Volume 11, Number 265 Naval Support Activity Bahrain July 23, 2014

INSIDE THESE

STORIESA N DMORE...

AN EVENING OF MUSIC, COMEDY & MOTIVATIONAL THEATER!, P. 2

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY (DLA) ENERGY MIDDLE EAST CONDUCTS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY P. 4

NAVY LOOKS TO BIOFUELS TO SAIL THE GREAT GREEN FLEET IN 2016, P. 5

3 - CHAPLAIN’S CORNER - CMC’S CORNER - SAFETY4 - REVISED SDAP RATES ANNOUNCED - WEEKLY WARRIOR6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO

SAPR Victim Advocate Training ProgramBy MC2 Derric Cushman Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain shows its continued sup-port for the fight against sexual assault with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) training program.

SAPR VA training is a five-day, classroom based pro-gram that is designed to train volunteers on sexual assault intervention and prevention, how to provide assistance as a 1st responder in a sexual assault situation, and how to assist victims throughout the process of getting additional help. The SAPR VA program is led by NSA Bahrain Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) James Mandley, who took over as NSA Bahrain SARC in April.

Mandley has made an effort to focus more attention on the prevention piece of the program since taking over as NSA Bahrain SARC with key elements in place for the intervention piece_ the Data Collection Coordinator (DCC), the point of contact person, the SAPR Command Liaison, and the SAPR VA’s.

Mandley wonders what else can be done to educate the community to prevent future incidents. “There are certain things people can control like drinking responsibly, bystander intervention, and those kinds of things. How can we sell that to the community and to an individual so they

won’t put themselves at risk,” said Mandley. “We’re not going to forget about the intervention piece, but we’re going to place a lot of focus on the prevention, education, and awareness.”

Mandley’s expectations are that SAPR VA’s are moti-vated to stay up-to-date on any program changes and are always prepared to perform their duties at a moment’s notice. SAPR VA’s are given all the training they need to fully understand their roles in providing services to vic-tims such as how to respond to a sexual assault, the differ-ences between a restricted and non-restricted report, and how to stay current on any new changes made to the overall SAPR program.

Part of learning how to be an effective SAPR VA is learning about the critical components that help to support the program. Throughout their training, attendees are intro-duced to a team of individuals who make sure victims have what they need. SAPR VA’s learn the roles of the Chaplin’s office, Victim’s Legal Counsel (VLC), base security, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). “While we have different roles, we all support the SAPR program,” said Mandley. One particular support element who instructs SAPR VA’s on their duties is SAPR Victim Advocate Support Specialist Katie Scarbrough.

“Part of my role in the SAPR VA program is to ensure that Victim Advocates are prepared, trained, and able to

Photo by MC2 Derric Cushman

A group photo of the the first SAPR Victim Advocate graduating class under NSA Bahrain’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) James Mandley.

Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Shannon M. Smith

Sailors and Marines from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) tour the Turkish Navy ship TCG Orucreis (F 245) as part of a passing exercise. Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

By MC2 (SW/AW) Shannon M. Smith Navy Public Affairs Support Element- East

GULF OF ADEN — Eight U.S. Navy Sailors from the transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) visited two Turkish Navy frigates while Turkish Navy officers toured Mesa Verde.

The goal of the personnel exchange was to increase knowledge and cooperation between naval forces through-out the region.

“We learn a lot from each other in a short period of time,” said Capt. Kenneth J. Reynard, Mesa Verde’s com-manding officer. ”In eight hours we’re able to learn a lot about each other’s tactics, about weapons systems and about how they do training.

The Turkish Navy frigates TCG Gediz (F 495) and TCG Orucreis (F 245) are both part of the Barbaros Turkish Maritime Task Group, which deployed in March on a tour around Africa for bi-lateral exercises, humanitarian efforts, and anti-piracy efforts, a mission USS Mesa Verde cur-rently shares in the region.

Two groups of four Navy Sailors, consisting of both officers and senior enlisted, toured the two Turkish ships and ate lunch in the wardrooms of each respective ship while watching a video presentation demonstrating the Barbaros TMTG’s deployment, a whirlwind tour of 24 African countries in just over 100 days.

“My favorite part was interacting with the sailors aboard the ship and seeing how they do business,” said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/IDW/EXW) Kassidy Gordon. “I enjoyed learning about their experi-ences of all the ports they’ve visited and seeing how they see the world through their eyes as they travel to some of the same countries I have been to in the past.”

U.S. and Turkish Navies Swap Sailors while Underway

SAPR Page 5

U.S. AND TURKISH NAVIES Page 5

2 The Bahrain Desert Times July 23, 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

An Evening of Music, Comedy & Motivational Theater!

Photos by MC2 Derric Cushman and MWR Marketing

In case you missed it, NSA Bahrain enjoyed an evening of Music, Comedy and Motivational Theater featuring Dan Clark, David Archuleta, & Jason Hewlett.

July 23, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 3

By Shaun S. Brown NSA Bahrain Command Chaplain

I was shocked when I PCSed to NSA last year; this place had grown astro-nomically since my first visit in 2003. More people, more families, more com-mands, more missions – there was little doubt in my mind that the U.S. military and our coalition partners and friends were making a BIG difference in this AOR. And this past week, with our food and clothing distribution efforts the men, women, AND CHILDREN of the great-er NSA Bahrain community made a dif-ference right in our own backyard.

Many of you know that for the last several weeks we’ve been collecting canned food goods. Additionally, the youth at our Vacation Bible School – under the direction of Ms Dawn Painter and her volunteers – collected a ton of food! (OK, I exaggerate, slightly. But the kids of NSA Bahrain VBS put the rest of us to shame.) BZ Miss Dawn and crew!

As a further blessing, we received several boxes of nice, clean, used clothes that had been abandoned from Ms Patrina Jordan and crew at the NEX. BZ to you and your crew Miss Patrina!

While we here at NSA Bahrain are guests of our host nation, our home nation ensures that our quality of life in this environment is not too shabby, to say the least. Many other guests of our host nation (i.e., civilian Third-country Nationals, etc.) often don’t have the support of their home countries. In fact, many are here trying to scrape together meager remittances to help their own loved ones back home who are even less unfortunate.

The NSA base chapel faith commu-nities will still be donating funds to sup-port Feds Feeds Families related chari-ties back in the States for the next few weeks. To all those who donated goods and/or monies: A hearty MANY THANKS for making a difference!

Chaplain’s CornerMaking A Difference

Warriors,

Welcome to Bahrain! The heat is on and looks like no rain in the forecast. Take a moment to stop by MWR and see the fantastic things they are lining up for you and your families. We are getting the FFSC back fully staffed and Navy College. Don’t leave here and not work on the education piece. We have promoted several new Senior Chiefs around the base and a few Master Chiefs. Many new Petty Officers and so it is now time to select the new Chief Petty Officers in a few weeks. This is a great time of the year and I look forward to meeting the new Chiefs soon. I am often asked how do I get selected. There is no secret is takes hard work and sacrifice. It takes a commitment 24/7. Doing the hard jobs and doing them well. It requires you to be a good person and living the standard and not being afraid to fail. Be the man in the arena!!!!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Row Well and Live”

Safety First, Safety AlwaysMaintenance and Safety Go Hand-In-Hand

Maintenance is vital to any facility if it is to operate in a safe and effective manner. Maintenance can be a costly element of facility operations in terms of dollars and impact on operations. Maintenance can also be a potential workplace safety issue if not properly addressed.

There are three common types of maintenance:• Emergency repairs when something breaks• Preventative maintenance, which is carried out on a piece of equipment at a certain interval and• Predictive maintenance, which is carried out when tests indicate that maintenance is needed.

Regardless of the type of maintenance, a number of important activities must take place if the maintenance is to be carried out in a safe manner:

• Equipment selected to have maintenance carried out must be isolated. This includes insuring that all sources of electrical power to the equipment are disconnected and Locked Out (The power source should be tagged “OFF—UNIT UNDER REPAIR” with date and signature of person authorizing the procedure.) so someone does not turn the power on until work is completed. The equipment must also be isolated from the other equipment in the same system.• Maintenance procedures must be developed for all equipment. These procedures should followthemanufacturer’srecommendationsandincludeallinstructions,drawingsandlist of parts needed.• Maintenance activities must be planned, even emergency repairs. The time it takes to plan a job, read the maintenance procedures and get the needed safety equipment will be made up in the safety of the job and the ease in completing the job. A little planning goes a long way in doing safe maintenance. To rush into an emergency repair is to invite disaster.• Maintenance personnel must be trained on the equipment. The proper equipment must be used to safely carry out maintenance. Proper safety equipment such as gloves, eye protection and hard hats should always be used.• Any safety devices or shields removed during maintenance MUST be reinstalled prior to completion of maintenance. Any shields and safety devices originally installed on a pieceofequipmentmustnotbeleftoffto“makeiteasiertofixthenexttime.”• Prior to returning the equipment to service, a supervisor who is familiar with the equipment and the maintenance, should check the equipment to insure that the maintenance is complete, the equipment is properly reassembled, all safety equipment and any tools used in the maintenance have been removed.

RecommendationsHave a plan for every maintenance activity. This plan should include the safety procedures for isolating the equipment, the equipment needed for the maintenance including safety equipment, identificationofwhowilldothemaintenanceincludingqualificationandidentificationofthesupervisortosignoffwhenthejobisfinishedandtheequipmentrestoredto“readyforoperation” status. If the maintenance is carried out repeatedly, this plan can be reused. If it is an emergency or one time repair, the plan should be made up before maintenance is started.

4 The Bahrain Desert Times July 23, 2014

MA1 Todd Gilmore U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain Command Sponsorship Team Division Command Sponsor Coordinator for U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Manages the Command Sponsor Program for NSA Bahrain for over 800 Sailors and their families and ensures all sponsors are properly trained. As the Leading Petty Officer for the NSA Bahrain Sponsor Division he oversees all incoming Sailors orders, tracks their transfers and ensures they are

provided all pertinent information as they transition to an overseas location. His division also tracks all personnel separating or transferring from NSA Bahrain ensuring they are completely checked out and that requirements are being met for their next duty station. Sailors reporting to the Command Sponsor Division will be attached for a minimum of 10 days. During those 10 days, they will focus on checking into the command or checking out from the command and focusing on their next journey. In charge of a division of 64 Sailors.

MM2 Michael Leczel is urrently serving as a Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 Logistics department. He is a model sailor who selflessly carries out his daily duties at NSA Bahrain. He is responsible for fixing and maintaining all 7 and 8 meter Ridged Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) essential to EOD and diving operations throughout the AOR. His mechanical expertise and tireless commitment to operations at CTG 56.1 is a direct reflection of

the professionalism and pride he takes in his work. In his spare time MM2 Leczel enjoys playing his new XBOX One, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.

Mr. Daud Bhodak started working for MWR in February 2004 as a Food Service Worker. Prior to his employment with MWR, he worked in the same area as a contractor for five years. Prior to his arrival in Bahrain Mr. Bhodak worked for several hotels in India and for the TAMIMI catering company where he gained most of his Food knowledge. Daud is considered the “go to” guy whenever an issue arises. He is the first to volunteer whenever

someone is needed to stay behind or to work a special project. He assists with the preparation and serving of over 400 meals a day. His hard work and dedication to MWR and its mission are commendable.

Mr. Leandro (Leo) Gonsalves started working for MWR in 2003 as an Entertainment Assistant. Shortly thereafter, he started his current position in the Information, Ticket and Tours (ITT) office where he works as a Lead Recreation Specialist. Leo is responsible for programming and scheduling trips as well as providing information on off-base attractions for the NSA and Sheik Isa community. Born in Goa-India, Leo started his career as a

Mechanical Engineer but gained interest in the recreation field when he worked for the Bahahbai Group as a sales associate. Leo plans and coordinates over 250 local trips per year plus an additional 150 trips for visiting ships. In addition, he schedules all functions for the MPR averaging 20 reservations per week. Leo is an outstanding MWR professional and understands the importance of offering first class service to all of our NSA Bahrain Patrons.

LS2 Chelsea Morrison is currently serving as a Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 Logistics Supply Petty Officer. She is responsible for managing all 56.1 related financial contracts in Bahrain as well as in two additional sites in the UAE. Serving as the sole parts expeditor and purchaser for the command she played a critical role in CTG 56.1 mission success. Her dedication to detail in the organization, inventory and management of the store room is evidence of her unrelenting work

ethic. In her spare time LS2 loves to read fiction novels, watch action movies, and spend time with friends.

CM2 Joerg Temple is currently serving as Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 Logistics department. He is a hardworking, self-motivated, Construction Mechanic. CM2 is responsible for all airlift and vessel movements for CTG 56.1. He conducted 43 mission essential movements of 56.1 equipment to include diver life support, salvage and dive equipment, weapons and demolition materials as well as a variety of EOD tools and equipment.

His impeccable work ethic and tireless commitment to the platoons attached to CTG 56.1 has resulted in zero missed movements or delays. Additionally, he is in charge of maintaining all Civil Engineering Support Equipment (CESE) at the N4 warehouse in support of forward operations in the Middle East. At home he is an avid reader, gamer, and well-rounded cook, often making delicious meals for his fellow warriors.

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Photo by MC2 Derric Cushman

COL Peter D. Crean, acting commander of DLA Energy, passes the DLA Energy Middle East Guidon to incoming commander COL Marc D. Thoreson.

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — Revisions to Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) for eligible enlisted Sailors were announced and released on July 7. The SDAP program enhances the Navy’s abil-ity to size, shape and stabilize the force by encouraging qualified Sailors to serve in designated Special Duty Assignments (SDAs) for a monetary incentive ranging from $75 to $450 a month. For details refer to NAVADMIN 156/14.

For more information, visit www.npc.navy.mil/career/payandbene-fits/sdap/Pages/default.aspx, speak with your Enlisted Community Manager, or read the message at www.npc.navy.mil.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.

By Mrs. Megan Crimmins Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Army Colonel William I. Rush relinquished command of DLA Energy Middle East on Thursday, July 10, 2014 in the P911 Multi-Purpose Room on NSA Bahrain.DLA Energy Acting Commander, Army Colonel Peter D. Crean, presided over the ceremony and pre-sented the command’s colors to incoming Commander, Army Colonel Marc D. Thoreson.

The Change of Command Ceremony took place in front of an audience of distinguished guests, Bulk Petroleum commercial suppliers and the DLA Energy Middle East military and civilian workforce, a well as family and friends.

“Today’s ceremony is a change of command between two great leaders, but more importantly, it’s a milestone for the DLA Energy Middle East Region team as a whole,” said COL Crean.

Prior to the Change of Command Ceremony, COL Crean presented COL Rush with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, recognizing COL Rush’s leadership and accomplishments during his three years as Commander of DLA Energy Middle East.

DLA Energy Middle East, a small Joint team of military and civilian bulk fuel logisticians, provides strategic bulk petroleum support to all U.S. Central Command Service Components, other governmental

organizations, and Coalition Forces when directed across a 20-country AOR through a robust petroleum network, the employment of strategically dispersed bulk petroleum facilities, and the synchronization and maintenance of multiple support arrangements. DLA Energy Middle East will continue to maintain its operational focus and provide timely comprehen-sive energy solutions to the Warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations within the CENTCOM AOR.

Revised SDAP Rates Announced

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy Middle East Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

Photo by Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Gary Robinson

Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Jeffery Fischer jumps from an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 during search and rescue swimmer training with the Arliegh-burke class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). Wayne E. Meyer is deployed to the U.S. 7th fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

July 23, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 5

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

By Mark Matsunaga U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) — Ships and aircraft in the next Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise could be running on biofuels, and they won’t even need to know it, according to speakers at an Alternative Fuels Overview briefing for RIMPAC 2014 participants.

The briefing drew over 40 officers and officials from seven nations - Australia, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Mexico and the United States.

Joelle Simonpietri, U.S. Pacific Command’s operational manager for ener-gy and contingency basing spelled out the need to develop alternative fuels in order to reduce a major driver of conflict. This is especially true in the Pacific, which has the world’s largest energy demand and lowest fossil energy resources; where the “tyranny of distance” is most acute, and everything must travel long distances. She also noted that only a handful of the 36 nations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region are petroleum exporters.

Fossil fuel price volatility has meant that “in several of the past 10 years, the U.S. Department of Defense has had to do significant budget machinations,” Simonpietri said. Development of alterna-tive fuels closer to operations shortens and diversifies supply lines. It can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster “good neighbor” cooperation among nations.

Simonpietri said Department of Defense Alternative Fuel Policy requires that replacement fuels must be “drop-in” fuels and meet existing fuel specifications. The biofuels must utilize existing transportation and distribution infrastructure and require no modifications to weapons platforms. Moreover, these alternative fuels must be cost-competitive with petroleum fuel and have lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions that are no worse than conventional fuels while also complying with existing pro-

curement, energy, health and safety laws and regulations. Biofuels can be made from a variety of feedstocks, including crop resi-dues, woody biomass, dedicated energy crops, vegetable oils, animal fats, and algae. Simonpietri also made the important point that biofuel production must complement rather than compete with food crops.

The “drop-in biofuel” the Defense Department wants is not the same as the familiar ethanol and biodiesel -- first- and second-generation biofuels -- that are used in cars and trucks. What the Defense Department is pursuing is third-generation biofuel “drop-in” replacements for diesel and jet fuels that are used in aircraft and ships. These biofuels are much more advanced, have far less oxygen than etha-nol and biodiesel, and contain the same energy density as their petroleum-based counterparts.

Chris Tindal, director for operational energy in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, said that in RIMPAC 2012 the Navy successfully demonstrated the Great Green Fleet, operat-ing a carrier strike group’s surface ships and aircraft with a biofuel blend without incident. In fact, the Great Green Fleet 2012 demonstration was a significant milestone of the Navy’s testing and certification pro-gram for “drop-in” biofuels derived from used cooking oils and algae.

The next milestone, Tindal said, is 2016, when the Navy intends to “sail the Great Green Fleet 2016.”

Rather than one group of ships, he said, the Navy plans for biofuels to comprise up to 50 percent of the fuel used by deploying ships and aircraft throughout the fleet in calendar year 2016. Procurement has already begun for advanced drop-in biofu-els. Selection of platforms and locations for the 2016 effort will happen later. However, biofuel use in the Navy will not end at the conclusion of 2016 after the sailing of the Great Green Fleet, as “it will mark the start of the Navy’s ‘New Normal,’” Tindal said.

Leading up to that milestone, the Navy has already issued solicitations for opera-tional quantities of alternative fuel in the Western U.S. and Western Pacific. Alternative fuels could be purchased and distributed through Navy oilers as early as January 2015. He and Simonpietri stressed that in order to be accepted for Defense Department use, biofuels or biofuel blends must be virtually indistinguishable from their fossil fuel equivalents. Because of that, participants in RIMPAC 2016 could very well be operating on biofuels without needing to be aware of it.

Tindal and Simonpietri encouraged the foreign members of the audience to facilitate government cooperation, and offered to share U.S. test and certification data for alternative fuels. They also encouraged the officers to consider future possibilities where

their nation could both supply fuel to the U.S. Department of Defense and produce it for their own military and aviation use.

RIMPAC is a multinational maritime exercise that takes place in and around the Hawaiian islands and Southern California. Twenty-two nations, 49 ships, six subma-rines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial exercise from June 26 - Aug. 1.

The world’s largest international mari-time exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

For more news from Rim of the Pacific, visit www.navy.mil/local/rimpac/.

Navy Looks to Biofuels to Sail the Great Green Fleet in 2016

Photo by Gregory N. Juday

Sailors assigned to Riverine Group 1 conduct maneuvers aboard Riverine Command Boat (Experimental) (RCB-X) at Naval Station Norfolk. The RCB-X is powered by an alternative fuel blend of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuels to support the secretary of the Navy’s efforts to reduce total energy consumption on naval ships.

Along with the exchange of personnel for tours, the ships also completed a passing exercise, which is when ships move together in formation.

“We are very happy to work together, ” said Capt. Ihsan Bakar, Commodore, Commander of Turkish Maritime Task Unit. ”This passing exercise is another opportunity for us to exchange our experiences.”

The deployment marks the first time in 148 years Turkey has circumnavigated the continent of Africa, previously done in 1866 by the Ottoman Empire.

“It’s a very good opportunity for the U.S. Sailors to be aboard our ship and actually find out about our life, our ship and our environment,” said Bakar. “Particularly. to exchange eye-contact is very important from my per-spective. So we are very happy to have this opportunity, particularly in the last portion of our long deployment.”

Aboard Mesa Verde, nine Turkish Navy officers experienced flight operations, small boat operations, a tour through ship’s museum and the bridge, as well as a meal in the ship’s wardroom.

Bakar said the experience was particularly valuable because the Turkish Navy is currently planning on add-ing LPDs to its naval assets.

“This is the first time for them to have the opportu-nity to see an LPD,” said Bakar. “They might be tasked aboard an LPD in the future. It is very useful and ben-

eficial for us to come together with the U.S. naval assets at sea and we hope to repeat additional opportunities in the future.”

Aboard each vessel, each group exchanged gifts between countries, including coins, mugs, hats and backpacks.

This interaction between the two countries’ navies built upon past experiences, including Exercise Obangame Express, a Gulf of Guinea-based multina-tional maritime exercise last held during April 2014, which was designed to improve cooperation, interdiction expertise and information sharing among West and Central African maritime forces in order to increase maritime safety and security in the region.

Reynard said he hoped his guests aboard Mesa Verde took away an impression of professionalism and pride from the ship’s personnel, which is something he said he sees daily.

“I was telling them that I think our people are our secret weapon,” said Reynard. “You can have all the nice, whizbang stuff and all the Gucci computer systems, but it’s just a black box without the people who run it.”

Mesa Verde is currently deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. AND TURKISH NAVIES from Page 1 SAPR from Page 1

assist victims in circumstances in which they really need help,” said Scarbrough. “I’m there to provide Victim Advocates with support and get them the information they need so they can be the best Victim Advocates they can be.”

A lot is demanded of the volunteers who decide to become SAPR VA’s. Volunteers quickly learn the importance of their duties and how it can have a positive impact on their community. “I wanted to become a SAPR Victim Advocate because I really believe in the program and I believe that it makes a difference for the victim,” said Lt. Jennifer Franco, SAPR Victim Advocate trainee. “This is a way to give victims a battle buddy. This shows them that there are resources out there and there are people who want to help them understand what their rights are.”

NSA Bahrain is quickly amassing volunteers like Franco who want to help fight sexual assault. Currently there are 23 creden-tialed SAPR VA’s at NSA Bahrain with 42 SAPR VA positions pending completion of their certification requirements.

6 The Bahrain Desert Times July 23, 2014

HR Classified AdsANNOUNCEMENT: NSA-14-101Position: Contract SpecialistDepartment: FLC, NAVSUP BahrainClosing Date: 27 July 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-102Position: Purchasing AgentDepartment: FLC, NAVSUP BahrainClosing Date: 27 July 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-103Position: Supply TechnicianDepartment: FLC, NAVSUP BahrainClosing Date: 27 July 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-104Position: Production ControllerDepartment: PWD, NAVFAC BahrainClosing Date: 03 August 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-105Position: Public Affairs SpecialistDepartment: MWR, NSA BahrainClosing Date: 31 July 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-106Position: Facilities SpecialistDepartment: FLC, NAVSUP BahrainClosing Date: 03 August 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-107Position: Transportation Clerk (Passenger)Department: CTF-53, NAVCENT BahrainClosing Date: 03 August 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-107Position: TRANSPORTATION CLERK (CARGO HANDLER)Department: CTF-53, NAVCENT BahrainClosing Date: 03 August 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.

Saturday, July 26Bahrain City Centre Trip• Time: Van leaves @ 1800

Sunday, July 27Sunday Sundae!• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, July 28Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

Wednesday, July 30Last Buck Party• Time: 1130

Thursday, July 31Ping Pong Tournament• Time: 1100 & 1800

Saturday, August 2Animal Shelter Trip• Time: Van leaves @ 0800; Sign up in advance; $5.00 transport

Sunday, August 3Sunday Sundae!• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, August 4Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

Tuesday, August 5Happy Birthday August Babies

Thursday, August 7Volleyball Tournament• Time: 1830

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: MWRSuggestionBox@me.navy.milIf you would like to receive MWR Bahrain’s e-mail announcements, just send your official e-mail to the above address.

ITTPearl “Snorkel” Hunt Friday, July 25• Time: 0745 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $64.00

Swim With The Dolphins Friday, August 1• Time: 1000 – 1300 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $49.00

Horse Back Riding Saturday, August 2• Time: 0830 – 1100 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $26.00

Tree Of Life Sunday, August 3• Time: 1000 – 1300 • Min 8/ Max 11 people; Price: $5.00

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

Hawar Island Resort Day Trip Friday, August 8• Time: 1000 – 1400 • Min 5/ Max 11 people; Price: $65.00

Al Areen Wildlife Park Saturday, August 9• Time: 0900 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $11.00

Al Dar Island Day Trip Saturday, August 9• Time: 0930 – 1400 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $17.00

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