NSA Bahrain Commemorates Battle of Midway 82nd Anniversary
Story by MC1 Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs
MANAMA,
Bahrain— Sailors
and Marines aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain honored the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway at a commemoration ceremony, June 5.
The ceremony included multiple presentations including a ceremonial wreath, historical slideshow highlighting pivotal moments of the battle, and a bellringing memorial, honoring the pilots of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) who fought and died during the battle.
“As we commemorate Midway, we consider its legacy and its continuing ability to inspire us, and we wonder if maybe one day, we ourselves will serve at a moment or place like it,” said Ensign Ezra Payton, master of ceremonies. “We all should wonder if we will ever serve in such an honorable way, that it leaves a mark that sears itself into the culture of generations of Sailors and their families to come. For now, we have Midway as our marker to serve a strong example of who we are and why we exist so that well into the future, Sailors will continue to stop each year, during the week of June 4th, and consider how naval legacies are made, and why they are timelessly cherished, generation after generation.”
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Matthew Reid, commanding general for Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade spoke about the contributions the Marine Corps made during the Battle of Midway.
“The island of Midway was garrisoned by a Marine Force to guard the air fields where the Japanese launched their initial attacks onto Midway Island to draw the U.S. aircraft carriers into battle,” said Reid, guest speaker for the event. “It was the Marine fortifications and Marine forces on Midway Island that took a heavy toll on the Japanese fighters and prolonged the actions of the Japanese admiral, giving the U.S. carriers more time to get into position. It was an integrated Navy and Marine Corps team in the Battle of Midway that eventually led to the ultimate victory.”
Reid spoke about the morning the attack on Midway Island occurred,
recounting the actions of Adm. Chester Nimitz who maneuvered U.S. carriers to launch counter attacks onto the Japanese, and the critical role played by VT-8.
“The Japanese had flooded the air with Japanese fighters and then there was U.S. Torpedo Squadron 8, knowing their suicidal odds, they knew they were going to face devastating losses. He and his squadron pressed on with their attacks, drawing Japanese fighter cover to low altitudes. Tragically, all 15 planes of Torpedo Squadron 8 were shot down and only one man survived; a young ensign by the name of George Gay, survived. Their sacrifice was critical and it set the stage for the subsequent dive bomber attacks by the Navy onto the Japanese carriers.”
American forces managed to destroy four Japanese carriers, one cruiser, more than 300 aircraft and left more than 3,000 Japanese sailors dead or missing.
“Those were significant losses for the Japanese,” said Reid. “Those carriers could not be replaced. Taking out those four vessels crippled their Navy. For the United States, the eventual victory at midway was monumental. It halted the Japanese expansion, completely unraveling plans to target the western United States and it ultimately did lead to Japanese defeat. Of course there were a lot more fighting to go on the islands with the Army, the Marines, and the Air Force and more, but this battle absolutely set the stage and set the conditions for all of those future successes.
As we reflect on the Battle of Midway, we not only honor the strategic brilliance of Nimitz and all of the Sailors who gave their lives that day, and the Marines who played that critical role on midway island, but we also remember the extraordinary valor of those like John Waldron and others who earned the Medal of Honor that day, whose
heroic actions exemplified the high standards of bravery and sacrifice in our U.S. Navy. You wonder if 82 years ago those Sailors and Marines thought that we’d be talking about them today, and they probably would hope so, but would probably doubt it. To quote Admiral Nimitz, ‘they fought together as brothers in arms; they died together, and now they sleep side by side, and to them we have a solemn obligation,’ and may we always honor that obligation.”
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.
5 - Chaplain's Corner
6 - Cinema
CNO, MCPON, OAL Visit NSA Bahrain
Sailor in the Spotlight
Kicking Back with Shaun (and punching too)
Kicking back with Shaun (and punching too)
By MC1 Sean P. Gallagher, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs
Every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, patrons at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Navy Exchange may walk by the gym and hear the sound of people locked in combat. The curious may wander in and hear the sound of music and smell sweat, as people kick and punch their way to victory. When they reach the aerobics room, that’s when they’ll discover that it’s not a brawl, but an intense workout in the form of boxing and kickboxing. At the center of this controlled chaos, is Shaun Gillespie.
Gillespie, a native of South Africa (South African native of British decent), has a deep connection to the military with almost every member of his family having served across the branches. His passion for helping service members led him to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Bahrain, where he helps service members and civilians pursue their fitness goals.
“As soon as I signed up, I took it quite seriously,” said Gillespie. “Sailors need to know what's available to them. I am a personal trainer, boxing and kickboxing coach here on NSA Bahrain. I am also one of the only personal sports massage trainers in the area. Mainly, I am a personal trainer and I run the kickboxing and boxing classes that I design from scratch, specifically for NSA Bahrain service members, civilians and their families.”
Gillespie tailors his workouts to Sailors and families stationed on the base, while allowing participants to learn, develop, and train at their own pace. In most cases, workouts take place in pairs with any odd persons pairing up with Gillespie himself. Working in teams of strikers and catchers, everyone has the opportunity to learn the full range of aerobic striking and technical skills kickboxing and boxing provide.
“My goal is to give everyone an experience that differs each time,” said Gillespie. “We change everything up each session, from movements, warm ups, and even music. I don’t ever want it to feel boring for those participating. I want it to be an exciting experience that keeps people coming back while getting them where they want to be physically.”
Gillespie’s favorite part of leading these types of classes is meeting new
people and getting them involved with each other with three goals in mind – fitness, endurance and community.
“It’s an incredibly taxing workout, but it isn’t built around shame or being pushed beyond your limits,” said Gillespie. “There is no set strategy towards like, you have to do this many, you have to hit this many reps. Do it as best you can for as long as you can. Don't destroy yourself so that you don’t come back.”
Gillespie also said he is less concerned about skill level and much more about personal progress. His belief is that with a pair of gloves, some pads and a partner, you will be amazed at how quickly you can improve. The challenges of teaching in a region where so many people come through on different schedules is immense and motivational, and he looks forward to each and every opportunity.
“MWR was so supportive in getting this program off the ground by providing the time, space and required equipment,” said Gillespie. “If anything, my biggest problem is that classes are very full, and I anticipate we will need more time, space and equipment to accommodate the demand. That, however, is an extremely fun and exciting problem to have.”
If service members are interested in meeting Gillespie, they can find him teaching boxing classes in the upstairs functional fitness center on Sundays at 4 p.m. and kickboxing classes in the aerobics room at the MWR Fitness Center Monday and Wednesday at 4 p.m. Equipment is provided and attendees are partnered up on arrival.
“With a little grace and a welcoming atmosphere, I hope to show everyone there is a place for them in my classes,” said Gillespie. “There is nothing more important than just showing up and putting the time and effort in. I hope to see you all there.”
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.
JUNE 2024 CALENDAR
NSA BAHRAIN FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
INTERCULTURAL RELATIONS
Arabic Language (spoken)
Arabic Language (R&W)
Sponsorship
Sponsorship
Arabic Customs & Traditions
*Carpet Buying
**Jewelry & Gold Buying
OMBUDSMAN
Ombudsman Assembly
Separation Tap
Capstone Event
Capstone Event
FAMILY EMPLOYMENT READINESS
Lunch n’ Learn Employment Workshops:
Looking for a Gig?
E ective Resume Writing
Acing Your Interviewing
LIFE SKILLS
Mind Body-Mental Fitness:
Module 5 - Problem Solving
Module 6 - Connection
Module 1 - Stress Resiliency
Exceptional Family Member Program
Command POC Training
PERSONAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT
PFM/CFS Forum
CFS Basic Training
Digital Assets
Understanding TSP
Saving and Investing
Home Buying Basics
Your Insurance Needs
Financial Planning for Retirement
Military Pay Issues
COUNSELING, ADVOCACY & PREVENTION
Family Advocacy Program & Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life Leadership Training
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION & RESPONSE
Commander’s Toolkit Brief (All Call)
Unit Victim Advocate (refresher) Training
STAYING COOL
LCDR Ryan Williams, USN, CHC TF 51/5 Command Chaplain
Like it or not, we are entering the summer months here in Bahrain, and that means HEAT! Physical heat can certainly be taxing and draining on our system, and can even lead to dehydration, enervation, and not to mention being a sweaty mess after walking down the spine, from PSD to the NEX. To complicate things a bit, PCS season is also upon us, which evokes sometimes intense emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual “heat” as well. In the midst of PCS stress, it’s easy to lose our cool; we can easily overheat due to the blistering stressors thrown regularly in our laps. Inundated with stressors, we may become overly judgmental or shaming of ourselves and others, short-tempered, or even resentful and spiteful. What is the remedy to this? How do we stay cool?
I would like to recommend four ways to cool off during stressful seasons of life. Think COOL: Curiosity, Observe, Orient, and Learn.
First, remain Curious. Try getting curious about your own emotions and thoughts. Rather than jumping to judgement for thinking or feeling a certain way, get curious—ask, “Why do I suppose I’m feeling or thinking this way? Where do those feelings or thoughts come from?” Cultivating curiosity cools us down because it slows us down and curbs emotional reactivity. Get curious!
Second, Observe. Take time to observe and notice how you are doing. Spend time with yourself to really discover how you are doing. Self-reflection time may come in the form of journaling, working out, speaking with a counselor or trusted colleague, praying, or meditating.
Third, Orient. Stay cool by taking time to identify the big picture of things and how you fit into that picture. Taking a bigger perspective of circumstances can be a healthy way to recognize “this too shall pass” or the common “it is what it is…right now.” Remind yourself that current circumstances will not last forever and there will come a time when the pressure decreases. Of course, if the psychological pain seems to increase as time progresses, please reach out to one of our Spiritual/Mental Health resources for more concentrated support.
Finally, Learn. Just as remaining curious prepares us for adaptation and healthy adjustment to rising temperatures, maintaining a learning attitude will soften our negative self-talk and infuse grace during crucial moments of difficulty. Cultivate an approach where we conceptualize mistakes as opportunities to learn. Remember Wayne Gretzky’s famous guidance: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Remember learning how to ride a bike? Falling is part of the process! We cool down as we learn from our falls.
As always, your combined NAVCENT/NSA/TASK FORCE Chaplain team stands ready to assist you in any way possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and as the temperature rises in so many ways this season, please STAY COOL!
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (R) – 1h 55m
This Summer, the world's favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-ofyour seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami's finest are now on the run. | Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
Tarot (PG-13) – 1h 32m
When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings, they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death. | Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Jacob Batalon
Furiosa (R) – 2h 28m
The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max. | Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
IF (PG) – 1h 44m
A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up. | Cast: Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski
