DVIDS – News – Sailors from the US 5th Fleet visit the Bahrain Mobility International Center

MANAMA, Bahrain – Twenty Sailors from eight commands of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain visited the Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) Center in Isa Town, Bahrain, Aug. 20 and 21.

NSA Bahrain’s Sailor 360 program, a Navy-wide leadership development initiative, coordinated the event with the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Religious Service Team (RMT), culminating in a two-day development designed to restore and prepare classrooms and the building’s entryway for the upcoming school year.

Founded in 1979, BMI is a non-governmental humanitarian organization that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services for people with special needs to the Bahraini population. US military personnel
has supported BMI for decades, and Adel Sultan Al Mutawa, Chairman of BMI, expressed his gratitude for the seafarers’ continued commitment and participation.

“Bahrain Mobility is 45 years old now,” Mutawa said. “As far as I can remember, since I joined in 1982, (the Navy) has been working and volunteering on projects. We like it when (the sailors) play with the children. The children are interested and even learn some English.”

“I like it when the sailors come to play with our kindergarten children,” said Zainab Radhi Hassan, head of physical therapy at BMI. “They did things we didn’t expect (sailors) to do. They played with toys, painted and got the children moving.”

Captain Leroy Young, Chaplain of NAVCENT and U.S. 5th Fleet, recognized the long-standing trust and mutual understanding between BMI and the 147 tenant commands of NSA Bahrain.

“I remember the significant impact our partnership has had since the 1980s,” said Young. “BMI’s commitment to empowering people with disabilities and improving their quality of life is inspiring.”

In addition to volunteer service, NAVCENT RMT BMI donated $4,000 worth of air conditioning units, laptops and art supplies.

“NAVCENT is proud to support and participate in initiatives that align with our service and community values,” added Young. “Our collective efforts have resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of many and strengthened the strong bonds that unite our organizations and our nations.”
The initiative to visit BMI is part of the U.S. Armed Forces’ commitment to increasing Sailor engagement and strengthening social responsibility by supporting the Society’s mission to promote understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Young plans to explore new opportunities for seafarers to volunteer and ensure the relationship continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the local community.

“What better way to say ‘thank you’ to our host nation than to give back,” said Bianca Harriott, Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class and NAVCENT RMT Community Relations Chief. “Military members feel a great sense of pride and responsibility when they participate in events like this. The partners we work with really appreciate the work we do and that helps us build a close bond. Often times we focus too much on the negative in the world, but these events remind us all that a small act of kindness goes a long way.”

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of ​​operations by ensuring the safety and security of ships, aircraft, and passengers aboard NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the warfighter, and support the family with honor, courage, and commitment.