Task Force 57 Holds Change of Command Ceremony
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force (TF) 57 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, April 14.
Capt. Tim Campbell relieved Capt. Dennis Jensen, who assumed command of TF 57 in August 2023. Task Force 57 provides maritime patrol and reconnaissance support across the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Jensen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 and went on to fly the P-3C Orion, following his father’s footsteps who flew the P-3 during the Cold War. Fittingly, Jensen facilitated the final operations of the EP-3E Aries here and executed the redeployment and sundown of the system following the aircraft’s 55 years of service.
Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, thanked Jensen, “for being the leader we needed during these challenging times.”
Wikoff noted how Jensen oversaw nearly 1,400 sorties – encompassing approximately 11,000 mishap-free flight hours – in support of seven different operations, including Inherent Resolve and Prosperity Guardian and, multiple exercises. He also choreographed the final operational mission of the EP-3 Aries, and introduced the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS), and the MQ-4C Triton unscrewed aerial system to the region.
deflect those compliments to the hard work of your team. There was not a time that you did not absorb my sometimes demanding criticisms as your personal fault. You personify what it is we expect in our finest leaders.”
“You achieved these results while leading with compassion,” Wikoff said. “There was not a time when I spoke about your accomplishments, when you did not
“It's been the honor of a lifetime to lead Task Force 57,” Jensen said in his remarks. The task force, he said, “introduced peak capabilities not intended for our theater, two years ahead of schedule. You developed new concepts of employment and where needed, you built relationships …to attack problems that we could not accomplish on our
own. You developed new [tactics] for the EP-3, even though it was being retired. You kept that single aircraft flying at the highest rated rates in years due to your tenacity in getting parts that we needed. This is the ‘cando’ task force. You’re wired to find a way to succeed, and have commonly done so with what I like to call ‘the artful use of existing stuff.’ I’m sincerely excited for what is to come [under Campbell’s command].”
Jensen reports next to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
Campbell assumes command of the task force after serving as the executive secretary to the Secretary of the Navy. A 2004 Naval Academy graduate, he commanded Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. He said assuming command of this task force is a high honor.
“It takes a special sacrifice to endure the challenges and support continuous operations,” Campbell said to his Sailors. “I appreciate the sacrifices made by forward-deployed personnel and their families in support of national security. The Desert Sharks are cohesive and tightknit. You guys are special. We have the finest officers, chiefs and Sailors the Navy has to offer. I’m here for you so that we can bring our best to the mission. Thank you for welcoming me to the Desert Shark family.”
The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.
Courtesy Story
Egyptian Navy Assumes Command of CMF’s Red Sea Task Force
Corps To Deploy Counter-Drone Systems Across Units In 2025
Egyptian Navy Assumes Command of CMF’s Red Sea Task Force
MANAMA Bahrain – The Egyptian Navy assumed command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 from the Royal Australian Navy at
a ceremony held aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, April 9.
Royal Australian Navy Capt. Jorge McKee handed over command to Egyptian Navy Cmde. Mohamed Rasmy at a ceremony
presided over by U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces.
The task force is responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Under McKee’s leadership the task force, comprised of 44 officers from 13 nations, collaborated closely with other CMF task forces, the Joint Maritime Information Center, and the U.S. Navy’s Task Forces 55 and 59 to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea and Western Gulf of Aden.
McKee, who took command of CTF 153 in October, acknowledged Wikoff for his leadership of CMF and thanked all CMF task forces, as well as the crews of the aircraft and ships that patrolled for CTF 153.
“In CTF 153, our role has been to shine a light on the unseen - to find those who hide in the shadows and who exploit that darkness for just one reason - because they profit from it,” McKee said during his remarks. “We have recently witnessed the
– Go Falcons
By Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist
My alarm wakes me up at 04:15 with the sound of crickets.
I get ready and drive the 20 minutes to DoDEA [Department of Defense Education Activity] where I am a volunteer Track and Field Coach for the Falcons.
It's still dark when I get there and go up to the gate to show my pass to the sentry on duty, greeting them with an excited “Morning,” before being allowed to enter.
Still dark as I walk down the path to the track, the floodlights illuminate the field in a glow of dedication and hope. Hope that those who qualify will travel.
It's my job to make sure athletes achieve this, along with the other volunteer coaches.
I primarily help the discus and shotput but I have experience in all the track and field events as a middle school victor ludorum back in the day, winning the award for setting new records in almost all track and field events.
I am so incredibly proud of my Throwing Team. They inspire each other, uplift one another and are truly a positive bunch of empowered young people.
Oftentimes I will tell them to do the shouty thing at the end of practice - a chant that I taught them in my first season of coaching last year.
“Never what?” ‘STOP.’
“Never what?” ‘GIVE UP.’
“Never what?” ‘QUIT.’
“Falcons on me, Falcons on three. One,Two,Three, Go Falcons!” (This last bit the star
discus thrower, Matthew, added in, which I love)
Helping to teach, motivate, and empower the youth at DoDEA has been nothing short of a
consequences of long shadows over the sea. From spikes in shipping costs inflating the price of our daily needs, to the narcotics smuggled across the ocean and into our cities. Uncertainty and insecurity at sea here, reaches right into homes across the world.”
Wikoff lauded McKee for his six month in command of the task force, observing that McKee, “took command of a task force that was already operating at a high level... and today you’re turning over even stronger one. You provided reassurance and presence to mariners at sea, and you facilitated strong partnerships with industry, working so closely and building those relationships.”
In his remarks, Rasmy provided a glimpse into the future of maritime security under his leadership of the task force.
“The importance of the sea is the same for all nations, regardless of the size of Navy they possess,” he said. “The new multi-dimensional features of maritime security requires a new comprehensive and cooperative approach. The culture of information sharing must be advanced within all maritime partners as a cornerstone of integrating our collective efforts with the maritime shipping industry."
Wikoff commended Rasmy and highlighted Egypt’s longstanding commitment to CMF.
“The CMF is fortunate to have the tremendous leadership of Egypt once again to lead one of our very important missions,” said Wikoff. “The Arab Republic of Egypt has shown deep, deep commitment to its work, and we in the combined maritime forces, are very grateful for your continued leadership.”
Established on April 17, 2022, CTF 153 is one of five task forces under CMF. Its mission is to deter and impede illicit nonstate actors in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden.
CTF 153’s area of responsibility includes some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean and the greater Middle East region.
Combined Maritime Forces, a 46-nation naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. It is committed to upholding the rules-based international order at sea, promoting security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including crucial shipping lanes.
privilege and an honor. I hope to continue to make a difference in the coming seasons and might even try coaching volleyball which I also used to play.
A special mention to Kesi Carter who is there every morning, organizing the kids, the paperwork for travel and many other aspects of Track and Field that allow everyone to participate.
A much-needed shoutout to my fellow coaches, Will, Brandon, Genesis and Spencer, without whom we would not have winning podium positions.
The season is not over yet and we have more work to do, but we are on the right track with all the support from the people above and the Bahrain School PTA volunteers. So much thanks and gratitude.
Until next time, stay strong, be kind, and know that you are appreciated.
- GO FALCONS -
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.
Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs
NSA Bahrain F&ES Passes Validation Exercise with Flying Colors
By NSA Bahrain Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) completed a shipboard firefighting validation exercise in collaboration with ForwardDeployed Regional Maintenance Center Bahrain, Commander, Naval Surface Group Central, and Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry (MCM 3), April 10.
The validation exercise was designed to assess and enhance the firefighting capabilities of personnel aboard U.S. Navy ships. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios that tested their skills in fire suppression, emergency response, and teamwork.
Erik Quiram, assistant chief of training, NSA Bahrain F&ES, attributed the installation’s overall score of 96 to the team’s tireless work ethic and pursuit of excellence.
“NSA Bahrain's high score underscores its commitment to maintaining operational readiness and ensuring the safety of personnel and assets on the shore and at sea,” said Quiram. “As the installation continues to prioritize safety and preparedness, this achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of all involved.”
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.
Marine Corps to Deploy Counter-drone Systems Across Units in 2025
By CD&I StaffMarine Corps Combat Development Command MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO,
Va. -- The proliferation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems presents a significant tactical challenge for modern military forces. As adversaries across the globe increasingly mature and employ low-cost sUAS for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions, it is imperative for the Marine Corps to enhance its capability to counter these threats in a dynamic, contested, and distributed environment.
This year, the Marine Corps will field dismounted counter-sUAS capabilities across the entire MAGTF, which will allow deployed Marines to effectively conduct self-defense against threat sUAS. The Marine Corps will maintain operational superiority and safeguard Marines, maritime forces, and the Joint Force against this evolving threat in diverse operational environments.
The technologies being fielded will allow Marines to detect, track, identify, and defeat adversary sUAS with both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
These systems will be lightweight, easy-to-use, easy-to-train, military occupational specialty agnostic, and to the maximum extent possible use weapon systems organic to individual units.
Small UAS pose significant risks due to their agility, low signature, and ease of employment. These systems can disrupt operations, compromise security, and destroy critical assets, and result in loss of life. The Marine Corps must therefore prioritize the development and integration of organic CUAS solutions, consisting of both mounted and dismounted capabilities, that provide a comprehensive protection against these emerging threats. Effective
countermeasures are essential for safeguarding personnel and critical assets ensuring mission success.
Current Ground Based Air Defense capabilities that are being fielded today predominantly focus on mounted platforms organic to the Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions and the Littoral Anti-Air Battalions, which encompass the entire air defense continuum up to and including defeating manned aircraft and cruise
missile threats. Those dedicated air defense assets are not always practical or available at scale to support individual unit operations. The fielding of organic-CUAS capabilities will address this gap by providing essential self-defense equipment while not detracting from the operator’s primary duties.
This decentralization of defensive measures aligns with the Marine Corps' emphasis on maneuver warfare and
dispersed operations, ensuring that all elements of the MAGTF can operate effectively in all environments.
Furthermore, continuous evaluation and adaptation of these systems will be crucial to keep pace with evolving sUAS technologies and tactics. By addressing this need, the MAGTF will enhance its defensive posture, safeguard its operational integrity, and ensure mission success in an increasingly complex threat environment.
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
- Your main resource is your existing support system
- If not supportive, tell another trusted resource or command
- Acting as friends, family, and shipmates, remember the main factors that ensure resilience: A sense of Belongingness and Purposefulness
MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE COUNSELING
973-3844-2705 (Ms. Kim) 973-3950-9316 (Ms. Meliza)
Select units with dedicated embedded providers
- Non-medical counseling
- Flexible counseling locations - Minimal reporting requirements - No health record documentation
CHAPLAINS 439-4303 / 1785-4303 DutyChaplain +973-3947-9681 - 100% confidential - For religious and non-religious, chaplains facilitate for all - More than spiritual: morality, grief, trauma, oss, identity, purpose,
THE PRICELESS PURSUIT OF VIRTUE
By Chaplain Sehi
MILITARY ONESOURCE
Contact: 1-800-342-9647 / MilitaryOneSource.mil
- Life skills, financial, stress, coping skills, and couples counseling
- Non-medical counseling via phone/VTC
- No referral needed
- No health record documentation
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
FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
-
- Virtual Counseling (scan QR code) 1-855-205-6749
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
I love these words from the declaration of independence, that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence was the call to protect our rights, but the founding fathers were not just interested in protecting the rights of early Americans. They also spoke about how to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Benjamin Franklin advocated and practiced a pursuit of virtue and character as part of his pursuit of happiness. According to his autobiography, he championed 13 virtues: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquillity, chastity, and humility. He believed these virtues would promote individual and societal well-being. I imagine, regardless of background, we would rejoice in a leader who actively pursued virtue and practiced these 13 virtues. Yet, whether we are talking about our workplace leaders or we are talking about national leaders - the greatest impact to my daily life is not found with them. It is found with us. The point of these 13 virtues is how I can best pursue happiness and contribute to societal happiness by being a person of virtue. I encourage you consider the legacy of virtue our founding fathers left for us. Consider the words of Franklin as he encouraged others to seek virtue:
"My intention being to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a time; and, when I should be master of that, then to proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone thro’ the thirteen; and, as the previous acquisition of some might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arrang’d them with that view, as they stand above. Temperance first, as it tends to procure that coolness and clearness of head, which is so necessary where constant vigilance was to be kept up, and guard maintained against the unremitting attraction of ancient habits, and the force of perpetual temptations. This being acquir’d and establish’d, Silence would be more easy; and my desire being to gain knowledge at the same time that I improv’d in virtue, and considering that in conversation it was obtain’d rather by the use of the ears than of the tongue, and therefore wishing to break a habit I was getting into of prattling, punning, and joking, which only made me acceptable to trifling company, I gave Silence the second place."
Contact NMCRS at 439-2914 or email bahrain@nmcrs.org for more details. Command Reps encouraged to hold a
and arrange for
New MOVIES at the MWR Cinema
The Unbreakable Boy (PG) – 1h 49m
A young boy with both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism transforms everyone around him with his joyous, funny, and life-affirming world view. Cast | Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval
Snow White (PG) – 1h 49m
A princess joins forces with seven dwarfs and a group of rebels to liberate her kingdom from her cruel stepmother the Evil Queen. Cast | Rachel Zegler, Emilia Faucher, Gal Gadot
Black Bag (R) – 1h 33m
When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country. Cast | Michael Fassbender, Gustaf Skarsgard, Cate Blanchett
Last Breath (PG-13) – 1h 33m
A true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface. Cast | Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole
Keep up with all that’s happening in the Kingdom with Bahrain This Month
Be sure to check out our website, Facebook page and Instagram account or sign up for our newsletter to get the best of dining, entertainment, business and more.
bahrainthismonth
Scan the QR code to flip through our latest issue.
