Bahrain Desert Times (514) - February 2024

Cooper Hands Over Command of U.S. 5th Fleet to Wikoff

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain -- Vice Adm. Brad Cooper turned over command of Middle East naval forces to Vice Adm. George Wikoff during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 1.

The time-honored ceremony marked Wikoff’s assumption of command of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

Cooper, who assumed command in May 2021, led more than 16,000 Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and civilians. As CMF commander, he oversaw a 41-nation maritime partnership in one of the world’s most diverse and challenging area of operations.

Army Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), presided over the ceremony. During his remarks, he highlighted Cooper’s accomplishments while in command, noting the importance of people at the heart of his success in ensuring maritime security.

“His investment in our people, our partners, and to developing innovative approaches has truly made a difference in 5th Fleet and across the Central Region,” Kurilla said, noting Cooper’s leadership advanced U.S. and coalition naval forces through numerous complex joint and combined maritime operational events, resulting in enhanced security and stability in the maritime environment.

Recently, Cooper led efforts to counter Houthi malign activities in the Red Sea through Operation Prosperity Guardian, bringing more than 20 nations together to provide a persistent presence in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Further, he led U.S. Navy efforts to diminish Houthi drone and missile capabilities through the execution of more than 100 strikes inside Houthi-controlled portions of Yemen in conjunction with Operation Poseidon Archer.

He also established the first naval unmanned and artificial intelligence task force, Task Force 59. During his tour, TF 59 went from experimentation to operations, including the first use of weapons aboard an unmanned platform.

Cooper spearheaded Operation Unified Takedown, resulting in the largest seizure of illegal weapons and drugs, smuggled out of Iran, in the history of Middle East naval operations.

With an eye toward expanding maritime security, Cooper also forged new partnerships with Caspian Sea nations and other central European countries.

As CMF commander, Cooper expanded the coalition to its greatest point in 22 years, 41 nations, and also established two new task forces: Combined Task Force (CTF) 153, focused on the Red Sea region; and CTF-154, leading multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East. CMF task forces provided maritime security, conducted counter piracy and counter terrorism operations, and combated illegal drug smuggling, confiscating over $1.4 billion in narcotics during his tour. As the commander of IMSC, he grew its membership from eight to 12 nations.

Cooper said none of it could have been accomplished without the exceptional

performance of the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet.

“Every success starts and ends with people, and that has certainly been the case here in the Middle East these past few years” Cooper said. “The extraordinary Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have deployed to this region have been, and continue to be, at the top of their game. I could not be prouder of their achievements and consider it a privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside them during this tour.”

Cooper reports next to Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, as the CENTCOM Deputy Commander.

Wikoff assumes command following his most recent tour as Acting Commander, Naval Air Forces/Acting Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. A naval aviator, Wikoff served operationally in Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 onboard USS America (CV 66) and VF 154 forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). He commanded Strike Fighter Squadron

(VFA) 211, deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), VFA 122, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, deployed onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

“I am particularly excited to lead our like-minded partners in the Combined Maritime Forces with whom the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder in the defense of Freedom of Navigation and Rules-Based International Order,” Wikoff said.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command is the maritime component commander of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. It encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of more than 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb.

2

By Ameera Al-Kooheji, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs

MANAMA,

Bahrain

-- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain celebrated the ten-year anniversary for our bridge that connects the main portion of the base (NSA I) with the waterfront and port facility (NSA II), Jan. 31.

A tied-arch bridge, known as the flyover bridge, was moved into place over the Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway in 2014, connecting NSA I and NSA II using engineering and construction methods never before attempted at the time.

The move was the first of its kind in the Middle East – driven across one the busiest causeways in the Kingdom of Bahrain on self-propelled modular trailers, and set in place on pre-constructed abutments. The bridge was moved approximately 270 yards across the causeway, which is equivalent to the size and traffic use of the Washington, D.C. Beltway.

It’s a once in a lifetime feat and the pinnacle of an engineer’s career to be even a small part of this project,” said Roger Thomas, chief of business operations division and a member of the Middle East District engineers and contracted personnel who worked on the project backing 2014.

The 122.5-meter-long, 21.4-meter-high, 2,650-metric ton bridge was constructed on NSA II and moved into place in order to avoid a prolonged road closure. The move took place

Bridge on NSA Bahrain Spans a Decade

overnight and traffic was rerouted during that time. The Ministry of Transportation in Bahrain gave engineers a seven-hour window to complete the move with a slight extension. The move was completed around 8:45 a.m. and the road reopened to traffic

around 9 a.m.

Since its construction, the flyover bridge has made it possible for vehicles, pedestrians, and electric carts to quickly travel between facilities, reducing transit time and enabling faster emergency response. Capt.

Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain, commended the decision to build the bridge and the efforts of all personnel who were involved with the project.

“The flyover bridge was a bold decision and a massive undertaking

– and we continue to reap benefits in 2024,” said Aperauch. “The bridge is critical to all operations and overall mission here on NSA Bahrain, and I would wager that future commanding officers will echo my sentiment for years to come.”

Colombia Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 41st Member

By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain -- Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Colombia as the 41st member of the world's largest maritime security partnership, Jan 21.

"It is a privilege to have Colombia as an official part of CMF," said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CMF commander. "We welcome the Colombians in the largest international naval coalition, dedicated to maritime security and stability in the Middle East, and protecting some of the world's most important waterways.

I look forward to sharing our experiences and being 'Ready Together' with our new partners."

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith/Released)

Black History Month: Its Origins, My Experience, and its Message for all of us

By

Capt. Leroy Young, NAVCENT 5th Fleet Chaplain MANAMA, Bahrain -- Black History Month is a yearly commemoration of the accomplishments made by Black Americans and a dedicated period to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black individuals in the History of the United States. Black History Month, also previously referred to as Negro History Week, originated from the concept proposed by historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, each successive U.S. president has officially declared the month of February as Black History Month. Both Canada and the United Kingdom dedicate a month to commemorating Black History.

The “celebration” is commonly portrayed as a period to applaud and respect the achievements of notable Black individuals such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as contemporary luminaries like Barack and Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, among others. Black History Month, within its context, should compel us to acknowledge the contributions of Black movers and shakers of both past and present while unifying our efforts toward a better community, nation, and Armed Forces.

My experience as an African-American male is not unique to some. During my childhood in the housing projects of Louisville, Kentucky, I witnessed a prevalence of fractured families, drug-addicted parents, and individuals consumed by hopelessness clinging to dilapidated aspirations. However, I gained insight and wisdom through learning Black History and realized that my ancestors had it worse. I discovered why and how Blacks were deprived of privileges such as the ability to exercise their right to vote, to receive proper education, and the liberty to walk in stores regardless of the neighborhood. Through it all, they have endured by pressing forward to secure rights for themselves and others. They learned to push past their pain and prevail through adversity.

My ancestral roots, from South Carolina to the vibrant bluegrass of Kentucky, have persevered and overcome

countless challenges, paving the way for my prosperous future. To pay tribute to them, I embarked on acquiring higher education and other opportunities that laws and societal norms prevented them from pursuing at the time. I further respected their sacrifice by joining our esteemed U.S. Navy and becoming part of a diverse community. This has greatly enhanced my life with a sense of thankfulness and admiration.

I sum up the main lesson we can all learn from Black History Month with a parable, and I pray you find yourself in the story in one of the characters. There once was a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule “braying” - orwhatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule but decided that neither the mule nor the

well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But a thought struck him as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling the dirt on his back. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel a load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!” he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought “panic” and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

You probably already see the outcome! It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of the well!

While contemplating Black History Month, it is essential to acknowledge that it was a challenging journey for many individuals, given the adversity they encountered. In short, know there will be conflict in every righteous cause or achievement you pursue, and your antagonists (haters, negative thoughts, etc.) will continue suppressing you (dirt). I urge you to emulate the behavior of the old mule by resiliently overcoming obstacles and say: “shake it off and step up.” Occasionally, individuals or circumstances we view would bury us may actually bless us. It is contingent on how we approach and manage our challenges (matter of perspectives).

The United States has achieved significant advancements since the Civil War. Still, we must persist in creating an all-encompassing and secure society where everyone from diverse backgrounds and afford equal access to opportunities to all. May this month promote the exploration of America’s authentic past and inspire us to work towards a more improved future. In February, let us explore historical events and anticipate a future characterized by equal opportunities and fairness for everyone.

439-4520

www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval

Capt.

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer

Cmdr. Jimmy Harmon

Host Nation

Mass

Gerald Kincaid is a reservist onboard NSA Bahrain to provide coverage with the religious ministry team. Chaplain Kincaid is a priest of the Orthodox Church in America (Eastern Orthodox Christian faith). In addition to being a full-time pastor of a church, Chaplain Kincaid is a Licensed Social Worker. Chaplain Kincaid has been married for 18 years and has three teenage children. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve in 2013 and has served in Marine Corps, BUMED, and EURAFCENT units.

The Orthodox Church traces its roots to the day of Pentecost in 33 A.D., when the Holy Spirt rested on the heads of the apostles in the form of fiery tongues. Very often the Orthodox Church is considered “Eastern Christianity” after separating from the Church of Rome in 1054 A.D. The Orthodox Church holds Trinitarian beliefs in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In its confessional creed, the Orthodox Church believes the Father to be the source of all things, together with His eternally begotten Word (Son), and His Holy Spirit, Who eternally processes from the Father alone. Further, the eternally begotten Word took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. These dogmatic and doctrinal confessions form a church with a full life of worship, prayer, fasting, scripture study, and almsgiving.

The Orthodox Church follows a daily cycle of prayer beginning at sunset with vespers (evening service). The cycle continues with matins (morning service) in the morning, with prayer completed throughout the day. On Sundays and feast days, a Divine Liturgy is celebrated by a priest within a local community. The Divine Liturgy is the Eucharistic service where bread and wine are offered as gifts, consecrated by God to be given back to the faithful as Jesus Christ’s resurrected body and blood (Holy Communion). In addition to a full schedule of daily prayer and feast days, the Orthodox Church celebrates several sacraments (a physical manifestation of God’s invisible presence). These sacraments include marriage, ordination, holy unction (anointing of the sick), repentance (turning away from sin), baptism, chrismation (receiving of the Holy Spirit), and Holy Communion. These sacraments are offered to the faithful as a support of their life in Christ and manifestations of God’s love.

For those desiring formal entrance into the Orthodox Church, the process begins with a period of instruction. This instruction allows the individual to learn about the faith through prayer, worship, readings, and scripture study. Following this time of instruction, the person, if not already baptized in the name of the holy trinity, is immersed three times in the waters of baptism. The waters of baptism are a spiritual clay which reforms the person and initiates them into the life in Christ. Immediately following baptism, the person is chrismated by the priest to receive the Holy Spirit. This process is the person’s mystical participation in Pentecost. Lastly, the new member receives Holy Communion. The new member is nurtured within the sacramental life of the church, which, as St. John Chrysostom states, is “the hospital for sinners”, and Christ’s mystical body.

Chaplain Kincaid is on board NSA Bahrain until February 10. Questions about the Orthodox Church are welcome either in person or via email: gerald.b.kincaid3.mil@ us.navy.mil. Information is available at oca.org under “The Orthodox Faith” link. The NSA Bahrain chapel staff also stands ready to assist in person or at extension 4303.

Migration (PG) – 1h 23m

A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime.

| Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

MOVIE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

REGULAR TICKETS: ADULTS : $4.50 CHILDREN (6-12) : $3.00

3D TICKETS: ADULTS : $5.00 CHILDREN (6-12) : $4.00

Children 5 and under : FREE Admission

The Boys in the Boat (PG-13) – 2h 4m

A 1930s-set story centered on the University of Washington's rowing team, from their Depression-era beginnings to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

| Cast: Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness

Silent Night (R) – 1h 44m

On Christmas Eve, a man witnesses the death of his young son when the boy gets caught in crossfire between warring gangs. Recovering from a wound that cost him his voice, he soon embarks on a bloody and grueling quest to punish those responsible.

| Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Kid Cudi, Harold Torres

Mean Girls (PG-13) – 1h 52m

New student Cady Heron gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the Plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina's ex-boyfriend, she soon finds herself caught in their crosshairs.

| Cast: Reneé Rapp, Avantika Vandanapu, Angourie Rice, Christopher Briney

Ric's Country Kitchen began in the kitchen and restaurant of Rick Abernathy's Mother Zula, in his small home town of Holdeville, Oklahoma Rick came from hardy folks who not only cooked food to survive but cooked food to be loved and enjoyed by everyone!

Rick has made his home in The Middle East now for the last 35 years He decided in 1997 to take all his years of experience and recipes amassed from moms and dads everywhere and opened Ric s Country Kitchen in Doha Qatar on the 16th of August 1997

Soon after

2001