NSA Bahrain Hosts U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet CPO Training Team
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton, NSA Bahrain Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain— Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain hosted the U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Chief Petty Officer Training Team (FCPOTT) bringing a series of leadership symposiums to U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors, March 24-April 2.
"NSA Bahrain, along with several major tenant commands benefitted immensely from the training provided by the U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet CPO Training Team,” said Command Master Chief Karl Critides, NSA Bahrain’s command master chief. “In addition to training multiple CPO Messes, the team extended training opportunities to first class petty officers and several members of the wardroom. The feedback from all the participants was very positive. We are truly grateful to the team for making the trip out here to the Kingdom of Bahrain."
Command Master Chief Missy Ferguson and Command Master Chief Julio Hernandez, U.S. Fleet Forces FCPOTT, served as the facilitators for the symposiums, combining personal experience with course curriculum aiming to strengthen messes and wardrooms across the installation.
Although many may compare the symposium to Enlisted Leader Development (ELD), a Navy-wide personal and professional development program, the focus of the trainings differs.
“Our training is designed to be a oneday, six to eight-hour, facilitated course to reinvigorate individual CPO and first class messes, and wardrooms,” said Ferguson. “We offer different perspectives on how these groups might work better as a team, and while there are similarities to ELD [Enlisted Leader Development], ELD focuses on the individual and we focus on the group dynamic.”
Hernandez said he hoped participants would leave the training with new perspective.
“There’s another way of doing business,” said Hernandez. “I think that at times, we get tunnel vision because of our communities; because of our rates; we tend to think one way and because we surround ourselves with people who think like us, we tend to have groupthink.”
The FCPOTT provided participants with
the opportunity to complete selfassessments to include the DISC assessment, a personality assessment tool aimed to provide insight on behavioral strengths and weaknesses, honing in on the importance of self-awareness, a key component of effective leadership.
“The training provided me with valuable insight on leading the future of today’s Navy,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Steph Bolding, Naval Security Forces Bahrain. “Being part of an organization that is constantly undergoing change, it’s important that we’re able to adapt, not only to those changes happening in front of us, but to the changes to come. The training also allowed me to network with first classes outside of my command and it allowed me to hear a lot of different perspectives on things we can improve upon going forward, operating as a mess. The
training did a very good job at connecting relevant, real-world scenarios in a way that we all could connect and engage with, and like many others have said, I wish the training was longer.”
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.
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot,
the commanding general of Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, congratulates Sgt. Tori Fox, a legal service clerk with TF 51/5 for her exceptional service during her award ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
Quarter In Review
Rear Adm. Kenneth W. Epps, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps, presents a plaque to Retail Service Specialist 3rd Class David S. Sanchez.
On March 29, 2025,
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class James Pierre-Lys, assigned to Naval Security Force (NSF) Bahrain, loads ammunition during the Navy Handgun Qualification Course at NSA Bahrain.
a first-of-its-kind, multi-layered emergency response exercise.
Royal New Zealand Navy minecountermeasures dive team from Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC) HMNZS Matataua prepare a jump from an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter during cast and recovery drills during International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025.
NEX locations around the globe honored Vietnam War Veterans with a commemorative lapel pin.
Sailors at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain take the Navywide advancement exam.
NSA Bahrain’s CO, XO, and CMC pose for a photo with NFL Cheerleaders Morgan, Joyce, Savannah, & Kayley during their visit to the installation.
NSA Bahrain Installation Training Team members conduct Vigilant Resolve,
Ms. Renee Rhinehart participates in a group activity during the 2025 Mental Health Campaign.
left,
Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Welcomes Sgt. Maj. Adam M. Gharati
Story by Staff Sgt. Anabel Abreu Rodriguez , Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Marines, Sailors and Soldiers of Task Force 51/5th MEB welcomed Sgt. Maj. Adam M. Gharati as the
unit’s newly appointed senior enlisted leader during a relief and appointment ceremony, March 31.
A native of Lubbock, Texas, Gharati enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1998 and attended recruit training before
reporting to Marine Corps Engineer School at Camp Lejeune, where he earned the military occupational specialty of combat engineer. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of leadership roles across the Marine Corps.
“You simply couldn’t ask for a more well-rounded and experienced leader.” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot, commanding general of TF 51/5th MEB. “Thank you, Sgt. Maj. for making the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and families of TF 51/5 your first choice.”
Since his promotion to Sgt. Maj. in April 2017, Gharati has served as a command senior enlisted leader with Recruiting Station Charleston, West Virginia; Recruiting Station Columbus, Ohio; Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and most recently with Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Manpower & Reserve Affairs.
Gharati initially received orders to a different command but veered paths upon receiving news of the opportunity awaiting with TF 51/5th MEB. Gharati has extensive operational experience, having deployed multiple times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
“As a Sgt. Maj., I have a position on the field and my intent is to play that position to the best of my abilities.” said Gharati, the Sgt. Maj. of TF 51/5th MEB. “I look forward to not only working with but also getting to know each and every one of you.”
Gharati’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars.
Task Force 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives
Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT Undertakes Counter-Piracy Patrols At Eastern Fringes of CMF Area of Operations under Combined Task Force 151
Published by Combined Maritime Forces
Manama, Bahrain – The Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT (F254), in direct support of Pakistan Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, recently conducted counter-piracy patrols in an effort to ramp up presence in the eastern patrol areas of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) area of operations.
These patrols aim to deter piracy, armed robbery and other illicit activities to ensure the safety of vital sea lines of communications. CTF 151’s goal is to enhance focus on the eastern side of the AOO, while remaining cognizant of the piracy threat in the Gulf of Aden, the Scotra Gap and off the east coast of Somalia.
The deployment of PNS ASLAT reflects Pakistan Navy’s resolve to combat piracy and armed robbery, and protect global commons and ensure the free flow of maritime trade in the region. The F-22P Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigate, commissioned in 2013, is the second ship to bear the name “ASLAT.” The name “ASLAT” is derived from an Arabic word and is a type of sword used by Arabs during early days of Islam.
CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.
CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Kickin’ it with Shaun – Do you even lift!
By Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist
How? You think to yourself. Watching a man lift half a ton. A superhero?
Nope, that is a strong man. How is he so strong? How long has he been training? How do I get so strong?
As mentioned in the last article, we are going to go over the different types of strength.
In the book, ‘Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength’ by Jim Stoppani PhD., he lists under the heading“DEFINITIONS OF STRENGTH.” “The basic definition of strength is the maximal amount of force a muscle or muscle group can generate in a specified movement pattern at a specified velocity(speed) of movement (Knuttgen and Kraemer 1987). He goes on to list the strength types as Absolute, Maximal, Relative, Speed, Starting, Acceleration and Endurance.
Here is my 10 cents worth: As a Coach and Personal Trainer, we tend
to train multiple strengths at any given time and the real difference in separation is power, endurance and speed.
I have trained powerlifters, Olympic lifters, elderly, post-op patients, fighters, and track and field athletes. Most of the separation in training will come down to just two things: Power and endurance. I myself practiced powerlifting, Olympic lifting, rehabilitation of myself and also being a climber which is of course the relative strength. That is different from bodybuilding which specifically trains to increase muscle
size, not specifically muscle strength.
In our next article we are going to dive into what the track and field team at DoDEA are doing and how they train.
Go Falcons!
Until Next time, 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-onone coaching as well.
Fill in a PT request form requesting
Shaun at the P911 gym reception.
“Tu Certa Salutis Anchora“
NSA BAHRAIN MENTAL HEALTH ROADMAP
There’s no wrong door to start—we’ll get you to the right place!
FRIENDS,
FAMILY, CHAIN OF COMMAND
CHAPLAINS
FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
referral needed - Virtual Counseling (scan QR code) 1-855-205-6749
EMBEDDED MENTAL HEALTH
- Providers/teams stationed at select units - Make military duty determinations - Keep you “fit to fight” and medically ready - Evaluate and treat mental disorders with therapy and medications
- May communicate with CO/medical providers - Health record documentation
EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Contact your unit’s CDO, Medical Department Representative, or a trusted shipmate
- Base Dispatch: 439-4911
- Emergency Services Off-Base: 999
- Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Go to the nearest emergency room
COMMAND MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
- IDC, “Doc,” Medical Department Representative - May communicate with CO/medical providers - Medication management for most concerns - Places referrals for more serious conditions - Health record documentation
NAVAL BRANCH HEALTH CLINIC
Primary Care (Medical Home Port) via Tricare Online or Appointment Line 439-6110 / 1785-6110 Specialty Care (Behavioral Health) 439-4169 / 1785-4169
Readiness Clinic: 0730-0930 Sun-Thu; No appointment necessary
Within one business day: evaluation/referral to right place on roadmap
- Medical psychotherapy and medication management, Group treatment, SARP, Comprehensive care
- Health record documentation, - Consults among providers
- CO may request information
Fire Alarms in
Apartment Buildings
Large apartment buildings are built to keep people safe from fire. Fire alarm systems detect smoke and fire. They will warn residents of danger.
KKK The fire alarm system has many parts that work together. Some of the parts are out of sight. In a fire, smoke detectors sense smoke and activate the fire alarm. Manual fire alarm boxes allow people to sound the alarm. When the fire alarm system activates it will warn residents of danger.
KKK Everyone in the building should know where to find the manual fire alarm boxes (alarm boxes on the wall with a pull bar). Most are found within five feet of an exit door.
KKK If there is a fire, pull the manual fire alarm box handle on your way out of the building.
KKK When the system senses smoke or fire, a loud horn or tone will sound. Everyone must know what this sound means and how to react.
KKK Leave the building right away if you hear the sound of a fire alarm. Stay outside at your meeting place until you are told the building is safe.
KKK Treat every fire alarm as an emergency. When the alarms sounds, get outside.
KKK Only use a manual fire alarm box if there is smoke or fire. Frequent false alarms are a problem. People might ignore the sound if they hear too many false alarms. False alarms also put firefighters at risk.
Escape 101
Know the locations of all exit stairs from your floor. If the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke, you may have to use another exit. If the fire alarm sounds feel the door before opening. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, use this exit to leave.
Close all doors behind you as you leave. Take the key to your apartment in case you are not able to get out of the building. If fire or smoke is blocking all exits, return or stay in your apartment. Keep the door closed. Cover cracks around the door with towels or tape. Call 9-1-1 and let the fire department know you are trapped. Signal from the window by waving a flashlight or light-colored cloth.
Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features and plans in your building.
NSA Bahrain Fire Department
DSN: 439-7012
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
