MANAMA, Bahrain --
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain hosted a historical lecture in the base multi-purpose room to educate Sailors and Marines about terrorism, counter terrorism, and anti-terrorism Oct. 23.
The event, which was coordinated and facilitated by Lt. Cmdr. Erich Grawunder, Task Force Shore Battlespace chief staff officer, provided an opportunity for Sailors to be enlightened about the history of terrorism around the world and how it impacts today’s naval objectives in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
“Terrorism and the tactics involved are constantly evolving, so it’s imperative we as leaders and defenders of American democracy stay vigilant and prepared. A key component of that begins with education, which is the goal of this discussion with our Sailors,” said Grawunder.
Sailors and Marines assigned to Naval Security Force Bahrain, Harbor Patrol Unit, USS Gladiator (MCM 11), USS Devastator (MCM 6), Marine Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Bahrain and various other tenant commands onboard NSA Bahrain attended the multi-day lecture, which was designed to educate and train.
“It’s important for young Marines and service members to have an awareness, appreciation and understand the background associated with the military, so they have a complete view of our purpose and why we are here,” said Marine Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Bahrain Platoon Sgt. Gunnery Sgt. David Dahl.
Counter-terrorism incorporates the practice, military tactics, techniques, and strategy that government, military, law enforcement, business, and intelligence agencies use to combat or prevent terrorism.
“Understanding how things happened in the past allows us to train more efficiently, which allows us to have a realistic mindset when preparing for future engagements,” said Dahl.
NSA Bahrain provides operational support to U.S. and coalition forces operating throughout U.S. Central Command's Area of Responsibility while operating and sustaining superior facilities and services for its tenant commands, their deployed assets and military members, Department of Defense civilian personnel and dependents living in Bahrain and providing security to ships, aircraft, operational detachments and remote sites throughout 5th Fleet's AOR.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command conducts maritime operations to deter and counter regional threats, defeat violent extremism and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities in order to preserve the free flow of commerce and promote a secure maritime environment in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.