May 1, 2014

Volume 11, Number 259 Naval Support Activity Bahrain April 30, 2014

INSIDE THESE

STORIESA N DMORE...

NSA BAHRAIN CELEBRATES “MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD”, P. 2

STUDENTS READ AROUND THE WORLD, P. 4

BAHRAIN TEENS MINGLE IN NAPLES, P. 5

3 - PRINCIPAL’S CORNER - WEEKLY WARRIOR6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO

USS Firebolt Remembers, RededicatesBy MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Sailors assigned to coastal patrol craft USS Firebolt (PC 10) held a remembrance ceremony and rededicated a memorial, onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, on the tenth anniversary of the attack on Firebolt, April 24.

On April 24, 2004, an attack claimed the lives of Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Michael Pernaselli, Signalman 2nd Class Christopher Watts, and U.S. Coast Guard Damage Controlman 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal. The incident occurred near Iraq’s oil terminals while conducting mari-time security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

Around 200 service members and civilians from around NSA Bahrain, attended the ceremony.

“This ceremony and the actions of the fallen Sailors reminds us why we wear the uniform,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mitch McGuffie, commanding officer of Firebolt. “It’s the history that inspires and motivates us and it reminds us of the people who have gone before us.”

As part of the10 year anniversary ceremony, Coastguardsmen assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) lead an effort to raise money and rebuild the memorial, which stands in Main Street Park on NSA Bahrain.

“The previous memorial was weathered and was in need of repair,” said Store Keeper Chief Kevin Couture, assigned to USCG PATFORSWA. “We wanted to focus on one meaningful project to make the memorial look better. We contacted the crew of Firebolt and we worked together to create something more befitting. In the end, we have something we hope the families and service members will see and remember well into the future.”

Photo by MC1 (SW) Steve Smith

Lt. Cmdr. Mitch McGuffie, commanding officer of coastal patrol boat USS Firebolt (PC 10), left, and Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces, foreground, salute Boatswain’s Mate Chief Derek Strickland, senior enlisted advisor of Firebolt, while dedicating a wreath at the newly refurbished USS Firebolt memorial during a remembrance ceremony. Service members honored the two Sailors and Coast Guardsman killed while intercepting a waterborne attack on an offshore oil platform off the coast of Iraq on April 24, 2004.

By MC2 Derric Cushman Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Members of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain community gathered to rec-ognize Earth Day 2014 with a week of activities to promote environmental aware-ness. Earth Day is used as a way to recognize the many challenges and environmental issues that we face in today’s world and it is observed across the globe as a time to focus on cleaning up the environment.

NSA Bahrain used planned activites during the week to focus on raising environmental awareness, preventing pollution and promot-ing land and energy conservation to ensure that everyone can have the opportunity to live on a cleaner, greener planet.

“NSA Bahrain is a small community repre-senting our nation abroad,” said Awni M. Almasri, coordinator of Naval Facilities

Engineering Command Bahrain for Commander, Europe Africa and Southwest Asia Regional Environment. . “It is committed to protecting the environment and safeguard-ing the earth for our Host Nation, our children and future generations.”

For a week, each day, the NSA Bahrain Environmental department provided articles on Earth Day and simple ways people can help to protect the environment. There were also a multitude of activities for volunteers to partici-pate in, such as a base cleanup and the planting of flowers and trees in the base garden.

“I feel it’s important for sailors to partici-pate in Earth Day because it gives people a chance to work as a team with sailors from other commands, departments and rates, while building a positive relationship with the local community,” said Charles King, vice president of the NSA Bahrain Junior Enlisted Association (JEA),. “I think the appearance of this base is

Photo by MC1 (SW) Steve Smith

Yeoman 3rd Class Charles King, vice president of NSA Bahrain’s Junior Enlisted Association, works with grounds maintenance personnel to plant shrubs during an Earth Day beautification project aboard NSA Bahrain.

NSA Bahrain Celebrates Earth Day

EARTH DAY Page 5

USS FIREBOLT Page 5

2 The Bahrain Desert Times April 30, 2014

The Bahrain Desert Times is an authorized publication primarily for members of the Navy and Marine Corps military services in Bahrain.

Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the NSA, Bahrain, Public Affairs Officer.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps and Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity Bahrain of the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

The Bahrain Desert Times is published bi-weekly by Red House Marketing, P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.

Red House Marketing, is responsible for commercial advertising, which may be purchased by calling: (973) 1781 3777 or send in a Fax to (973) 1781 3700.

439-4520www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding OfficerNaval Support Activity Bahrain Capt. David Meron

NSA Bahrain Executive OfficerCmdr. Leif Hammersmark

Public Affairs OfficerJennifer L. Stride

Staff PhotojournalistMC1 (SW) Steven SmithMC2 Derric Cushman

By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and its Child and Youth Programs (CYP) held a Month of the Military Child Kick-off event, April 19.

This event was held in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, which is an annual event, held in April, celebrating the role of U.S. military children stationed around the world.

“This event is one of our larger annual events for children of all ages and their families,” said Ann Leach, director of CYP Bahrain. “The Spring event is just one of several activities we’re hosting to support the Month of the Military Child. We want to provide a way to celebrate the children and give them something special while sta-tioned away from the U.S.”

Families gathered in NSA Bahrain’s Fleet Park and neighboring ball fields for games, family fun runs, face painting, a visit from the Spring Bunny and an egg hunt.

Kids from the Teen Center and School Age Care (SAC) programs took to the stage for a talent show with singing and dance routines.

“It’s important to recognize the youth of our deployed military,” said Jarod Bailey, youth director for CYP Bahrain “The youth serve in their own way and it’s nice to be able to hold a large event like this to honor them with their families.”

The event also allows service members and their families to come together as a community and get to know each other.

“We feel like we are more at home with events like this,” said Jess Basco, Navy family member. “It’s not only fun for the kids, but it’s great to meet other military families who are sharing the same experi-ence of being away from home.”

This month, MWR hosted several events supporting the Month of the Military Child, including the Missoula’s Children’s Theater performance of “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and a Nerf gun battle. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/MWR.Bahrain or pick up a copy of the MWR events calendar throughout the Freedom Souq.

NSA Bahrain Celebrates “Month of the Military Child”

Photos by MC1 Smith, MC2 Cushman and QM2 Brown

April 30, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 3

For more information on visas and CPR cards contact Immigration at 1785-4258.

Principal’s CornerBahrain Elementary, Middle and High School is accredited by AdvancEd. AdvancEd is dedicated to advancing excellence in education through accreditation, research and professional services. AdvancEd works to maximize student success. It brings together research and resources for student school and system improvement. To meet AdvancEd standards for accreditation a school must undertake a continuous improvement process, which appraises the school’s organization and its instructional effectiveness and demonstrates quality assurance through internal and external reviews.

Bahrain Elementary, Middle and High School Accreditation Review Year: Our five year quality assessment review is scheduled for school year 2017. We encourage, need and depend upon participation from all stakeholder groups (students, teachers, administration, parents, military and community) to ensure a successful evaluation.

AdvancEd sets five standards of quality practices and conditions that are necessary for schools to achieve quality student performance and organizational effectiveness. Standard 1: Purpose and Direction Standard 2: Governance and Leadership Standard 3: Teaching and Assessing for Learning Standard 4: Resources and Support systems Standard 5: using Results for Continuous School Improvement

Continuous School Improvement is an ongoing process that helps schools focus their efforts in support of their missions and goals. Student performances and school/ community data are analyzed and used to develop plans to ensure all students are learning and progressing toward achievement of academic standards.

Parental Involvement with CSI There are a number of ways that our community stakeholders can become involved in our CSI process. We invite and encourage your participation as a member of our School Advisory Committee (SAC): our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or our CSI Committees. If you are interested in taking part in the school improvement process as a committee member at Bahrain Elementary, Middle or High School please contact Christy Blevins or Stephanie El Sayed.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Keep yourself informed of the latest CSI news! Check our monthly CSI articles in our school newsletter, or our CSI bulletin board in the front office hallway, and on our school website at http.//www.dodea.edu/Europe/Mediterranean/Bahrain/BahrainES/index.cfm.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Representative Visit

The Fleet and Family Support Center will have a VA representative available at NSA Bahrain on Wednesday, May 7, to answer individual questions regarding VA benefits. Please let your transitioning service members know to please call DSN: 439-4046 to set up their appointment. Appointments are held at FFSC in bldg. 267. There are a limited number of appointments available and appointments will go fast.

Dana WillinghamWork & Family Life Consultant/ Transition GPSFleet and Family Support Center

LT Trevor Smalls currently holds two positions within NSA Bahrain Naval Security Force (NSF), as the installation Assistant Security Officer and Anti-Terrorism Officer. He originally hails from Beaufort, South Carolina “the Low Country”. He entered the U.S. Navy in March of 1992, as a Deck Seaman. He advanced through the ranks and

rates of Boatswain’s Mate and Master-at-Arms, ultimately leading to his commission through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program. He was also initiated as a Chief Petty Officer in September 2003.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Steven Brison II was born on May 27, 1986 in Nashville, Tenn. He grew up in Fairview, a small country town just outside the state capital. He graduated from Fairview High School in the spring of 2004. In the winter of 2012, MC3 went to Great Lakes for basic training. Upon

graduation he attended the Basic Mass Communication Specialist Course at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, MD, where he studied photography, journalism, graphic design and print production. Petty Officer Brison went on to serve at his first duty station in Bahrain working for the American Forces Network. He hosts a morning radio show, Sunday through Thursday, 0600 - 1000. He’s also the station Safety Representative, Facilities Manager and Combined Federal Campaign Manager. Additionally, MC3 is one of NSA Bahrain’s barracks Resident Advisors, a position typically assigned to First Class Petty Officers.

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4 The Bahrain Desert Times April 30, 2014

Photo by MC1 (SW) Steve Smith

Travellers make a stop at a small house in Germany and listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel. The travellers are making their to different countries to hear stories and interact with different cultures during “Reading Around the World”.

By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — The Department of Defense School (DoDDS) Bahrain Schools held a “Reading Around the World” international apprecia-tion event for students and families, April 24.

The event provided attendees a way to experience the different cultures, which makes up the student body at Bahrain Schools, with story reading, presentations and hands-on interactions.

“The event was an opportunity to bring together our multicultural community to celebrate our diversity,” said Christy Blevins, principal of Bahrain Elementary School. “The night’s activities brought families together to enjoy the rich international tradition that is the Bahrain Schools. All the teachers, staff and parents gave of their time and energy to make the event a success and memorable for the students.”

The experience began as soon as the students and their families entered the school. They were issued a passport and a map listing the many countries and regions they could visit. The staff and volunteers decorated classrooms with local art and objects representing each country’s or region’s heritage. Presenters in each location dressed in costume, showed videos and read local stories to the travellers.

“There are a number of things children can be interest-ed in whether it’s sports, visual media or television, but an event like Reading Around the World, is designed to show parents and children how much fun and how exciting read-ing can be,” said Brenda Taylor-Sarhan, coordinator of Read Around the World. “Ultimately, by having a family night of reading, it helps the children learn and achieve more in school and in life.

The PTSO also held an international event, which fea-tured cuisine from countries around the world. Volunteers served the hungry travellers while dressed in traditional

clothing. Students also performed local dances on stage.“Having kids learn about people from other countries

and experience life from a different point of view can be very beneficial,” said Christina Tyson-Clark, Bahrain Elementary School parent. “It teaches kids to become interested in other ways of life. They become under-standing to the differences we may have, yet they can

still find the similarities we share no matter where we are from.”

The students received a stamp for each location they visited. The passports were collected as they left the school. The class with the most students attending won a pizza day. Approximately 50 percent of the elementary school students attended the event.

Students Read Around the World

U.S. NAVY CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: JAROD BAILEY 439-4902 (1785-4902) | [email protected]

SUMMER2014

EMPLOYMENTP R O G R A M

TEENIn conjunction with

Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and the Boys & Girls Club of America, Navy Child & Youth Programs (CYP) is providing teen employment opportunites at various base

activities throughout the summer!

Teens hired for this program will: • Get paid $7.25/hour, Work a maximum of 25 hours per week

(between the hours of 0600-2000) • Participate in weekly Career Launch/Job Ready class sessions

• Gain valuable work experience

Thursday, 8 & 15 May: Teen Employment Workshopsat the Teen Center from 1600-1700

CYP will be hosting workshops for teens to help learn the basics of resume writing, interviewing, and networking in preparation for the Job Fair.

Thursday, 22 May: Teen Employment Job Fairin the P911 Multipurpose Room from 1700-1800

Don’t miss this opportunity to network and learn about the various positions that will be available for the 2014 Summer Teen Employment Program

Thursday, 8 May - Wednesday, 21 May: Application PhaseYou can start picking up your applications from the Teen Center beginning May 8th.

Applications should be submitted to Mr. Mohammed Kiani in the MWR Admin office no later than 1600 on May 21st.

Thursday, 29 May: Interview PhasePrior to May 29th, applicants will be contacted to schedule group interviews.

Sunday, June 22 - Thursday, August 21: Work PhaseTeens selected to fill available positions will begin working a 9 week program.

April 30, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 5

EARTH DAY from Page 1USS FIREBOLT from Page 1

Bahrain Teens Mingle in Naples

By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Six members of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Keystone Club met with their peers of the NSA Naples, Italy, Keystone Club for leadership training and Keystone-oriented activities during a week-long trip in April.

Both Keystone clubs were originally selected by the Boys and Girls Club of America to attend the 2014 National Keystone Conference in Anaheim, Calif. in April. Due to scheduling requirements, the teens from either group were unable to attend.

“Our teens worked very hard to be able to qualify for the Keystone event in California,” said Jarod Bailey, Youth Director for NSA Bahrain’s Child and Youth Programs (CYP). “We still wanted to reward our kids for the hard work they put in, so we came up with a new plan and got it approved.”

The teens met at the NSA Naples Teen Center for Keystone Leadership programs and training. During the events the teens discussed the differences in culture and shared ideas for events and activities each Teen Center could implement.

“It was definitely a learning experience for me,” said Asia Singleton, NSA Bahrain Keystone Club member. “I love collaborat-ing with other people, so this was a great way to learn how their club works and what we can take the experience back to Bahrain.”

The group also set out to explore the city and nearby sites, including a hike along the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, and a tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The teens from Naples accompa-nied the Bahrain teens on most of the tours and local sightseeing.

“The culture is totally different between what we’ve seen in Bahrain and in Naples,” said Jessica Bethea, Bahrain teen. “We learned a lot about the two cultures and lifestyles while interacting with each other at the same time.”

“Our kids performed very well,” said Grace Purley, program leader for the NSA Bahrain CYP. “The teens got along very well together and had a great experience. It was very rewarding to see the kids interact and make the most of their time in Naples.”

Purley also said the NSA Bahrain Teen Center staff and teens are planning an addi-tional trip in the fall. Possible destinations in addition to Naples, might be to visit teens at Naval Station Rota, Spain and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo provided by the Teen Center

Members of the NSA Bahrain Keystone Club and CYP staff tour the ancient ruins of Pompeii, during their recent trip to Naples, Italy.

The new memorial, which was designed by Information Technician Chief Petty Officer Mike Church, assigned to USCG PATFORSWA, contains an encased U.S. flag, a the medals awarded to the service members and and rank insignia. A life ring from Firebolt hangs below. Sailors assigned to Coastal Patrol Squadron (PCRON) 1 cut out sections of the steel railing and replaced it with white braided rope to represent life-lines found along the outer edge of the

weather decks aboard Navy ships.“We lost three of our shipmates ten

years ago and even though we have never met these Sailors, we see their names on the bulkheads in Firebolt’s passageways every day,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jose Valencia, assigned to Firebolt. “We see their names and we know who they are. We are a tight-knit crew and they are a part of our family. It is an honor to be here today and recognize their sacrifice.”

not only a reflection of us in the eyes of visitors and the many ships that pull in for port call, but also within the eyes of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

Through Earth Day events and activities, Almasri said he hopes that people can see the importance in taking care of the environment.

“Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and make new pledges to protect the environment for us and for generations to come,” said Almasri “Earth day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.”

The first Earth Day event was held April 22, 1970. During this year’s Earth Day at NSA Bahrain, more than 100 volunteers helped with the event, resulting in the planting of 45 small plants such as plumeria, nerium oleander, and hibiscus. There was also more than 39,000 lbs of trash collected, resulting in approximately 21,500 lbs of garbage being recycled.

NAVAL  CRIMINAL  INVESTIGATIVE  SERVICE  

                                               UNIQUELY  CAPABLE  GLOBALLY  ENGAGED  

REPORT  SUSPICIOUS  ACTIVITY  NCIS  TMU  3940-­‐4271  

NSA  Bahrain  Security  1785-­‐4911  

Protec'ng  the  Protectors  

6 The Bahrain Desert Times April 30, 2014

HR Classified AdsANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-046Position: BartenderDepartment: MWR, NSA BahrainClosing Date: 12 May 2014

The mission of the Human Resources Office (HRO) is to administer Human Resources Management programs for U.S. civil servants and foreign national employees of the Naval Support Activity Bahrain. HRO provides consultative advice and guidance to various commands and activities

in the following program areas: position management and classification; recruitment and staffing; labor management advisory services; Equal Employment Opportunity Program; employee development; employee relations matters; and benefit entitlements.

Questions? To speak to a Human Resources Specialist, please call: 1785-4763 or DSN (318) 439-4763.

May 1-17Photography ContestSee the Liberty Center for Rules

Sunday, May 4Sunday Sundaes• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, May 5Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

Tuesday, May 6Video Game Tournament• Time: 1800

Friday, May 9Kayak Trip • Time: Van leaves @ 0800; $25.00

Saturday, May 10Animal Shelter Trip • Time: Van leaves @ 0900; Signup in advance $5.00

Sunday, May 11Sunday Sundaes• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, May 12Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

For more information, call the Liberty Center at 439-3192

NSA Bahrain@

Comments & SuggestionsAll are welcome to send comments or suggestions to MWR Bahrain. Please e-mail them to: [email protected] you would like to receive MWR Bahrain’s e-mail announcements, just send your official e-mail to the above address.

ITTHorse Back Riding Friday, May 2• Time: 0830 – 1100 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $26.00

Fun At Ozone Entertainment Club Saturday, May 3• Time: 1000 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $29.00

Tree Of Life Sunday, May 4• Time: 1000 – 1300 • Min 8/ Max 11 people; ITT Price: $5.00

Swim With The DolphinsFriday, May 9• Time: 1000 – 1300 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $49.00

Pearl “Snorkel” Hunt Saturday, May 10• Time: 0745 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $64.00

Cooking Demonstration Of Arabic Food & Dinner Monday, May 12• Time: 1700 • Min 5/ Max 10 people; ITT Price: $23.00

Al Dar Island Day Trip Friday, May 16• Time: 0930 – 1400 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $17

Guided Cultural Tour Of Bahrain Saturday, May 17• Time: 0900 – 1600 • Min 14 people; ITT Price: $35.00

For more information, call x-3531All dates and times are subject to change