Volume 12, Number 280 Naval Support Activity Bahrain February 18, 2015

INSIDE THESE

STORIESA N DMORE...

VALENTINE’S DAY 5K, P. 2 MIDDLE EAST UNITY CUP TOURNAMENT, P. 3

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT ROADMAPS NOW INSTANTLY UPDATABLE, P. 4

3 - CHAPLAIN’S CORNER - FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK5 - ASST. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY HOST PTSD AWARENESS DISCUSSION6 - MWR EVENTS & INFO

Photo by MC2 John Benson

Students from the Creativity Private School in Bahrain attend the first BahrainiYouth Science and Technology (BYSAT) Expo on board Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. U.S. Embassy Manama liaised between the school and NAVCENT Civil Affairs, which organized the event. The expo displayed technology utilized by the Navy, encouraged students to pursue their education in the sciences and fostered friendly relationships with Bahraini youth.

Bahraini Youth Science and Technology ExpoBy MC2 John Benson Staff Writer

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain — More than 25 students from the Creativity Private School in Bahrain attended the first Bahraini Youth Science and Technology (BYSAT) Expo on board Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Feb. 17.

The expo displayed different types of commercial tech-nology utilized by the U.S. armed forces in Bahrain and educated youth on potential educational paths they may choose in the future. The visit was a joint effort coordi-nated by the Creativity Private School, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.

The Bahraini youth were given the opportunity to climb aboard a coastal command boat (CCB), operate educa-tional robots, learn about the principles of buoyancy and handle cameras used by the Navy.

“Our mission here is two-fold: inspire youth to continue their education in the sciences and show the youth of Bahrain what the Navy does here,” said Capt. Kellie Watkins, Army Civil Affairs Unit with Commander Task Force (CTF) 56.

The high-tech science fair provided a rare opportunity for local youth.

“This serves as not only an educational tool but also as a motivational tool for the students,” said Shoban Chakrala, biology and chemistry teacher at the Creativity Private School. “This is like a science fair displaying how technol-ogy is used by the Navy and we can’t thank them enough for inviting us!”

HOMES.mil Offers Navy OCONUS Online Community Listings for the First TimeBy Carol Casto Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) — HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live.

For the first time, the HOMES.mil web-site is offering Navy housing listings for those living outside the continental United States (OCONUS).

The website enables Housing Service Center (HSC) professionals, landlords, and property managers to find and share vital information about community rental list-ings. Just as in the continental United States, OCONUS HSCs work closely with landlords in their communities to assist ser-vice members with finding safe, suitable and affordable housing.

“Living OCONUS is a unique experi-ence, and our HSC staff works directly with landlords to ensure the listings available on HOMES.mil are accurate and meet our minimum requirements,” said Anne-Marie

Snodgrass, EURAFSWA regional housing director. “We are excited to finally have the opportunity to provide our customers with the additional service of being able to search for community housing listings online, before they arrive.”

“The HSC staff is experienced in working with landlords throughout the world,” said Snodgrass. “Each location has its own set of local customs, agreements, laws and com-mand policies that the HSC staff considers before accepting local listings, as necessary.”

HOMES.mil is part of the integrated services offered OCONUS through the HSC. In addition to home finding in the community, the HSC also offers showing services and language translation services (when needed). HSC counselors can provide translation services between the Service member and landlord during home tours, lease negotiation, and issue resolution.

“The staffs post each listing on HOMES.mil and work with their translators and the local community to offer service members and their families the best possible local housing,” said Snodgrass.

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2 The Bahrain Desert Times February 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 OfficerCmdr. Leif Hammersmark

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Doug C. Battig

Public Affairs SpecialistsMC1 (SW) Steven SmithMC2 John BensonHanar Al Balooshi

Hosted by Morale, Welfare & Recreation Bahrain

Valentine’s Day 5KPhotos by MC1 Steve Smith

February 18, 2015 The Bahrain Desert Times 3

For more information on visas and CPR cards contact Immigration at 1785-4258.

By Cdr Joseph Koch CHC, USN

A few years ago PBS stations aired a documentary on Chicago’s late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. In it we see a human person who faced many issues and clarified a value system that grounded his decisions and opinions. Confronting many difficult situations, he was faithful to the values he espoused. In his faithfulness, he became a role model of how to look at complex issues and find common ground.

This portrait highlights how he developed the central premise of the Consistent Ethic of Life, which he poetically called “The Seamless Garment.” In the polarized rhetoric of the 1980s, birth and death issues were argued independently. People held views that seemed contradictory and were often challenged for their inconsistency. The gulf between people grew wider. No one, it seemed, asked the same question of all issues; what does it really mean to say that we respect and value life? Cardinal Bernardin took that one on.

In seeking a reasonable answer to that broad question he articulated a core belief that allowed him to look at abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and even war within a single value

system. He invited people to see life itself as valuable and a gift to be cherished and protected, nurtured at all times, and to use that frame of reference to help us decide our behavior in individual circumstances. The Seamless Garment document became Cardinal Bernardin’s gift of integration. It defined him and graced the remainder of his life.

Besides birth and death issues, what else should our seamless garment cover? In the day-to-day, what does it mean to say that we respect life? Does it dictate how we live and treat each other? What does it mean in our workplaces?

Commentaries about work possibilities and negatives can distract us from a profound truth; work and business is about relationships among human beings. As we make, buy and sell goods and services, we connect with other people and are joined temporarily in pursuit of a common goal. Within that process, we bring our selves - our hopes and goals, our fears and skills, our histories and our beliefs — and we interact. Whether we are the customer, co-worker, owner, or vendor in the details of day-to-day life we express our values and beliefs through what we do.

Kindness, compassion, forgiveness, liberation, hospitality, fairness, communion - these signs of love are seen every day in every kind of workplace. We also see the signs of spiritual emptiness — arrogance, greed, devaluing, isolation, and violence. We build or undermine work relationships by our behavior. Are we aware and conscious of what we do? Do we claim one value system and live out another? Or, are we integrated and centered around a core belief that defines and graces the lives of those around us? It is worth asking, do we have a consistent ethic of life, which include our attitude and dealings toward those we work with? Or what do we really mean when we say we respect life?

Chaplain’s CornerDo We Have A Consistent Ethic Of Life?

The Bahrain School Varsity Basketball team participated in the Middle East Unity Cup Tournament on January, 30 and 31. There were six schools participating from outside of Bahrain, including schools from Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and BSB and Bahrain School.

Bahrain School won six games and lost one, winning the championship by six points. Members of the Bahrain School team were: • Noah Erb, Junior Edens, and Patrick Nasworthy, captains of the team• Spencer Inge, Donovan Andrade, Donovan Rice, Tyler Betro, Marwan Abbas and Ethan Peterman. • The coaches are Mr. Emiliano Herrera and Mr. Brant Tryon.

Middle East Unity Cup Tournament

4 The Bahrain Desert Times February 18, 2015

By Lt. j.g. Michael Hathaway Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) — Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Feb. 10 that the Navy’s comprehensive enlisted career guides, Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR), have transitioned to a Web application that is easily-accessed and instantly updatable.

Available through Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) and Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Navy COOL), LaDRs are a vital tool that help guide enlisted Sailors throughout their career advancement, and are available for all enlisted rat-ings and paygrades.

“The LaDRs effectively provide Sailors and their leadership a guide that displays in one loca-tion all of their current and projected enlisted train-ing and education requirements as they advance,” said Richard Nein, NETC LaDR program analyst. “The LaDRs also include suggested certifications, apprenticeships and educational opportunities that can help with job performance and advancement.”

Previously, LaDRs were static .pdf documents reviewed and updated annually, drawing from revi-sions and modifications submitted to NETC by 13 separate learning centers and three training support centers throughout the Navy.

By using the newly-launched application, the learning centers are able to review and directly update the LaDRs as needed for their specific rat-ings and the changes are reflected and available to Sailors immediately. LaDRs support a career-long learning continuum, helping Sailors prepare for their role in the fleet.

“LaDR accuracy and standardization are now greatly improved,” said Tom Smith, NETC Enlisted

Professional Military Program coordinator. “We’ve added a sample career path to all LaDRs; a short document developed by detailers and community managers that outlines the ideal career for a Sailor to follow in their given rate, to include tours, edu-cation, and assignments. It’s a valuable tool for a senior and a subordinate to have a discussion about that person’s career. It gives a junior Sailor a career path to follow.”

Master Chief Navy Counselor James Brady, Command Career Counselor for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), is a strong believ-er that LaDRs are tools that can significantly help a Sailor’s career navigation.

“LaDRs play a vital role in a Sailor’s career right from the start,” explained Brady. “We as command career counselors should ensure that every Sailor gets a detailed explanation of how to utilize this valuable tool throughout their time in the Navy. Not only will it make them a better Sailor, but it will also prepare them for the private sector, college, and life itself. It is highly stressed the LaDR be reviewed regularly by the Sailor and referenced by the chain of command during Career Development Boards.”

Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Michelle Coleman plans to make master chief one day.

“I like that the LaDR shows you where you need to be for the next pay grade,” said Coleman. “It’s a lot of valuable information, including online courses, a degree plan, and shipboard qualifica-tions. Also, the recommended readings and leader-ship courses are appreciated.”

For more information about LaDRs, visit Navy Knowledge Online: www.nko.navy.mil. For more information about Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, visit www.cool.navy.mil.

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Cdr. Julie Hunter - Parent Involvement Board (PIB) memberAlthough not an employee with MWR, Cdr. Julie Hunter has been an active Child and Youth Programs (CYP) parent since she arrived on the island in July 2013. She is part of a dual active duty military family and has used the CDC, SAC and Youth Sports programs regularly. In December 2013, the position of voluntary Parent Involvement Board (PIB) President opened up. This position serves as an active voice for parents within the CYP program and is a critical feedback mechanism for the staff in CYP. CDR Hunter assumed the position where she has been active ever since. PIB meetings are held quarterly and Cdr. Hunter attends every one. She has made herself available to CYP parents, handling any questions and concerns. Cdr. Hunter has supported CYP in numerous ways and has been an outspoken advocate for our programs here. She will leave Bahrain soon and MWR would like to wish her well and commend her efforts by nominating her as our “Warrior of the Week”.

HN David Johnson is a shipmate worthy of the phrase “always ready.” Hand-selected as sole Corpsman support for the demanding Pediatric division, Medical Home Port, NBHC Bahrain; he sets the standard for his peers to emulate. He independently assisted two clinicians managing the care of more 250 beneficiaries, including 36 successful encounters, which ensured optimal family readiness. Engaged in team building, he trained newly arrived personnel on intricate aspects of primary assessments and basic orientation fundamentals of the department. His effort streamlined operations and aligned practices with our goal of providing world-class healthcare to all beneficiaries. Additionally, although the youngest member of our team, he superbly led command training initiatives and facilitated all-hands safety briefs for 101 military and civilian staff members. His ability to respond to any challenge has proved valuable for the command and serves as an example for seniors and juniors alike.

LS2 (AW) Paul Shillingford is currently serving as a Commander, Task Force FIVE THREE Cargo Division Handler at the Aviation Unit. He possesses superb leadership skills, zeal and flexibility in the performance of his demanding job scope including the expeditious movement of all inbound and outbound cargo in excess of 300 tons per month in support of all ships and deployed units in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. Since reporting onboard, his efforts have directly contributed to providing logistical support to 120 warships with signature service items, mail, cargo, and critical Medications/Vaccinations, allowing deployed units to sustain combat readiness and remain on-station!!! While performing this monumental task, he also provides unit supply support for the air passenger terminal, cargo warehouse and CTF-53 command forward detachments enabling forward deployment sustainment. Petty Officer Shillingford, an aspiring STA-21 NFO program candidate, is currently enrolled college in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree. His dedication and motivating “can-do” with a smile attitude, keeps morale soaring in a high OPTEMPO environment. Petty Officer Shillingford is a SUPERB Sailor doing big things to ensure the C5F customers get their requirements, On Time, On Target and On Demand!

Learning and Development Roadmaps Now Instantly Updatable

Photo by MC3 Lorelei Vander Griend

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class James Carson, from Ozark, Ala., studies for the upcoming advancement exam aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

February 18, 2015 The Bahrain Desert Times 5

Asst. Secretary of the Navy Host PTSD Awareness Discussion

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From the Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia hosted a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Discussion in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes Feb. 10.

The event featured guest speaker U.S. Congressmen Tim Murphy, who spoke about the importance of identifying risks and helping those affected by PTSD receive the correct treatment.

“PTSD is real and it has been around for a long time,” said Murphy. “But we know it has roots in brain function and is treatable.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veteran Affairs, and Sidran Institute, the societal and economic burden of PTSD is extremely heavy. It is esti-mated PTSD affects about 7.7 million American adults in a given year, though the disorder can develop at any age including childhood.

“PTSD affects everyone and we are here to discuss how it can be treated and how you can help those around you,” said Mike Myers, from Department of the Navy Assistant for System Administration, Charitable Campaign, Events and Protocol Office.

The discussion focused on recognizing the signs of PTSD, what can be some contribut-ing factors, and what the individuals go through.

“The most effective way to treat PTSD is to tell the individual that they will get better,” said Murphy. “Get them into evidence based treatment and support the veteran through their journey to recovery; help the individual to keep a positive mental attitude and eventu-ally they will get better.”

The discussion wrapped up with questions from the audience relating to future discus-sions and how to better incorporate families into the treatment process.

“It is important to keep families involved in the process, because they are going through a lot of the same things, “ said Murphy. “It helps us to be stronger individuals and keep us in a positive attitude.”

For resources on coping with PTSD visit http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/wounded-ill-and-injured/Pages/ptsd.aspx.

The engineering accomplishments featured at the expo display just how far humanity has advanced in the past couple of decades.

“Technology that cost thousands of dollars 20 years ago now costs tens of dollars today,” said Wayne Pavalko, science advisor to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain. “It’s off-the-shelf technology and we hope the youth today realize how easy it is to program and consider pursuing their education in the sciences. It’s nice to show the Bahraini youth that the Navy does much more than just the military stuff.”

For some students their interest was peaked by the displays.“I learned many things about what the Navy does, what types of missions they do and

how the ships work,” said Mohammad Alemadi, student at the Creativity Private School. “I’m very interested in the robots because I’d like to pursue my education in engineering.”

In addition to exhibiting high-tech gadgetry utilized onboard NSA Bahrain, the expo also provided the opportunity to help the Navy integrate with Bahraini youth.

“I don’t think the Bahraini youth have much interaction with Navy Sailors,” said Michele Kimpel Guzman, deputy public affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain. “This expo gives them the rare opportunity to speak with military service personnel and learn about what they do in Bahrain.”

Great things have the humblest beginnings and event organizers hope the same holds true for the BYSAT Expo.

“We’re starting out small right now but our goal is to grow bigger,” said Watkins. “We’d like to invite more students and incorporate multiple schools into the program.”

For many students it’s safe to say that the goals of inspiring them have been accom-plished.

“I’m really interested in all of these things!” said Wasan Aladwan, student at the Creativity Private School. “My favorite part was visiting the CCB and learning about how the engines operate. I’m going to tell all my friends about all the cool things they had here and if there’s another trip I’ll be the first one to sign up!”

Additional HSC services OCONUS may offer include community orientation; providing information about entitlements such as overseas housing allowance, tempo-rary lodging allowance, and cost of living allowance; and temporary and full-tour furnishings.

Service members should contact their local HSC or sponsor to determine if there is a mandatory military family housing assign-ment or on-base first policy at their location.

The Navy HSC is available to assist service members and their families find a home wherever they choose to live, either OCONUS or stateside. HOMES.mil improves the home finding experience for service members and their families and alleviates some of the burdens and stress of PCS.

To find information about your local HSC, including contact information, visit Navy Housing online at www.cnic.navy.mil/ContactHousing.

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6 The Bahrain Desert Times February 18, 2015

HR Classified AdsANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 15-021Position: Store WorkerDepartment: Navy Exchange BahrainClosing Date: 01 March 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 15-024Position: Transportation AssistantDepartment: CTF-53, NAVCENT BahrainClosing Date: 01 March 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT: NSA- 15-025Position: Transportation Clerk (Cargo Handler)Department: CTF-53, NAVCENT BahrainClosing Date: 01 March 2015

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

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL GARDEN SHOW 2015When: February 25 – March 1 Event: Exhibition, Shopping ExhibitionVenue: Bahrain International Convention Center Are you an avid gardener? Do you have green fingers? Are you interested in growing your own vegetables or looking to reinvent you garden? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this event is right up your alley!

JOHN LEGENDWhen: March 2, 8.30pmEvent: Open-air ConcertVenue: Arad Fort Multiple Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer-songwriter John Legend will take to the stage at an open air concert. John Legend is known for his hits such as All of Me, Ordinary People, Save Room and Everybody Knows. Stay tuned for more information on tickets in Bahrain This Month’s March issue. Call 39 900-630.

JUMPWhen: March 5 – 7Event: Non-verbal performance, combining acrobatics and martial artsVenue: Arad Fort Gravity-defying, internationally acclaimed Korean act, Jump, which had a hit run of performances, returns to Arad Fort. They are a comedy sensation combined with martial arts, Taekwondo and mind-blowing acrobatics. Stay tuned for more information on tickets in our next issue.

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. Insha’Allah (In-Sha-La)Insha’Allah is one of those words that is used frequently in conversations whether it’s a local, expat, Arabic or non-arabic speaking person.Insha’Allah means ‘God willing’ or ‘If God wills it’.Example: I’ll see you tomorrow, Insha’Allah.

2. Shukran (Shook-ran)If you want to say ‘Thank you’ or ‘Thanks’ in Arabic, Shukran is the word you want to use. Mashkoor (Mash-koor) if you want to blend in with the Bahrainis.

John LegendGarden Show