USS Firebolt memorial 5K

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN

04.24.2015

Courtesy Story

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

Story by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damian Berg, COMUSNAVCENT PAO

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain -- Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their families joined together for a memorial service 5K held aboard Naval Support Activity, Bahrain to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by three fallen U.S. service members, April 23.

On Saturday, April 24th, 2004, a seven-member team from the USS Firebolt (PC 10), a coastal patrol ship conducting maritime security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf, was dispatched in an inflatable boat to clear multiple fishing dhows that were operating in a restricted area around an Iraqi oil terminal. As the team approached one of the dhows, it abruptly maneuvered toward the Firebolt crew and blew up, claiming the lives of three U.S. service members: Coast Guardsman Damage Controlman 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, 24, of Smithtown. N.Y.; Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli, 27, of Monroe, N.Y.; Signalman 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts, 28, of Knoxville, Tenn. The rest were severely injured.

“It’s important to remember what they represent and who they are,” said Cmdr. Thomas Shultz, commodore of Patrol Coastal Squadron (PCRON) 1.” We all wear the cloth just like they did but the sacrifice that they made, we need to remember and us it to inspires us to keep on going.”

After an address given by Lt. Cmdr. Mitch McGuffie, commanding officer of the USS Firebolt, and the invocation, the runners took their positions at the starting line. Service members, DOD civilians, and family members ran united to honor the memory of these Sailors. More than 300 runners and walkers arrived early Thursday to participate in the Firebolt Memorial 5K Run.

“We had a great turn out, with a lot of people showing up and giving respect to our three Sailors,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jose Valencia, a Sailor from USS Firebolt (PC 10). We love all the support that we got from all the commands and NSA Bahrain.”

The run started at the Firebolt Memorial, led over the bridge to Mina Salman Pier on NSA 2 and finished back at the Firebolt Memorial.

"This great event marked the 11th anniversary of the attack on crewmembers of the USS FIREBOLT. We will never forget those who were injured or killed in action,” said Capt. Lee Petty, Commodore, U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. “The men and women of U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia are proud to run alongside Sailors and Marines during this year's 5K race."

The overall winner was Peter Jacques, U.S. Navy, who crossed the finish line with a time of 19:01; the first female to finish the race was Chelsea Huff, U.S. Coast Guard, with a time of 24:51. The youth group first to finish was Carter Chartier, with a time of 25:48.

Lt. Cmdr. Mitch McGuffie closed out the ceremony by reminding everyone of how important it is to continue the legacy of those who have gone before them.

“Each year we recognize these three heroes of ours, and it’s a continual reminder of the business that we are in is potentially dangerous and that we have had heroes that have gone before us who’ve been out there and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said McGuffie. “So it’s a great way to tie in the sacrifices of our Sailors and remind all the folks here at NSA Bahrain as well as the PC community of our heroes that have gone before us. “

• Date Taken: 04.24.2015
• Date Posted: 04.24.2015 05:38
• Story ID: 161105
• Location: NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, BH