, I don’t know what I would have done growing up.”

Despite their on-court rivalry, LG and

Brown form a powerful partnership representing NSA Bahrain on the men’s varsity team. Redirecting their competitive energy towards a common goal, they become key players in one of the toughest teams in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Their recent game against the Arleigh Burke-class missile guided destroyer USS Mason, April 30, 2024, a 60-37 win, may seem impressive, but it falls short of their usual dominance.

“We usually beat them by 50 or 60 points,” LG remarks, attributing their success to the high level of competition on base. “It’s easy for us to put up, on average, 120 points on visiting ships.”

Their varsity team has a 1992 Olympic Dream Team feel, blending diverse talents and playing styles to create seamless teamwork. Maybe not Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, or Charles Barkley, but enough firepower and raw talent to breeze through teams in almost every way.

Coach Jeff Clark rarely must call a timeout. With the team gelling together even though they are accustomed to competing against one another.

“We play with each other every weekend and we play with each other out in town,” said LG. “But when it comes down to battling it out on the court, we know each other’s strengths and we know each other’s weaknesses.”

Looking ahead, the varsity team eagerly anticipates the 2024 Summer Open Basketball League which begins May 7. Another opportunity to earn their command the coveted title as NSA Bahrain’s best basketball team.

U.S., Pakistan Forces Complete Exercise Inspired Union 2024

Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval forces from Pakistan and the United States completed a four-day bilateral training exercise, Inspired Union 2024, in Karachi, Pakistan, May 2.

Inspired Union focused on maritime interdiction operations, explosive ordinance disposal mine countermeasure tactics,

techniques, and procedures, and harbor security. The exercise created opportunities for improving readiness, enhancing maritime security and stability, and promoting the freedom of navigation in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

"Exercises like Inspired Union continue to improve our readiness and interoperability in the maritime domain," said CAPT

Robert "Paco" Porter, Commodore of Task Force 52. "Pakistan is an important partner and we are honored for their hospitality both during this exercise and the lead up to it. We look forward to future opportunities to work with an important partner like Pakistan."

A U.S. Coast Guard maritime engagement team, a U.S. Marine Corps fleet anti-terrorism security

team, a civil affairs team, and an expeditionary mine countermeasures and diving team, took part in Inspired Union.

As a capstone bilateral exercise, Inspired Union fosters collaboration between Pakistan and the U.S. armed forces, in an effort to uphold the rules-based international order that supports the free flow of commerce in

strategically important waters in the region.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

When asked if he’s ready for the season, Brown can’t help but smile and laugh at the thought of getting back out on the court

playing the sport he loves so much.

“Everybody knows,” Brown grins. “It’s what we live for.”

Fire Alarms in

Apartment Buildings

Large apartment buildings are built to keep people safe from fire. Fire alarm systems detect smoke and fire. They will warn residents of danger.

KKK The fire alarm system has many parts that work together. Some of the parts are out of sight. In a fire, smoke detectors sense smoke and activate the fire alarm. Manual fire alarm boxes allow people to sound the alarm. When the fire alarm system activates it will warn residents of danger.

KKK Everyone in the building should know where to find the manual fire alarm boxes (alarm boxes on the wall with a pull bar). Most are found within five feet of an exit door.

KKK If there is a fire, pull the manual fire alarm box handle on your way out of the building.

KKK When the system senses smoke or fire, a loud horn or tone will sound. Everyone must know what this sound means and how to react.

KKK Leave the building right away if you hear the sound of a fire alarm. Stay outside at your meeting place until you are told the building is safe.

KKK Treat every fire alarm as an emergency. When the alarms sounds, get outside.

KKK Only use a manual fire alarm box if there is smoke or fire. Frequent false alarms are a problem. People might ignore the sound if they hear too many false alarms. False alarms also put firefighters at risk.

Escape 101

Know the locations of all exit stairs from your floor. If the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke, you may have to use another exit. If the fire alarm sounds feel the door before opening. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, use this exit to leave.

Close all doors behind you as you leave. Take the key to your apartment in case you are not able to get out of the building.

If fire or smoke is blocking all exits, return or stay in your apartment. Keep the door closed. Cover cracks around the door with towels or tape. Call 9-1-1 and let the fire department know you are trapped. Signal from the window by waving a flashlight or light-colored cloth.

Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features and plans in your building.

NSA Bahrain Fire Department DSN: 439-7012

Living Core Values: May 23rd,11a.m –12p.m., Bldg.

Flexibility: May 30th,11a.m. –12p.m., Bldg. 100, Rm. 128A

Problem Solving: June 6th, 11a.m. –12p.m., Bldg.

Connection: June 13th,11a.m. –12 p.m., Bldg. 100, Rm. 128A

By Travis Armes

Humans are distinct among mammals in that we are the only species that celebrate certain days as more special than others. I suppose we are the only species that celebrate at all. As far as we know, all animals but us are concerned with little more than companionship and survival. Their days are routine loops of resting, metabolizing and reproducing. Meanwhile, humans attach meaning to anniversaries of past events we then celebrate in the present in particular ways.

Through rituals and traditions, we honor and remember significant past events because they bridge the past and present, connecting our heritage and our identity. Last month, followers of the three main monotheistic world religions all reflected on their identity and celebrated in their unique ways. Christians, Muslims, and Jews respectively tie their identity to the first Easter more than 2,000 years ago, Mohammed’s reception of the Qur’an more than 1,400 years ago, and the first Passover more than 3,200 years ago. Whether you follow one or none of these faith traditions, clearly something special happened all those years ago that their significance would reverberate for millennia since. Millions and billions of contemporary worshipers live in the present inspired by the past.

WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

lasting legacy and impact, inspired and empowered others

Served as examples of righteousness and virtue

Encountered transformative encounters with God

Nurtured and cared for their families

Embraced their unique callings and giftings!

The month of May might not seem like the holiest or most sacred of months with Easter, Ramadan, and Passover behind us in 2024. Still ahead in July, Americans will celebrate our nation’s birthday on the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. In that document, our forefathers underscored equality and humans’ God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. America has engaged in wars since our war for independence to maintain our nation’s freedom and to protect our unalienable rights.

In May, we celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives defending freedom and democracy around the world. While it is a national holiday, we do not typically see it as a “holy” day. Yet, it is worthwhile we take time to reflect on the near-sacred aspect of sacrificial service. Visit Normandy, Iwo Jima, or Belleau Wood and feel what it is like to stand on sacred ground. The same goes for nearly any veteran’s cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery even advertises as “our nation’s most hallowed ground.”

However you spend May’s 96-hour liberty (if on duty, thank you for your service), may you meditate on the true cost of freedom. Human lives are irreplaceable; they are the exorbitantly high price we’ve paid for our freedom. To all those who have given all they could for our freedom, even their very lives, we say, “Thank you.” To all those who lost loved ones in recent and past missions and battles, we say, “Thank you.” We do not forget them either. We mourn with you and we celebrate their lives with you. As beneficiaries of missions accomplished and battles won, may we all be inspired by the heroism of our forefathers and foremothers. We carry their legacy and share their identity and purpose. May we also, “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence,…mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Civil War (R) – 1h 49m

A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of militaryembedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. | Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Maura, Cailee Spaeny

Monkey Man (R) – 2h 1m

An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the poor and powerless. | Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) – 2h 25m

Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he's been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. | Cast: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand

The Fall Guy (PG-13) – 2h 6m

A down-and-out stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend's blockbuster film. | Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt