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Chief of Naval Operations, MCPON Visit Bahrain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080812-10
Release Date: 8/12/2008 3:05:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Fifth Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. visited Bahrain Aug. 10 to 12 and met with U.S. and coalition leaders and Sailors currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

The CNO and MCPON held a series of All Hands Calls aboard U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain and visited Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) and mine countermeasures ship USS Dextrous (MCM 13) to thank them for their significant contributions in helping to bring stability and prosperity to the region by supporting Maritime Security Operations.

"Our Sailors are doing incredible work in this region and that work is making a difference in the world that we live in today," said Roughead.

"They're bringing great credit to our Navy and to our nation. I can't say enough about how proud I am of them and the good work that they're doing and I can't thank them enough for their dedication, their competence and their drive."

The CNO also toured NSA Bahrain's Department of Defense Dependents' School (DoDDS) to see the progress of renovation projects, which will accommodate the return of families and students to Bahrain.

"We're on the path of families returning to Bahrain and I'm encouraged with the progress that we've made and I think it's going to make a huge difference," said Roughead.

"Clearly, all of us want to be with our families. I believe that the return of our families is also important to our relationship with Bahrain - a country and a people who have been tremendously supportive of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. over decades."

Roughead held talks with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, highlighting continuing dialogue and cooperation.

The CNO praised Bahrain for its contribution to Combined Maritime Forces and their leadership of Combined Task Force 152, which is responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations in the central and southern Persian Gulf. Bahrain commanded CTF 152 from March to July, becoming the first Gulf country to command a combined task force.

The MCPON also met with the chief petty officer selectees, and participated in a physical training session with them. He also hosted a dinner for chief petty officers (CPO) at the NSA Bahrain CPO Mess.

After departing Bahrain, the CNO and MCPON will visit other Sailors who are supporting operations in the 5th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.