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NSA Bahrain, NAVCENT hold first-of-its-kind exercise Vigilant Resolve

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – In collaboration with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain conducted Vigilant Resolve, a multi-layered emergency response exercise, March 11-12.

The two-day exercise simulated an emergency situation resulting in a shelterin-place order, mass casualty, and noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) aboard the installation.

Vigilant Resolve was the first evolution was the first-of-its-kind, demanding a high level of planning, support and personnel from multiple installation commands including NSA Bahrain, NAVCENT, Naval Security Forces (NSF) Bahrain, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bahrain, and host nation emergency response personnel.

“This was our first time doing a drill of this magnitude, and would not have been possible without the energy and buy-in from all stakeholders,” said Lt. Amber Fulmer, installation training officer. “Many installation-wide drills will focus on one functional area on one day, but Vigilant Resolve focused on multiple areas over multiple days. We look forward to refining what we learned through this first iteration and ensuring our NSA Bahrain team members are trained for possible contingencies.”

During the exercise, NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department worked alongside local fire, medical and law enforcement first responders to evacuate personnel in a simulated mass casualty scenario, showcasing the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and its Bahrain partners.

Hospital corpsmen from U.S. NMRTU Bahrain arrived on-scene, assessing personnel injuries and transporting them to designated triage areas. Injuries in the mass casualty ranged from mild scrapes, to lethal head injuries. The exercise was set to evaluate the first responders on their ability to assess the severity of injuries and make reports in a timely manner, communicating and directing assistance where needed.

Day two of the exercise included the setup and mock execution of a NEO, in which role players went through the administrative

process that would be required in the event of such an operation. As anticipated, the lessons learned from both days provided insights on how NSA Bahrain and its 147 tenant commands can improve their emergency processes and enhance the safety and security of their personnel.

"Exercise Vigilant Resolve was an invaluable opportunity to enhance our emergency response capabilities,” said Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding

officer, NSA Bahrain. "This multi-day evolution tested our ability to respond to complex, real-world scenarios, reinforcing our commitment to mission readiness. I'm grateful for the professionalism and dedication of every participant, and I appreciate the collaboration across all commands on board. NSA Bahrain sets a high bar for operational preparedness, and we will continue refining and strengthening our response efforts through future training."

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage and commitment.

Q&A: Meet the Navy’s Military Fire Officer of the Year –ABH1 Brooke Fox

By Kristine Cruz, NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 1st Class Brooke Fox, assigned to Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s Fire and Emergency Services Department, was recognized as U.S. Navy Military Fire Officer of the Year by Commander, Navy Installations Command, March 4.

Fox shared how her experiences in and out of uniform led her to this achievement, and what the award means to her: What inspired you to pursue a career in the navy? Specifically firefighting at the moment?

Fox: “I’ve been inspired to become a firefighter because of the opportunity to face challenges head-on and make a real difference in people’s lives. The profession demands courage, quick thinking, and teamwork, especially in moments of crisis, and that’s something I truly admire. What drives me is the desire to help others when they’re at their most vulnerable, knowing that my actions can save lives and bring hope. While the job comes with immense challenges—working under pressure, long hours, and constantly pushing my limits— it’s all worth it because I know I’m fulfilling a greater purpose. Becoming a firefighter means I get to make an impact and serve my community, and that’s what motivates me every day.”

What are the key skills or training that you believe are essential for your success?

Fox: “What I believe is essential is not necessarily a skill, but a perspective—and it’s one shared in every firehouse: brotherhood. Bahrain has given me this perspective, and it’s something I’ll carry into every relationship for the rest of my life. When you know that your brother or sister is depending on you to be competent, qualified, and capable of pulling your weight—and theirs—literally, it changes the way you show up. Knowing they rely on you to save their life if needed is a powerful motivator. Brotherhood means we work together, eat together, suffer together, and laugh together. There's no better training than learning the true meaning of family.” Where are you from and how has that molded your character?

Fox: “I’m from western North Carolina, a small town called Morganton. It shaped me

in many ways, but most importantly, it taught me humility. I learned to have compassion for those struggling with addiction and respect for my teachers and elders. In North Carolina, life is simple. You appreciate the peacefulness of the birds chirping and the calmness of the lake’s waters. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how fast life moves, we must make time for peace. As an AB, I am proud, confident, and stern, but as a North Carolinian, I am humble, down-to-earth, and hospitable.”

How do you balance the demands of firefighting with your Navy obligations?

Fox: “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned during my time in Bahrain is the

importance of balance. I’ve found that by prioritizing what matters most, delegating what I can, and letting go of what’s beyond my control, I’m able to manage the demands of life more effectively. You can’t solve everyone’s problems, but you are responsible for solving your own. Above all, I make sure to take care of myself—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. There’s no shame in seeking support, whether it’s from the chaplain, a doctor, or a mentor. We must be strong and healthy in all aspects of our lives so that we can show up fully for our Sailors, our communities, and ourselves. When we are at our best, we can be the leaders and support others need.”

Kickin’ it with Shaun – Chase the pain.

By Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist

Headphones on, Foo Fighters, ‘The Pretender’ playing loud!

Motivated, dedicated, and pumped up. You are a beast, chasing that burn, getting that pump and “chasing the pain” because you live by the motto, ”No pain, no gain.”

In the fitness industry, we are taught to use the RPE (1-10 = Rate of Perceived Exertion) scale to measure effort. My own experience with this scale as a Coach and Trainer of more than 10 years is this: It does not work. I have seen people give up and say that the RPE is a 10/10 only to then tell them to do more reps and prove otherwise. I have also had the other side where clients say that it's too easy and then get injured because they over exert themselves.

The reality I have found is this. Find a

baseline, then give yourself time to get used to that training and then increase the baseline demand bit by bit. I have covered examples of this in previous articles.

How is RPE meant to work?

As a universal measure of effort across the board it is a good starting point and is better than nothing. Here is how it is meant to work.

Let's take everyone's favorite exercise; the bench press. Now let’s assume you can do 100lbs for 10 reps. At 10 you just get the bar up with no possibility to get another rep to make the count 11. So, I would say, as your trainer, “Hey, so you hit 7 reps, what is your RPE?” And you would say, “It’s a 7/10.”

In the next article we will talk about several different types of strength. I am sure a few of the readers will recognize some of the strengths in themselves.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Fox: “Personally, this award means that I’ve had the privilege of making my granny proud once more, even in her passing. Professionally, it signifies that the values and principles I strive to instill in my Sailors not only get the job done, but also set the standard—and that is priceless. To know that I have the opportunity to lead by example and set the tone is truly humbling. I couldn’t have achieved this without the unwavering support of my leadership and command, I am deeply honored by this selection.”

Stay Strong, Be Kind and know that you are appreciated.

Do you need to decompress after a long day, maintain or increase fitness with a team to help keep you motivated and accountable? If so, my classes are a sure way to get you on track.

• Sun. @ 1600 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)

• Mon. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)

• Tues. @ 1600 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)

• Wed. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)

And if group sessions aren’t really your thing, I am available for one-on-one coaching as well.

Fill in a PT request form requesting Shaun at the P911 gym reception. “Tu Certa Salutis Anchora“

Official: Roughly 21,000 DOD Civilians Volunteered for Deferred Resignation

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

A senior defense official told the media that approximately 21,000 Defense Department civilian employees volunteered to participate in the Deferred Resignation Program.

The DRP, implemented by the Office of Personnel Management Jan. 28, 2025, offered most full-time federal employees — including most of the nearly 900,000 DOD civilians — the opportunity to resign with full pay and benefits until Sept. 30, 2025.

As part of DOD's effort to align its civilian workforce with national security priorities, the department has been actively processing DRP applications while working to achieve a strategic reduction in manpower of 5-8%, or approximately 50,000-60,000 employees.

"When DRP was offered broadly to the workforce, there was very good participation [with volunteer] civilian employees raising their hands and saying they would like to be considered to go on [administrative] leave and be paid throughout that time," the senior defense official said, adding that DOD has approved a majority of the applications.

The senior defense official said that DOD's human resources team properly vetted each employee and the role that they performed.

"We worked with the services and [other DOD] components to ensure that any of the employees who

volunteered to participate [in DPR] … could be approved without negatively impacting the department's lethality and readiness," the official said.

The official also addressed concerns within DOD that a 5-8% reduction in the workforce would push uniformed service members into more civilian-type roles.

"We are confident that we can absorb [DRP] removals without detriment to our ability to continue the mission, and that's [why] we can be confident that we don't need to worry about any resulting impact on the uniformed force," the official said.

The DPR is one initiative in a three-part strategy the Pentagon is undertaking while realigning its civilian workforce. The other two measures are a hiring freeze and the removal of certain probationary employees.

Ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Feb. 28, 2025, DOD's hiring freeze acts as a "passive attrition measure," the official said.

By freezing the approximately 6,000 employees the Defense Department had been hiring monthly in the past, the senior official explained that the total number of DOD civilians would gradually thin over time.

"There's always some friction in any employee pool, [and] it's no different at the [DOD]," the official said. "Employees are moving on to other things [and] employees are retiring; and as long as we maintain the hiring freeze,

we're gaining thousands towards the workforce reduction target each month just by instituting it," the official added.

The third initiative in workforce realignment is the planned removal of roughly 5,400 probationary workforce employees, which DOD announced Feb. 21, 2025.

Though limited in what could be discussed because of pending litigation, the senior defense official pointed out that choosing the first wave of employees to be released was not done arbitrarily.

"The first removal … [was] directly focused on employees that were documented as significantly underperforming in their job functions and/or had misconduct on their records. So, our guidance was for those to be the first probationary employees removed," the official said, adding that DOD didn't undertake probationary removals "blindly based on the time they had been hired."

When asked whether a reduction in force will be implemented following the hiring freeze, the senior official said the department is currently focused on the three aforementioned initiatives and that it wouldn't be appropriate to get ahead of the next steps Hegseth chooses to take.

"It'll be the secretary's prerogative to designate how and when he might use any of the other tools that would be available to him to achieve the stated reduction targets," the official said.

U.S. Punches Back at Iran-Backed Houthi Terrorists in Yemen

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

In the Red Sea, Iran-backed Houthi terrorists have been for years attacking U.S. ships and other nations, disrupting legal commerce for all seafaring nations.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said today during his first public briefing at the Pentagon that the U.S. Central Command, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, launched a series of attacks at key terrorist Houthi targets in Yemen, March 15, 2025.

"Over the weekend, U.S. Central Command forces initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and re-establish American deterrence," Parnell said.

The Houthis, he said, have been targeting U.S. military ships and aircraft as well as commercial ships and the ships of other nations.

"They threaten our personnel overseas," he said. "Houthi terrorists have launched missiles and one-way attack drones at U.S. warships over 170 times and at commercial vessels 145 times since 2003."

The U.S., Parnell said, will continue to use "overwhelming, lethal force" against the terrorist Houthi targets until the U.S. achieves its goals.

"There is a very clear end-state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Houthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk," he said.

Right now, he added, it's not apparent the Houthis are interested in stopping attacks against U.S. targets.

"Firing at U.S. military personnel in the region and shooting at our ships and ... drones and putting American lives at risk is not a good way to end this conflict," Parnell said. "The Houthis could stop this tomorrow if they [agree] to stop shooting at [our] people. But they've clearly chosen not to do that. And so, this campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland."

Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, director for operations for the Joint Staff, said that, under the president's direction, U.S. Central Command began precision strike operations against the Houthis to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence.

"The initial wave of strikes hit over 30 targets at multiple locations, degrading a variety of Houthi capabilities," he said.

Included among those targets were terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle infrastructure, weapons manufacturing capabilities and weapons storage facilities.

"It also included a number of command-and-control centers, including a terrorist compound where we know several senior Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle experts were located," Grynkewich said.

He added that operations struck additional headquarters locations, March 16, 2025, as well as weapons storage facilities, and Houthi detection capabilities that were previously used to threaten maritime shipping.

"The operation continues and will continue in the

coming days until we achieve the president's objectives," Grynkewich added.

In Yemen, he said, Houthi military casualties might be calculated in dozens, but those are initial estimates. Currently, there is no indication of civilian casualties from the U.S. attacks.

The Houthis claim to have fired on the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier based out of Norfolk, Virginia, but Grynkewich said that is hard to confirm.

"Quite frankly, it's hard to tell because while we're executing precision strikes, they missed by over 100 miles," he said. "I would question anything that they claim to the press that they're doing or not doing. It's very hard to tell ... just based on the level of incompetence they've demonstrated."

ADFD 2025

capt ZACHARIAH APERAUCH - ADFD CHAIR

MA1 Gregory Cutting - Coordinator NC1 Akeijah Allwein - Lead Treasurer

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE 2025 ACTIVE DUTY FUND DRIVE TEAM AS THEY STRIVE FOR 100% MEANINGFUL CONTACT Contact your Command Key person or nmcrs bahraIN for more details about the 2025 Active Duty fund drive aSSISTANT TREASURERS: ma2 rAZO | ma2 hENDERSON | cs2 sOBREO | ps2 oBANA | masn lASKY | ynsn bRAVO

RESISTING THE URGE

BAHRAIN MENTAL HEALTH ROADMAP

FLEET

Let’s be honest…we all have urges towards things we shouldn’t do, say, eat etc. Of course, many of us also have urges to do, say, or eat things we should, right? Bottom line, urges are part of life, and they are an important ingredient of what it means to be human. We all experience urges. The key component with urges is to recognize when they happen and maintain control over the urge, so the urge doesn’t control you!

This month many of our local neighbors, as well as many our fellow Service Members are practicing urge management as part of their religious affiliation. Muslims are half-way through the Ramadan season, which is characterized by fasting from various physical urges during daylight hours. Many liturgical Christians recently began the Lenten season, characterized by a 40-day period used for resisting urges through fasting, prayer, self-reflection and repentance. In fact, developing self-discipline— resisting the urge—is central to most world faiths and healthy life paths.

I want to invite each of us to consider, what are the urges that currently have sway in our lives? Are we aware of their influence and how they shape our lived experience. Perhaps you (like me) have an urge towards something that seems to just blind-side you at times; an urge that seems to just sneak up on you and take the steering wheel, leaving you a helpless passenger along for the ride? What if we don’t have to just give in to our urges? What if we can develop the discipline to RESIST THE URGE? Here are a few suggestions, using the acronym URGE:

U – UNDERSTAND. Seek to understand the urges in your own unique environment. What are they and when do they happen? Try mapping out the moments when the urges are strongest and take note of patterns. Accept the reality that urges happen at times and during moments we least expect.

R – RESPONSIBILITY. Take responsibility for how you respond to the urge. Remind yourself that you have a CHOICE in the matter. The urge doesn’t have to control you!

G – GOODNESS. While not all of us are Muslim or Christian and engaged in some form of spiritual discipline this month, each of us can take time to re-focus on what is morally good and right. Take time to remind yourself what you stand for; remind yourself of what is good and what constitutes your north star.

E – ENGAGE. Finally, build a pattern of urge resistance by engaging regularly with GOODNESS. Build in time to study goodness, incorporate and eventually embody goodness. Engage with good things and thereby develop the inner strength to resist the urge!

In conclusion, I URGE each of us to consider ways to RESIST THE URGE! Take a lesson from our religious partners and find ways to understand, take responsibility, align with goodness and engage in healthy practices that build resisting power. As always, your friendly neighborhood chaplains and RPs stand ready to assist you in this cause. Have a great week!

New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema

Heart Eyes (R) – 1h 37m

For the past several years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has wreaked havoc on Valentine's Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine's Day, no couple is safe. Cast | Mason Gooding, Olivia Holt, Gigi Zumbado

Captain America: Brave New World (PG-13) – 1h 58m

Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan. Cast | Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez

Paddington

One of Them Days (R) – 1h 59m

When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa's boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact. Cast | Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams

in Peru (PG) – 1h 46m

Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Cast | Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Imelda Staunton, Oliver Maltman

SHIITAKE, THE KING OF MUSHROOMS

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