Combined Task Force 154 Concludes Operation Compass Rose III
By
Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – Jordanian Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 conducted operation Compass Rose III at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 10-14.
Compass Rose, a part of Combined Maritime Force’s capacity-building efforts among its members and partners, continually builds upon previous maritime security enhancement training (MSET) events.
Aside from established MSET events such as visit, board, search, and seizure procedures, vessel security, watch officer fundamentals, and maritime law training, some new training elements, including firefighting and
damage control, provided by the NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department, and media content creation training, provided by CMF and CTF 150 public affairs. Subject matter experts delivered training to more than 40 participants from Brazil, Japan, Jordan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
CTF 154 commodore, Royal Jordanian Naval Force Capt. Ayman Al Naimat, praised the exercise.
“This event was very successful, everyone demonstrated a high quality of instruction,” he said. “The bonds formed between the participants and facilitators become stronger with every iteration of Operation Compass Rose. I look
forward to seeing future events take place.”
CTF 154 leads multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East, enabling more CMF partner nations to participate in training opportunities without ships or aircraft, particularly during courses that are facilitated ashore.
CMF is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 44 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea, which promotes security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
An Important Conversation About PTSD
Q &A with Cmdr. Devon Foster, NSA Bahrain Command Chaplain
June 27 is National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and because the NSA Bahrain community includes a population of active-duty service members, civilians, and their families in a forward-deployed environment, the signs and impact of PTSD is something we must discuss as a team. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are combat veterans, survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatment is available and can lead to a better quality of life.
Before answering a few of the more common questions, I must stress that PTSD impacts all of us, and can do so knowingly or unknowingly. During one of my Marine Corps tours, I met a senior Marine, who was the paragon of fitness and military bearing from head to toe, appearing much younger than his actual age. He was sharp, his chest candy (ribbons) was impressive and included a purple heart. He was a leader, role model, and near the top of the promotion ladder even after many combat tours. However, what most of his Marines didn’t see were his nightmares, the fights he had in his sleep, waking up in a wet sweat and his struggles with drinking. A few of us had seen his outbursts and drunkenness firsthand, but thought it was not that out of the ordinary for a Marine. His spouse disclosed the nightmares and fighting in his sleep, which she had physically experienced on occasion. This incident led to having a conversation about PTSD, and his subsequent journey to getting the needed help for himself and his family. It is my hope that you will consider the many facets of those traumatized by combat actions, victimized by military sexual trauma, non-combat actions such accidents, violence at home or even from natural disasters and the many other traumatic instances of PTSD.
1. What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. According to the National Center for PTSD and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PTSD is an exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
In a stressful situation or time of fear, the body triggers survival mechanisms commonly known as the “fight-orflight” response. The stress hormones might cause increased heart rate, a shortness of breath, muscle tension, and sweat. Normally, these hormonal and physiological responses kick in to help you fight or flee in a lifethreatening situation and then dissipate once you are out of harm’s way.
In the case of PTSD, however, an individual continues to feel the stress and fear they experienced from the traumatic event even when they are no longer in danger.
2. Who is likely to develop PTSD?
PTSD is a disorder that can develop at any age for any individual. This means anyone who has been exposed an
emotional or physical dangerous or life-threatening can experience PTSD this includes children and adults both in combat and the everyday occurrences of our daily lives. This means anyone; veterans of combat and non-combat actions, civilians of all age and rank, and those who have experienced physical and sexual assault, abuse, accidents, disasters and many other traumatic events or various forms of violence and victimization are likely to develop PTSD. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD reports 10% of men and 19% of women were diagnosed with PTSD in 2021. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in adolescents ages 13 -18 is 8%. An estimate one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. Three ethnic groups – U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives – are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites. Furthermore, the VA states that as many as 23% of its patrons will experience PTSD at some point in their lives with an increase primarily by those injured by Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, such as experiencing a traumatic event that was high-intensity, long-lasting, or resulted in injury. According to the National Center for PTSD, the most common types of traumas to result in PTSD are combat and sexual assault. PTSD is not limited to military service members, however. A large, national mental health study found that women are more likely to have PTSD; in fact, more than 50% of all women will experience at least one traumatic event in their life. Further, women are more likely to have gone through neglect or abuse as a child, have experienced domestic violence, or have a loved one suddenly pass away.
3. What are symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD are different from person to person. An individual might develop symptoms after a few weeks, months, or years after the event. These symptoms may include but are not limited to:
• Intrusive thoughts
• Altercations in mood
• Issues sleeping
• Paranoia
• Hyper-arousal
• Avoidance/Numbness
Children living with PTSD may show different signs than adults. Look for dark themes presented in the child’s art or play, regression on toilet training, changes in speech or behavior, and issues sleeping.
4. How can I help those suffering from PTSD?
Research the condition and understand the signs to look out for. Take time to check in on your loved ones. If there is someone who came to mind when reading this article, give them a call. Simply checking in and listening to the issues and concerns of those around you can show that you care. Lastly, by familiarizing yourself with treatment
options for those who may need it, you can help guide someone in need to the right path.
5. How does speaking with a Chaplain help anyone experiencing PTSD?
Speaking with a Chaplain helps centered those experiencing the fear, loneliness, and hopelessness. Chaplains joint them on the journey of their experience by becoming sojourners with them in where they are. Chaplains provide space that valve them as individuals and persons who are experiencing a disturbance to their being. Chaplain helps every person get back or hold onto to what matters most to them, their faith, values, and what gives them meaning and purpose. Chaplains provides and hold space for everyone to express their feelings and emotions even in challenging times, including anger with God, and their diagnosis. We help not only the individual but the family individually and collectively enabling others to vent, hear a voice hope, insight into another view point or things to consider. Chaplain helps with affirming their faith and depending their understanding their journey.
6. What are some PTSD resources at NSA Bahrain?
Local Resources:
Chaplains – (439-4303) Chaplains provide 100% confidentiality for religious and non-religious persons by caring, providing, facilitating and advising. No documentation is kept or pass and no referral is needed. Medical – has an array of resources that can meet, manage and maintain care.
FFSC – (439-9796) provides individual and couples counseling.
National Resources:
Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline: All Safe Helpline services are anonymous, confidential, 24/7 and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault. To reach the Safe Helpline, call 1-877-995-5247 or visit safehelpline. org. Resources include online confidential helpline and chat rooms, a free self-care app, information, resources and referrals to local programs.
Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program: Confidential free services including counseling, online programs, work-life services, and more can be found on the DONCEAP website magellanascend.com or by calling 1-844-DONCEAP (366-2327). DONCEAP can also refer employees to local therapists.
Military Crisis Line: The Military Crisis Line connects a person in need to a trained counselor with a single phone call or click of a mouse. It is confidential and immediate help is available 24/7 at no cost to active duty, National Guard, and reserve members along with their families and friends. In the United States, call 1-800-273-8255 then press 1 or access the online chat by texting 838255. The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research and educational center on PTSD and traumatic stress and has many resources for how to get help in a crisis, finding a provider, help for veterans, and self-help. Learn more by visiting https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp.
Carrier Strike Group 2 Changes Command in the Red Sea
By Carrier Strike Group 2 Public Affairs
RED SEA – Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 conducted a change of command ceremony aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) while underway in the Red Sea, June 16.
Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh relieved Rear Adm. Marc Miguez as the commander of the strike group in the midst of a historic deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, presided over the ceremony.
Wikoff noted the historic implications of the strike group’s time in the Central region.
“This is the Navy’s finest moments since World War II…It is not a hyperbole to say that this deployment would not have been the same without [Rear Adm. Miguez],” Wikoff said at the ceremony. “Thank you for leading from the front. Thank you for building trust and strengthening partnerships. And thank you for your passion and relentless and devotion that is certainly an inspiration.”
A native of New Iberia, Louisiana, Miguez assumed command of CSG-2 in June 2022. During his time as CCSG-2, he led a strike group of nearly 7,000 Sailors through the basic phases of training into a deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th
Fleet areas of operation. While in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, the IKE Carrier Strike Group conducted operations in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Gulf to include Operation Prosperity Guardian and self-defense strikes into Iranian-backed Houthicontrolled areas of Yemen.
“Words cannot express how honored I am to have served among these battle force warriors,” said Miguez, who first enlisted as a Marine in 1985 before earning his commission in 1994 through Aviation Officers Candidate School. “The
Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has done amazing things, more than any carrier strike group dating back decades. Every man and woman out here exemplify what the Chief of Naval Operations means when she talks about ‘America's Warfighting Navy:’ they are delivering decisive combat power to preserve freedom of the seas.”
Miguez reports next as the Navy Chief of Legislative Affairs in Washington, D.C. Hakimzadeh comes to CSG-2 following a tour as the director, Joint and Fleet Operations at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He emigrated from Iran as a child and was raised in Petal, Mississippi. Initially enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1987, he earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Carnegie Mellon University in 1992.
In his first address to the leaders and staff, Hakimzadeh recognized the successes of the strike group and emphasized the importance of the mission.
“It is my privilege to assume command of CSG2,” said Hakimzadeh. “I
am thrilled to be joining this warfighting team that has accomplished so much over the last eight months.”
CSG-2 is comprised of its flagship IKE, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its nine squadrons, the Ticonderoga-class guidedmissile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87).
Squadrons of CVW-3 include the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.
IKECSG units departed their homeports of Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, on Oct. 13 & 14, and is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.
U.S. Navy Rescues Crew from Vessel Struck by Houthis
By Carrier Strike Group 2 Public Affairs
RED SEA – Sailors assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) airlifted the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iranianbacked Houthis in the Red Sea, June 15. The Liberian-flagged, Greekowned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing.
A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guidedmissile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically checked on
IKE, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care.
It’s humbling to watch the Strike Group provide assistance and rescue the crew of
M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do."
“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer.
On June 13, HSM-74 aircraft from Philippine Sea medically evacuated a severely injured civilian mariner from M/V Verbena to a nearby partner force ship for medical attention. Palau-flagged, Ukrainianowned Verbena was sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.
IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.
Quarter In Review
A Sailor assigned to Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade grooms a horse at the Muharraq Equestrian Academy during a community relations event in Samaheej, Bahrain, April 18, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Task Force 51/5 Communication Strategy and Operations)
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) fitness team hosts the first “Strongman Showdown” fitness competition at Memorial Field on NSA Bahrain, May 17, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Justin Stumberg)
Engineman Fireman Jesus Moreno Ortiz, from Seattle, guides a 33-foot Force Protection-Medium Harbor Security Boat, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, to a boat ramp aboard NSA Bahrain, April 30, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
Royal Saudi Naval Forces sailors conduct small boat training using the Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2 Littoral Combat Laser Shot Weapons Simulator aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, May 29, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Stephanie Bolding, from Queens, New York, bows during the invocation at a ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, June 5, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton)
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shannell James, from Queens, New York, sings along with students in music class during a visit to the Alia for Early Intervention Center, April 21, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
Service members and civilians participate in a commencement at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, May 9, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton)
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department demonstrate hose skills to service members from the Royal Jordanian Navy and Royal Saudi Navy during exercise Compass Rose III onboard NSA Bahrain, June 12, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)
Chaplain E.J. Prevoznak
16 June 2024
Summer at NSA Bahrain brings two topics that dominate almost every conversation: heat and change of duty station. Summer and “PCSing” are facts of life that go hand in hand for service members and families, both equally soul stirring and exhausting. Summer brings the prospect of adventure and change that can be refreshingly life-giving, but its brutal heat stagnating temptation to just stay comfortable. We are hindered from the very beginning because comfort offers ease of life, and the heat offers languishing sweat filled hardship. Perhaps it is no coincidence that PCS season is during this same time. A new duty station offers hope of a fresh start with boundless potential to affect change, but it’s equally heartbreaking leaving friends, memories, and the home you built to go forward into the unknown, but as Walt Whitman tells us, “We cannot wait here … all the rest on us depend”. Fresh starts and new opportunities are the winds in our sails that move us forward on the seas of life. Fighting these winds push us off course. It can be scary to trust these forces we can never control and to embrace an unknown course but take heart knowing that you don’t need to set this course alone. NSA Bahrain chaplains know that PCSs, leaving home, and life’s changes can be an emotional time for service members and their families. Coming to terms with the exciting new opportunities ahead, all the while negotiating the unforeseen challenges is hard for everyone. If you are feeling the PCS blues, reach out to your chaplain and talk through it. Perhaps an extra hand on the steering wheel will help you set you on the course. We are always here for you.
Moving Forward
Slowly then all at once you appear on the calendar
A date circled but unspoken until you arrived
Sun’s light slips through the sand filled dusty sky
Not knowing today is the day circled on the calendar
The outside leaks through touching the boxes and luggage
This is you breaking into our lives with hope for tomorrow and anxious today praying that all is still in front of us.
Hearing in silent light we must go forward, for we cannot wait here. The fullness of the green leaves is still ahead.
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
The Strangers: Chapter 1 (R) – 1h 31m
After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive. | Cast: Madelaine Petsch, Ryan Bown, Matus Lajcak
Inside Out 2 (PG) – 1h 36m
Follows Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions. | Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman
The Exorcism (R) – 1h 35m
A troubled actor begins to exhibit a disruptive behavior while shooting a horror film. His estranged daughter wonders if he's slipping back into his past addictions or if there's something more sinister at play. | Cast: Russell Crowe
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (R) – 1h 55m
This Summer, the world's favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your 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
