CNSL Visits Surface Warriors in Bahrain

Photo By Seaman Apprentice Tristan H Collop | 191107-N-RU357-1017 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Nov. 07, 2019) Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, visits Sailors aboard the coastal patrol ship USS Tempest (PC 2). They discussed efforts to generate combat ready ships and battle-minded crews while preparing for the high-end fight. Tempest is forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tristan H. Collop/Released)  

BAHRAIN

11.08.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Milham 

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic

Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov. 5-7.

Kitchener toured mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry (MCM-3) and coastal patrol ships USS Thunderbolt (PC-12), USS Tempest (PC-2), and USS Firebolt (PC-10), where he had lunch with the crew.

The purpose of the visit was to engage and discuss with SURFLANT Sailors in the region the status of the surface force, to meet with regional leaders and visit the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center.

He also held an all-hands call with surface warfare officers on the community’s efforts of generating combat-ready ships and battle-minded crews.

“We are the world’s premier surface force,” said Kitchener. ”In everything we do we must be ready to fight and win.”

Kitchener also spoke about the future of the fleet, explaining littoral combat ship (LCS) operations and training for an evolving surface force.

“LCS is here and operational,” he said. “Alignment of LCS means we know how to integrate the ships into the surface force and we are doing it. We are executing a plan to deploy the LCS fleet.”

Kitchener also set the tone on how the surface Navy is moving forward and remains ready for anything.

“What we do is inherently dangerous and there is risk,” he said. “We will not back down from our duty; instead, we’ll lean in and make it part of our routine. But to get there, we need smart, capable, competent and bold teams who understand risk and know how to win.”

SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface ships, forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 75 ships and 30 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/ or https://www.facebook.com/SURFLANT/.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2019
• Date Posted: 11.08.2019 14:21
• Story ID: 351137
• Location: BH