Volume 11, Number 270 Naval Support Activity Bahrain October 1, 2014

INSIDE THESE

STORIESA N DMORE...

STEEL DRUM CORPS LIVE!, P. 2 TEAM NAVY KICKS OFF 2014 WARRIOR GAMES, P. 4

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN-OVERSEAS NAMES WINNERS OF FOURTH ANNUAL ART CONTEST, P. 5

3 - CHAPLAIN’S CORNER - FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL4 - WEEKLY WARRIOR6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO

HPU On Patrol, On The WaterBy MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — The Naval Security Force (NSF) Bahrain Harbor Patrol Unit (HPU) is on the water around the clock providing security to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. They also provide secu-rity escorts for U.S. and coalition ships operating in the coastal waters of Bahrain.

Recently, an HPU team escorted the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) from their pier-side berth out to open waters after a port visit. This is just an example of the many duties HPU is responsible for.

“The purpose of HPU’s escorts is to provide water-borne security for vessels transiting in and out of the har-bor,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ulyses Marero, escort patrol lead. “We communicate with contacts, such as small fishing boats and unidentified vessels to let them know we are coming through. If necessary, we will maneuver between the escorted ship and contact to keep them at a safe distance.”

The escort team is comprised of multiple boats manned with boat pilots, gunners and additional personnel as needed. The Sailors who make up the teams are Master-At-Arms (MA) and Boatswain’s Mates (BM).

“BMs and MAs have been around a long time; in fact we are two of the oldest rates in the Navy,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Maurico Payne, escort gunner. “Both rates require a great deal of working knowledge, but having the two rates that require a great deal of leadership and disci-pline only makes for a great combination to effectively, and safely execute escorts and patrols.”

Photo by MC1 (SW) Steve Smith

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ulyses Marero, assigned to Naval Security Force (NSF) Bahrain’s Harbor Patrol Unit (HPU), security escort patrol lead for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72). NSF Bahrain’s HPU is the largest patrol unit in the Navy, which provides security to NSA Bahrain, U.S. Navy and coalition ships operating in coastal waters around Bahrain.

Bahrain Achieves NAEYC Accreditation

Photo by MC1 (SW) Steve Smith

Capt. David J. Meron, commanding officer of NSA Bahrain, left, and CYP staff pose for a photo during a celebration dinner in recognition of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.

HPU Page 4

By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Child and Youth Programs (CYP) Bahrain recently achieved the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation with their Child Development Center (CDC) facilities onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.

NAEYC administers an early childhood program accreditation process designed to set the standards of excellence in early childhood education. It has accredited more than 6,900 programs worldwide including 55 overseas programs.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) requires all Navy child development programs to be accredited through NAEYC.

“This process is an arduous task,” said Ann Leach, director of CYP Bahrain. “It can take 18 to 24 months to complete. Our achievement is due to the hard work of our

exceptional team.”The months leading up to the final

evaluation required self-assessments, focus groups, surveys, and environmental chang-es. An endorser visited the CYP sites aboard NSA Bahrain and verified all the criteria were met. There are 10 standard areas, each consisting of several more requirements, which must be completed.

“I think the biggest challenge in meeting the requirements was having staff who have never been through an accreditation process before,” said Janice Robles, training and curriculum specialist for CYP. “I met with each CDC classroom on a weekly basis to train staff on the NAEYC 10 standard areas and the accreditation process. I wanted staff to be as comfortable as possible about the visit and what it would entail.”

Annual training requirements included curriculum, assessments, teaching, child development, diversity and working with families.

NAEYC Page 4

2 The Bahrain Desert Times October 1, 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 Smith

STEEL DRUM CORPS LIVE!Photos by ET2 William Weinrich

October 1, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 3

By LT Kevin L. Johnson CHC USN

Recently, I had a discussion on Facebook with some minister friends over the abilities of modern medicine to keep people alive longer. We were dis-cussing how long a “good” life actually is. From my Christian tradition, the Bible (Psalm 90) tells us that our lives will be seventy or eighty years, but that they’ll be years of hard work. And yet, all of my grandparents lived past 80, and one of them is still alive today at 95. I rejoice at those extra years with them that I had. Other religious traditions hold different views, although the end in many ways works out the same. For example, as I understand it, Muslims believe Allah alone can decide when a person’s life should end. Buddhist philosophy, accord-ing to my understanding, argues that the

end of one’s human life is based on their karma. In other words, they all believe that none of us know how long we’ll be walking this earth.

But what does that mean? Why would I tell that story? The famous Illinois politician Adlai Stevenson once said, “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” It’s very easy to become complacent in our lives. We all know where our home is at the end of the day. We all know which day we’ll be getting paid. We all know the people in our duty section, and what the mission is. We all know what we have to do as individuals to accomplish that mission. We’re in Bahrain – we all know that means it’s going to be hot. We all even know what we have to do to advance our careers, to set up so that we have enough years to get retirement.

That may be years in your life, but it ain’t life in your years. In the course of living, don’t forget to find the blessings. You do have a job, which provides a home. You have the potential of a career. You are living in a country a long way from the United States. Experience all that those things have to offer. When the command is looking for someone to do something different, try it. You might find you like it. When the Navy offers to send you to a place like Bahrain, go out beyond American Alley. Experience the life of the country. That way, when all those years you have planned out have ended, you have some stories to tell, some experiences to share. You can say you’ve lived a good life.

Chaplain’s CornerLive Life to its Fullest

At Bahrain Elementary school our motto is “Bahrain Elementary Celebrates Learning!” We believe that our parent stakeholder involvement is an important reason for our students’ success and celebration in learning.

This year we are excited to invite our parent stakeholders to be a part of our Continuous School Improvement (CSI) process and help accomplish our CSI goals of:

• Goal #1- All students at Bahrain Elementary School will show by 2015 increased proficiency in reading comprehension across the curriculum through improvement in analyzing text as measured through system-wide and locally-based assessments.

• Goal #2- All students at Bahrain Elementary School will show by 2015 increased proficiency in math across the curriculum through improvement in number and number relations as measured through system-wide and locally-based assessments.

If you are interested in taking part in the school improvement process as a committee member to help accomplish our school goals, please contact principal Christy Blevins or send an email to Christy.blevins@eu.dodea.edu.

We look forward to sharing your positive school improvement contribution on our Eagle team!

“Bahrain Elementary Celebrates Learning!!”

**VOTER ASSISTANCE ANNOUNCEMENT**The Bahrain Family Readiness Group (FRG) is helping

eligible service members, families, and civilian employees register to vote.

Visit the voter registration table located in the Freedom Souq (across from NFCU). Volunteers will be on hand to

answer questions and assist with forms for absentee ballots Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The entire process takes about five minutes! Make sure you are registered today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT RAY SANTIAGO AT RAYMOND.SANTIAGO@ME.NAVY.MIL OR 439 4231.

NAVY BIRTHDAY 5K RUNMONDAY, 13 OCT SIGN UP: 0600RUN STARTS: 0630NAVCENT ROUNDABOUT

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT RAY SANTIAGO AT RAYMOND.SANTIAGO@ME.NAVY.MIL OR 439 4231.

NAVY BIRTHDAY 5K RUNMONDAY, 13 OCT SIGN UP: 0600RUN STARTS: 0630NAVCENT ROUNDABOUT

4 The Bahrain Desert Times October 1, 2014

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

HPU from Page 1

NAEYC from Page 1

By Ensign Matt Chandler U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) — Team Navy celebrated the start of the fifth annual Warrior Games during a fes-tive opening ceremony at the Olympic Training Center, Sept. 28, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

After the ceremony, Team Navy, which is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW), Safe Harbor, the Navy’s wounded warrior support program, kicked off the competition with two sitting volleyball matches. Team Navy was victorious against the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) team but fell to the Marine Corps.

“I’m excited and nervous about this experience,” said Navy Chief Logistics Specialist Averill Malone, a first-time Warrior Games competitor. “I am doing this for my family.”

Malone, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following combat deployments in 2007 and 2009, will com-pete in archery at the Warrior Games.

The opening ceremony was attended by Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright, and a host of other military leaders. The wounded warrior athletes’ friends and families cheered from the bleachers, and keynote speakers focused on the positive influence of adaptive sports on the recov-ery of seriously wounded, ill and injured service members.

“Over the next six days, you’ll be inspired and you’ll be overwhelmed,” said Charlie Huebner, vice president of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, while addressing the athletes. “It’s not about these six days in Colorado, it’s about the other 359 days each year.”

Representing Team Navy as torchbear-ers were retired Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Shericka Goza and retired Navy Chief Yeoman Sharona Young. They are Team Navy’s first female torchbearers, and, likewise, they are among the largest group

of women ever to compete on behalf of Team Navy at the Warrior Games.

“It was an honor to be a torchbearer, and I’m still surprised that I was chosen,” said Young, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year. “Just looking at what [these wounded warrior athletes have] been through - everyone has their own issues, whether they are mental or physical - and just looking at their strength and what they’ve been able to achieve, it makes me think, ‘O.K. I can do this. I don’t just have to sit here and deteriorate.’”

On the volleyball court, Team Navy opened the Warrior Games strong with a decisive 2-0 victory over the SOCOM team. Later, despite a close second set, Team Navy lost its second match to the

Marine Corps team. Thirty-nine wounded warrior athletes

are competing on behalf of Team Navy this year. The Warrior Games take place Sept. 28-Oct. 4, and approximately 200 service members with upper-body, lower-body, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain inju-ries, visual impairments, serious illnesses and post-traumatic stress will compete in seven sports.

To learn more about NWW, the Warrior Games and adaptive athletics, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil; call 855-NAVY WWP (628-9997) or email navy-woundedwarrior@navy.mil. Follow NWW on Facebook (www.facebook.com/navysafe-harbor) and Twitter (@navysafeharbor) for the latest news from Colorado Springs.

Team Navy Kicks Off 2014 Warrior Games

WEEKLY WARRIORIT2(EXW/SW/AW) Brandon J. Greene, Force Network Administrator for Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces Central (NECFC)/Task Force FIVE SIX (CTF 56), is responsible for supporting more than 1,400 expeditionary Sailors in the execution of missions throughout the C5F area of responsibility. Greene is directly responsible for the configuration and management of two Deployable Command and Control (DJC2) systems and provides ONE-NET administrator support to more than 60 staff personnel. Additionally, as one of the assistant command fitness leaders, he leads

the Fitness Enhancement Program sessions driving his shipmates to better fitness and operational health. For his efforts, he truly deserves the recognition as NSA Bahrain’s Warrior of the Week.

Ms. Flora Mae Clar has been working for Child and Youth Programs (CYP) since 2010. Flora Mae started working as a CYP Educational Aide and in January 2014, she became the first BG Lead at the CYP when the position was created. Flora Mae works whenever the program needs her. She volunteers to help all of the CYPs and she comes in on the weekends to escort contractors, or to work on the environment. She is the first to volunteer to stay late if the program needs someone to stay. Flora Mae has gone through four CNIC/Multidisciplinary inspections and just recently she has helped us go

through our NAEYC accreditation visit at the CDC. Flora Mae is a good mentor to all of our staff. She has helped all of the classrooms and as a Lead she is doing an outstanding job, we are fortunate to have her as a part of our team!

Ismail Yousuf, originally from India, started working for MWR in 2004 at the AV Unit “Touch and Go” Café. Prior to his employment with MWR, he worked in the same area as a contractor for 13 years with TAMIMI Catering Company where he gained most of his food Knowledge. Ismail is an exceptional performer who is intrinsically motivated and sets a high standard for excellence and professionalism when approaching his job. The AV Unit serves more than 1,200 meals daily. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he performs a variety of tasks throughout his shift. He

is always willing to support whenever and wherever he is needed. MWR is proud to have him as part of our team and to honor his efforts as Warrior of the Week!

Photo by EJ Hersom

Marine Cpl. Jorge Salazar passes the Olympic torch to retired Chief Yeoman Sharona Young during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The HPU teams on the water do more than just security escorts for transiting ships. They conduct inspections and stand watch looking for any thing out of the ordinary. Boat teams conduct around three escorts a week and usually stand between 30 and 36 hours on watch.

“For me, driving boats is one of the best things I do here,” said Marero. “But executing missions, such as escorts and inspections, is also very rewarding. I get to experience all these things, which I find really exciting, but at the same time I get the missions done in the most efficient way without mishaps.”

HPU Bahrain is the largest harbor patrol unit in the Navy with several missions and watches happening simultaneously.

“The mission is very unique and complex,” said Master- At-Arms 1st Class Zachary Hudspeath, Delta section leader of HPU. “Our job requires constant training for any scenario. We have a very versatile team of Sailors who are capable of providing the best possible security for U.S. and coalition vessels, which greatly increases our mission effectiveness.”

“The most important component was the incredible team of staff who worked every day over the last two years to make sure that everything was ready,” said Leach. “This included everyone from our care pro-viders in the classrooms, our cook, Mr. B, to our team behind the front desk.”

All the required criteria, which culmi-nate into a NAEYC accreditation, are man-

datory for all Navy CDCs to remain opera-tional. The accreditation is valid for the next five years.

“Our CYP staff worked very hard to get our program ready for NAEYC accredita-tion,” said Robles. “I am very proud that our CDC received such high scores seeing that this was the first accreditation process for most of the staff we have onboard.”

October 1, 2014 The Bahrain Desert Times 5

Bahrain Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain

The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas (CFC-O) announced the winners of the 2014 CFC-O Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) Elementary School Art Contest. Due to the talent and quantity of art-work received, contest judges expanded the designation of winners from one grand prize winner in each grade to a first through third place winner in each division, kindergarten through fifth grade.

Special congratulations to the four local winners from Bahrain Elementary School:

• Kalli Hebert, 1st Place, first-grade division• Logan Sturgeon, 1st Place, second-grade division• Hannah Aly, 2nd Place, second-grade division• Charisma Wardlaw, 3rd Place, fourth-grade division

The complete list of 18 winners along with photos of their artwork can be found on www.cfcoverseas.org.

Overseas DoDDS contestants submitted original artwork to help inspire charitable giving through the CFC-O, tailoring their drawings to illustrate the contest theme: Give Because You Care. Hundreds of submissions were received from over 15 schools. Contestants were judged by a panel of DoD members based in Washington, D.C.

First-place winners in each grade will receive a framed copy of their original artwork and all participants in the contest will receive an Award Certificate signed by Victoria Adams, the Executive Director of the CFC-O and a participation sticker. In addition to being posted on the CFC-O website, winning artwork will be featured in CFC-O promotional materials throughout the 2014 campaign.

About the CFC and CFC-O The Combined Federal Campaign is the only authorized charitable-giving drive for

employees in the Federal workplace. Established by Executive Order in 1961, it continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising model in the world. Over the years, the CFC has become a powerful way to help neighbors in need around the corner, across the nation and throughout the world.

The dedicated uniformed and civilian personnel serving overseas connect with the CFC through the Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas. The CFC-O, administered by Global Impact, is one of the most successful charitable workplace giving campaigns in the world. The five overseas combatant commands pledged more than $10.5 million in 2013 to provide life saving and life-enriching services benefiting millions of people. For more information, visit www.cfcoverseas.org.

“Feed the Hungry” by Kalli Hebert, 1st Place, First Grade Division - Bahrain School

“Wounded Warriors” by Logan Sturgeon, 1st Place, Second Grade Division - Bahrain School

Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas Names Winners of Fourth Annual Art Contest

Bahrain Middle School Sports

BAKE SALE

When: October 16, 23, 29 @ 2:30-3:00 Where: Freedom Souq (Near Gym)

Please come out and show your support for our teams!

If you would like to make a donation of baked goods or drinks

they would be greatly appreciated! Please email cmtyson@hotmail.com if interested.

SUNDAY, 5 OCTOBER-THURSDAY, 9 OCTOBER

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

6 The Bahrain Desert Times October 1, 2014

HR Classified AdsANNOUNCEMENT: NSA-14-143Position: Materials Examiner And Identifier (FLO)Department: DLA Distribution BahrainClosing Date: 05 October 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 14-082RPosition: Supply ClerkDepartment: Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, NSA BahrainClosing Date: 05 October 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.

Sunday, October 5Sunday Sundae!• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, October 6Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

Wednesday, October 8Souq Trip• Time: Van leaves @ 1700; $5.00 transport

Thursday, October 9Camel Farm & City Centre Trip• Time: Van leaves @ 1630; $5.00 transport

Sunday, October 12Sunday Sundae!• Free ice cream while supplies last.

Monday, October 13• Navy Birthday Party• Time: 1830• Columbus Day• Speedpool Monday!• Time: 1130; Free lunch for players! While supplies last.

Tuesday, October 14Navy Birthday Ping Pong Tournament• Time: 1130 & 1830

Wednesday, October 15Navy Birthday Dart Tournament• Time: 1130 & 1830

Thursday, October 16Navy Birthday Video Game Tournament• Time: 1300

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.

ITTAl Dar Island Day Trip Friday, October 3• Time: 0900-1400 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $17.00

Swim With The DolphinsSaturday, October 4• Time: 1000-1300 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $49.00

Horseback Riding Friday, October 10• Time: 0830-1100 • Min 8 people; ITT Price: $26.00

Hawar Island Resort Day Trip Friday, October 10• Time: 0900-1630 • Min 5/Max 11 people; IITT Price: $67 Adult $54 Age 5-12 $27 Under 5

Hawar Island Resort Overnight Stay Saturday, October 11• Single Room: $200.00, Double $227.00

Guided Cultural Tour Of Bahrain Saturday, October 11• Time: 0900-1600 • Min 14 people; ITT Price: $35.00

Lost Paradise Water Park Sunday, October 12• Time: 0930-1730 • Min 10 people; ITT Price: $35.00

Arabic Cooking Demonstration & Dinner Tuesday, October 14• Time: 1700 • Min 5/Max 10 people; ITT Price: $23.00

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

Nightmare on Spine Street

MWR is looking for organizations to decorate booths for the upcoming

Halloween Celebration on October 23rd.

All commands, orgs, & groups welcome. Space is limited. Prizes given to the top two

booth designs.

Sign up at ITT today to reserve your spot!

THURSDAY, 23 OCTOBER1000-1630

REGISTER BY 15 OCTOBER

For additional information please contact Donald Wells at

Donald.Wells@me.navy.mil or 439-4927.

CARDBOARD REGATTA

THE FITNESS POOLREGISTER AT ITT BY WEDNESDAY, 8 OCTOBER

CAPTAIN’S MEETING 9 OCT

1600 THURSDAY, 16 OCTOBER