Volume 12, Number 282 Naval Support Activity Bahrain March 18, 2015 INSIDE THESE STORIES A N D MORE... PARMALEE VISITS K9 UNIT AND PERFORMS DURING NSF GUARDMOUNT, P. 2 NEX READERS AT BAHRAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, P. 3 ACCREDITATION SURVEY, P. 4 3 - FROM THE BAHRAIN SCHOOL - SAFETY 4 - WEEKLY WARRIOR 5 - CARRYING ON THE FAMILY TORCH FOR MPRA 6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO NSA Bahrain’s Executive Officer Departs By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Cdr. Leif E. Hammersmark, executive officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain is depart- ing after nearly three years onboard NSA Bahrain. Hammersmark turned over his duties to Cdr. David F. LaSpisa on March 12. During his time as executive officer, Hammersmark has seen the base grow tremen- dously in population, area and capability. “I have seen a lot of change,” Hammersmark said. “In my time here, I’ve seen the base grow to over 8,000 personnel and annex NSA II bringing our total land footprint to 186 acres from just 68. We have expanded services for the families, such as, expanding Child Development Center (CDC) twice. Our base will continue to expand and bring new challenges.” Hammersmark said one of the biggest chal- lenges is trying to meet everyone’s needs by man- aging a dynamic balance of security of the instal- lation, safety and convenience. As executive offi- cer, Hammersmark said he was not alone when it came to making things happen for NSA Bahrain. “My successes are built on the successes of everyone on the NSA Bahrain team,” Hammersmark said. “All the Sailors and all the departments, from Naval Security Force to Morale, Welfare and Recreation, have excelled and exceed our expectations. I am very proud to have served with everyone.” Being stationed at NSA Bahrain is more than just working at one of the Navy’s most operational bases; it’s about living overseas and interacting in that unique environment. “I’ve been able to experience much of the island,” Hammersmark said. “Bahrain has a lot to offer, from great restaurants, interesting sites, such as, the camel farm, race way and cultural sites. I encourage everyone to explore the island and experience the culture. Don’t be afraid to meet the locals — they are happy we are here and happy to help us. So go out and take advantage of it.” As Hammersmark begins a new chapter in his life and career, he has some insight on being a part of the NSA Bahrain team. “NSA Bahrain is a sprint,” Hammersmark said. “We are very operational, however every com- mand is what you make of it. If you come to Bahrain and expect it to be hard, then it will be hard for you. If you come to make the most of your time and develop professionally, then NSA Bahrain, and the team here, will provide you with every opportunity to make it happen.” Photo by MC1 Michael Lindsey U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, conduct aerial maneuvers during a training sortie. The Blue Angels are conducting winter training where pilots must complete 120 practice flights before kicking off the 2015 air show season. First Afghan Woman Pilot Flies with Blue Angels By MC2 Jennifer Lebron Navy Blue Angels Public Affairs EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) — The Afghan Air Force’s first female fixed- wing pilot visited the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and flew in a Blue Angel’s jet at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, March 11. Capt. Niloofar Rahmani flew her ori- entation flight in the back seat of a Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet with Narrator and VIP pilot, Blue Angel #7, Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss. “This was a wonderful opportunity to share the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps with a representative of another nation,” said Blue Angels Commanding Officer and Flight Leader Capt. Tom Frosch. “It also provided the opportunity for our squadron to ask questions and learn more about Afghanistan’s Air Force.” “When I heard I was going to fly with the Blue Angels, I was so excited,” Rahmani said. “That was the first time that I felt [G-forces] while flying.” Rahmani was recruited to join the Afghan Air Force in 2010 at the age of 18. She graduated from flight school and completed her first solo flight in 2012. Rahmani also attended advanced flight school and qualified to fly the C-208, a military cargo aircraft. She said she hopes to fly the C-130 in the future. Rahmani’s road to success has been challenging and dangerous, she said. “It was not easy finishing flight school, it was very hard, but someone had to accept the risk so that other women can do what they dream,” Rahmani explained. She and her family received death threats from the Taliban because of her career choice, but she says it’s her respon- sibility to be an example for young girls coming up behind her. “You can’t just see yourself as a woman, but as a human and believe in yourself,” Rahmani said. First Lady Michelle Obama recently honored Rahmani’s bravery, commit- ment, and empowerment of women and girls in Afghanistan. Rahmani and nine other women were awarded the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award for 2015 at an award cer- emony last week. For more information about the Blue Angels, visit www.BlueAngels.navy.mil. Cdr. Leif E. Hammersmark
Transcript
Volume 12, Number 282 Naval Support Activity Bahrain March 18, 2015
INSIDE THESE
STORIESA N DMORE...
PARMALEE VISITS K9 UNIT AND PERFORMS DURING NSF GUARDMOUNT, P. 2
NEX READERS AT BAHRAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, P. 3
ACCREDITATION SURVEY, P. 4
3 - FROM THE BAHRAIN SCHOOL - SAFETY4 - WEEKLY WARRIOR5 - CARRYING ON THE FAMILY TORCH FOR MPRA6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO
NSA Bahrain’s Executive Officer DepartsBy MC1 (SW) Steve Smith Staff Writer
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — Cdr. Leif E. Hammersmark, executive officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain is depart-ing after nearly three years onboard NSA Bahrain. Hammersmark turned over his duties to Cdr. David F. LaSpisa on March 12.
During his time as executive officer, Hammersmark has seen the base grow tremen-dously in population, area and capability.
“I have seen a lot of change,” Hammersmark said. “In my time here, I’ve seen the base grow to over 8,000 personnel and annex NSA II bringing our total land footprint to 186 acres from just 68. We have expanded services for the families, such as, expanding Child Development Center (CDC) twice. Our base will continue to expand and bring new challenges.”
Hammersmark said one of the biggest chal-lenges is trying to meet everyone’s needs by man-aging a dynamic balance of security of the instal-lation, safety and convenience. As executive offi-cer, Hammersmark said he was not alone when it came to making things happen for NSA Bahrain.
“My successes are built on the successes of everyone on the NSA Bahrain team,”
Hammersmark said. “All the Sailors and all the departments, from Naval Security Force to Morale, Welfare and Recreation, have excelled and exceed our expectations. I am very proud to have served with everyone.”
Being stationed at NSA Bahrain is more than just working at one of the Navy’s most operational bases; it’s about living overseas and interacting in that unique environment.
“I’ve been able to experience much of the island,” Hammersmark said. “Bahrain has a lot to offer, from great restaurants, interesting sites, such as, the camel farm, race way and cultural sites. I encourage everyone to explore the island and experience the culture. Don’t be afraid to meet the locals — they are happy we are here and happy to help us. So go out and take advantage of it.”
As Hammersmark begins a new chapter in his life and career, he has some insight on being a part of the NSA Bahrain team.
“NSA Bahrain is a sprint,” Hammersmark said. “We are very operational, however every com-mand is what you make of it. If you come to Bahrain and expect it to be hard, then it will be hard for you. If you come to make the most of your time and develop professionally, then NSA Bahrain, and the team here, will provide you with every opportunity to make it happen.”
Photo by MC1 Michael Lindsey
U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, conduct aerial maneuvers during a training sortie. The Blue Angels are conducting winter training where pilots must complete 120 practice flights before kicking off the 2015 air show season.
First Afghan Woman Pilot Flies with Blue AngelsBy MC2 Jennifer Lebron Navy Blue Angels Public Affairs
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) — The Afghan Air Force’s first female fixed-wing pilot visited the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and flew in a Blue Angel’s jet at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, March 11.
Capt. Niloofar Rahmani flew her ori-entation flight in the back seat of a Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet with Narrator and VIP pilot, Blue Angel #7, Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to share the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps with a representative of another nation,” said Blue Angels Commanding Officer and Flight Leader Capt. Tom Frosch. “It also provided the opportunity for our squadron to ask questions and learn more about Afghanistan’s Air Force.”
“When I heard I was going to fly with the Blue Angels, I was so excited,” Rahmani said. “That was the first time that I felt [G-forces] while flying.”
Rahmani was recruited to join the Afghan Air Force in 2010 at the age of 18.
She graduated from flight school and completed her first solo flight in 2012. Rahmani also attended advanced flight school and qualified to fly the C-208, a military cargo aircraft. She said she hopes to fly the C-130 in the future.
Rahmani’s road to success has been challenging and dangerous, she said.
“It was not easy finishing flight school, it was very hard, but someone had to accept the risk so that other women can do what they dream,” Rahmani explained.
She and her family received death threats from the Taliban because of her career choice, but she says it’s her respon-sibility to be an example for young girls coming up behind her.
“You can’t just see yourself as a woman, but as a human and believe in yourself,” Rahmani said.
First Lady Michelle Obama recently honored Rahmani’s bravery, commit-ment, and empowerment of women and girls in Afghanistan. Rahmani and nine other women were awarded the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award for 2015 at an award cer-emony last week.
For more information about the Blue Angels, visit www.BlueAngels.navy.mil.
Cdr. Leif E. Hammersmark
2 The Bahrain Desert Times March 18, 2015
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 OfficerCdr. David LaSpisa
Public Affairs OfficerLt. Doug C. Battig
Public Affairs SpecialistsMC1 (SW) Steven SmithMC2 John BensonHanar Al Balooshi
Visits K9 Unit and Performs During NSF Guardmount
PARMALEEPhotos by MC2 John Benson
March 18, 2015 The Bahrain Desert Times 3
By Shawna Haas Bahrain Elementary School
Students at Bahrain Elementary cele-brated “Read Across America” by host-ing guest readers from the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Navy Exchange (NEX). Seven NEX manag-ers read to 15 classes in an effort to promote reading and community rela-tions, March 4.
“The reaction to the readers by the teachers and students was phenomenal and graciously positive,” stated Courtney Jackson, NEX Store Manager.
Jackson also indicated several chil-dren have approached her because she read to their class. NEX managers plan to read at the school again soon.
We will soon be ready to register the new Kindergarten students for school year 2015-2016. To be eligible for Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old before September 1, 2015. You may pick up a registration packet at Bahrain Elementary School or you can download an electronic version from the school’s website at:
In addition to the registration forms, you will need to provide a copy of the student’s shot record, PCS orders showing command sponsorship and current PRD, and a copy of the student’s Birth Certificate or Passport. We will be accepting completed applications starting on March 29t and will continue to take them throughout the spring and summer. The first day of school for Kindergarten will be on August 30, 2015.
If you have any questions about this or any other Bahrain Elementary School registration issues, please contact Matt Rowe, Registrar, Bahrain Elementary, at [email protected] or DSN 742-3103 or 1771-9829.
Attention Parents:
NEX Readers at Bahrain Elementary School
TEXTING WHILE WALKING
Thanks to smartphones and the Internet, videos of people walking and texting their way into an embarrassing adventure are not hard to find. While they may provide a laugh, distracted walking accidents can hurt, or even prove fatal.
Consequences include bumping into walls, falling down stairs, tripping over clutter or stepping into traffic.
The problem is that when texting, you’re not as in control with the complex actions of walking. While talking on the phone is a distraction, texting is much more dangerous because you can’t see the path in front of you.
Though injuries from car accidents involving texting are often more severe, physical harm resulting from texting and walking occurs more frequently.
Pedestrians face three types of distraction: manual, in which they are doing something else; visual, where they see something else; and cognitive, in which their mind is somewhere else.
Tens of thousands of pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms across the nation each year, and experts believes as many as 10 percent of those visits result from accidents involving cell phones.
Historically, pedestrian accidents affected children, the intoxicated or the elderly. However, cell phone related injuries have skyrocketed over the past 10 years, coinciding with the rise of smartphones.
And with social media so pervasive, texting isn’t the only concern. It’s not uncommon to find a person walking, head down, scrolling through their Twitter feed or checking email.
Since problems with distracted walking are still emerging, it’s important to be proactive.
Pedestrian accidents are senseless occurrences and can easily be prevented if people pay more attention to their surroundings and potential hazards than the distraction of electronic devices.
4 The Bahrain Desert Times March 18, 2015
The Joint Commission and the U.S. Navy Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) will conduct a joint accreditation survey of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, and it’s Branch Health Clinics, from April 12 – 17, 2015.
Patients and staff members may contact a Joint Commission surveyor during this survey and request a public information interview. The Joint Commission surveyors will be located at the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella from April 14 – 17, 2015, and can be contacted by calling DSN (314) 624-4576 ext. 4.
Concerns may also be brought to the attention of MEDIG by calling DSN (312) 295-9019 or via email at [email protected]. Representatives from MEDIG will be at Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain on April 12, 2015.
PUBLIC NOTICEAccreditation Survey
WEEKLY WARRIORET3 Daniel P. Soborski is an absolute asset within Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2 Det. Bahrain. His roles and responsibilities are vital to mission accomplishment. He has several collateral duties, which include assistant command fitness leader (ACFL), communications petty officer, and work center supervisor. As ACFL, Soborski instructed six Fitness Enhancement Program sessions aboard the Military Sealift Command missile range instrumentation ship USNS Invincible (T-AGM 24). As communications petty officer, he is the subject matter expert with the
Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) system and Long Range Thermal Video (LRTV). He detects and processes daily contacts of interest; ensuring intelligence is transmitted to the command in a timely manner. As work center supervisor, he was instrumental in the scheduling of required maintenance for more than $350,000 worth of equipment with zero discrepancies. Soborski’s charismatic leadership style brings out the best in everyone around him. He has continually proven himself to be the best in his peer group, and that’s the reason he was selected as the Sailor in the Spotlight for CRG-2.
Ken Taylor arrived in Bahrain in March of 2013, from Sasebo, Japan where he also worked as the Food & Beverage Director. Upon arrival, Ken made an immediate impact on the staff here in Bahrain. His lead by example approach and heavy focus on building a team has improved staff morale and productivity. Ken and his team were able to do a number of program and facility improvements over the last two years, including renovation and repairs to the Officers Club, CPO Club, Desert Dome Café, Oasis meeting rooms and most recently the Enlisted Club (Club 261). Ken and his wife will return to the U.S. this month
to spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Ken’s dedication, work ethic and passion for serving the NSA Bahrain community will be sorely missed. We wish him the best and take this opportunity to acknowledge his efforts over the last two years as the Warrior of the Week!
March 18, 2015 The Bahrain Desert Times 5
For more information on visas and CPR cards contact Immigration at 1785-4258.
Carrying on the Family Torch for MPRA
By Lt. J.G. Nick McDonald
The VP-26 Tridents are saying farewell to Lt. Troy “Cowboy” Balding as he completes his first sea tour in the Navy. Balding will be leaving the Trident fam-ily in March to check in to Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) for duty as an Instructor Naval Flight Officer (NFO) at the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in Jacksonville, FL.
Balding is continuing a family legacy in the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation (MPRA) community. His con-nection to VP-26 goes back to his father Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) Loy Balding, retired, who joined the Navy in 1964 with a hometown friend, William Ferris. In 1965, Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician (AX) 3rd Class William Ferris checked into VP-26 while AT3 Loy Balding checked into VP-7 as an Acoustic Operator on the P-2V Neptune.
Unfortunately, in April of 1968, AX3 Ferris’s P-3B was shot down by enemy artillery in Vietnam with no survivors. This was the second P-3B shot down in VP-26 during Operation Market Time where P-3s would fly low-level missions searching for suspected enemy vessels.
These VP-26 Sailors who were lost in combat are honored today among those known as the “Tridents on Eternal Patrol.”
ATC Balding, would later transition to the P-3 Orion in 1970 and then retired in 1984. He passed away in 2010, but not before proudly witnessing the commissioning of his son. Lt. Balding now carries on the MPRA torch for his family and will continue the legacy of excellence as an NFO Instructor at VP-30. Balding and his wife Chrissy will be missed at VP-26 and we wish them fair tailwinds and fol-lowing seas in life and career.
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.
NSA Bahrain@
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BAHRAIN?By Hanar Al Balooshi
THE MAGIC CHICKENWhen: March 19 - 22Event: Culinary Comedy ShowVenue: Salman Cultural CenterAn out of this world theater performance for children and adults, The Magic Chicken is a treat of culinary chaos. How much mess can chefs make on stage? While two chefs mix up a hilarious concoction of comedy cookery, a magic chicken flaps in, turning the stage into a kitchen nightmare. Hilarious act from New Zealand features everything from physical comedy to live music and puppetry. Minimum age requirement: 6 years old.
March 19 : 1600 and 1830March 20 : 1030 and 1530March 21 : 1030 and 1530March 22 : 1600 and 1830
Disclaimer:The activities and events are controlled by individuals acting in their private capacities. These events are not part of the U.S. Department of Defense or any of its components and have no governmental status.
Arabic Words of the Week1. Min Fadlak (Min – Fad – lack) : masculineIf you ever want to say please in Arabic, say Min fadlak. Keep in mind, the pronunciation changes a bit when addressing a female.
2. Min Fadlik (Min – Fad – lick) : feminineIf you’re saying please in Arabic to a female, say Min Fadlik
