Chief of Naval Operations Visits U.S. 5th Fleet

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Keith Simmons | Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead speaks with Sailors and Marines during an all hands call at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. During his discussions, CNO thanked U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors and Marines for theirsignificant contributions to regional security and their dedication to service.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

08.23.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Tafuri 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead visited Sailors and Marines currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Aug. 21-23.

During his visit to the region, the CNO met with Sailors aboard USS Thach and the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in the North Persian Gulf; met with Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Buehring, Kuwait; ate lunch with Sailors and Marines and held an All Hands Call aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain; and met with Bahrain's Crown Prince and Bahrain Defense Force Leadership.

"The maritime environment here is extremely important because disruptions will be felt globally because of how much the world depends on resources from this important area," he said.

"An example of how important the maritime environment is here are the counter-piracy operations conducted in this AOR. Right now, we have more than 20 countries and numerous ships operating from organizations within the European Union and NATO, as well as China, Russia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and others. So many countries coming together, is a very strong statement for a peaceful and stable maritime environment."

Roughead also thanked the Sailors and Marines for their significant contributions in helping to bring stability and prosperity to the region.

"We issued our maritime strategy two years ago and it has served us very well as far as building global maritime partnerships," said Roughead. "Much of our maritime strategy finds its example here in this region - being a navy that is forward, and forward because of the type of support that we get from Bahrain. We are also a deterrent navy, because we bring a capability that can influence events as well as exercise sea control and power projection. I believe it's a strategy that serves our nation and our friends, partners, and allies as well."

Sailors and Marines expressed their gratitude for the CNO taking time out of his schedule to sit down with them and chat.

"I'm very proud to be here; it's a great opportunity and an honor to meet our Navy's senior leadership, who normally you don't get the chance to meet," said Petty Officer 1st Class Tommy Mauldin, Force Protection Assistant and chief Master at Arms with Combined Task Force 53. "The CNO coming to Bahrain illustrates his dedications to us, just like he expects the dedication out of his Sailors. This is a privilege - I can't wait to tell my mom about this!"

This is CNO's fourth visit to the U.S. 5th Fleet since becoming the 29th chief of naval operations.

• Date Taken: 08.23.2009
• Date Posted: 08.23.2009 12:26
• Story ID: 37855
• Location: MANAMA, BH