VOLUME 19, NUMBER 504
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN
September 20, 2023
AUSTIN WELCOMES INCREASED COOPERATION WITH BAHRAIN By Joseph Clark, DOD News Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed increased security ties with Bahrain today in a meeting with the country's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The two leaders met at the Pentagon one day after the U.S. and Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration Agreement to enhance cooperation on issues ranging from defense and security to emerging technologies and trade. "This important bilateral agreement will deepen our already strong relationship and underscores America's commitment not only to Bahrain but to the entire region," Austin said. "It gives us a framework for cooperation in areas from security and trade to technology and information sharing. And together we will demonstrate that integration and inclusion are the paths to security, stability and prosperity." Bahrain, a major non-NATO ally that hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, remains as one of the United States' longest-standing partners in the Middle East. Austin extended his appreciation for Bahrain's support of U.S. service members and their families stationed
abroad and praised the country for its active participation in coalition operations. The newly signed agreement further strengthens coordination between the two countries' armed forces and
intelligence capacities. The agreement also advances scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries through information sharing and exchanges and promotes the deployment of trusted technologies with the aim of protecting critical systems and privacy. "The United States remains committed to Bahrain and the region," Austin said. "And we will continue to work with you to push back against all threats to regional stability both from states and non-state actors." In addition to highlighting the new agreement, Austin u expressed appreciation for the Bahraini foreign minister's visit to Ukraine earlier this year. The crown prince, who also serves as Bahrain's prime minister, praised the close ties between Bahrain and the United States and extended his gratitude for U.S. service members' work alongside Bahraini armed forces to secure the region. "Only by working together can nation states both very large and small, each in their own realm of responsibility, provide for a more stable and productive world," he said.
A Historic Perspective of Hispanic Sailors in the United States Navy:
Admiral David Farragut and Bandmaster Jose Contreras Story from U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
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‘Go Army, Beat Navy’: A Time-honored Rivalry Transformed into Integrated Partnership in Bahrain
hosts Israeli 3 NAVCENT Foreign Minister
6 Sailor in the Spotlight 5 - Chaplain’s Corner 6 - Cinema & Safety
The stories of Admiral David Farragut and Bandmaster Jose Contreras exemplify the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Admiral David Farragut In addition to being the first full admiral of the Navy, David Farragut is also known as one of the Navy's greatest. While his career is a hallmark of Navy history, his background is often overlooked. Admiral Farragut's father, Jordi Farragut Mesquida, was from Minorca, Spain and was the captain of a Spanish merchant ship. This ship was operating around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico when the United States declared its independence from Britain in 1776. After Spain announced its support of the United States, Jordi changed his name to a more Anglican moniker, George Farragut. He then enlisted as a lieutenant in the South Carolina Navy and went on to serve with great distinction. During his career, he married and had a son, James Farragut. After losing his wife to yellow fever in 1808, George called on his friend and fellow Navy officer, David Porter, to help with family matters. Since he felt that he was unable to care for a small child, George Farragut asked Commodore Porter if he could take his son to raise him as his own. His friend agreed, and in 1809, James
Farragut was adopted into his new family. Immediately, Commodore Porter introduced the eight-year-old Farragut to the Navy. James went to sea with his newly adopted father and received his first naval appointment to midshipman one year later at the very young age of 9. At this time, James changed his name to David to show respect for his new family. After Commodore Farragut’s astonishing victory over the Confederate Navy in New Orleans on 28 April 1862, the United States Navy honored him by creating the rank of rear admiral. It was on 16 June 1862 that David
Farragut became Rear Admiral Farragut. He went on to support the Union campaign at Vicksburg and was instrumental in the success of securing the Mississippi River fort, Port Hudson, from the Confederates. In 1864, Admiral Farragut displayed his tenacity in battle by confronting the last Confederate stronghold of the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay. As his flotilla arrived in the bay, they were met with mines anchored to the sea bottom, known as torpedoes. One of his ships, Tecumseh, struck a mine and sank immediately. The entire flotilla came to a halt. Understanding the importance of moving forward in battle, he uttered his famous words, "Damn the torpedoes, all ahead full." Inspired by his bravado, the ships steamed through the mines and won a decisive victory. For his efforts, the Navy again created a new rank, vice admiral, to which he was appointed. His promotions were not finished, however, because shortly after the war, President Lincoln promoted Farragut to the newly created rank of full admiral. Admiral David Farragut died in 1870 and Admiral David Farragut and Bandmaster Jose Contreras on Page 2