January 2016 37 www.bahrainthismonth.com is also a significant humanitarian side to what the force does. Vice Adm Donegan explains: “At home and overseas, US Naval forces are often at the forefront of relief operations during humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. Our persistently forward and ready posture, using the seas to lift and sustain a national or multinational response, is precisely what enables the Navy to provide relief and assistance. “Our forces in NAVCENT routinely train and prepare to conduct these sort of operations should they be required here in the region. As an example, our planners recently examined ways we might provide support to relief operations following the damaging cyclones that struck Yemen in November.” No stranger to the Kingdom, having visited many times over the years, Vice Adm Donegan adds: “Bahrain is a fascinating place with an amazing culture and heritage that stretches back for thousands of years. From the Qal’at al-Bahrain with its legacy dating to 2300 BC, as the ancient harbour and capital of the Dilmun civilization, to modern architectural marvels like the Bahrain World Trade Centre, there is always something new to see and experience. I’ve had the privilege of meeting with many Bahrainis since I arrived ranging from the highest levels of the Kingdom’s leadership to ordinary private citizens and, without fail, all have been welcoming, gracious and hospitable.” A confirmed family man, the Vice Adm is joined in Bahrain by his wife and children. He says: “Like anyone, I value the time spent with my family at the end of the day. Importantly, it helps keep me connected to the needs of the thousands of US service members and their families who are stationed here in Bahrain. My family is enjoying the experience and they have already connected with many new friends. “Any family that’s ever moved abroad quickly learns that some things are easier than they expected, some things are harder than they expected, and some things they just never expected! But that’s what makes opportunities like our time here in Bahrain so interesting, exciting and, frankly, a bit of an adventure. I think this experience will pay rich rewards for my children as they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture that, while not too unfamiliar, has its own unique and rich traits that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.” And outlining his plans for his time in Bahrain, the Vice Adm concludes: “Personally, I hope to continue to find ways to carve out time for my family, for worship, for reading and for reflection. It’s far too easy for all of us to treat these things as secondary concerns that we make time for when work permits. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the admiral in charge, like me, or a sailor on the deck plates of the ship, we all have professional demands that can easily consume all our time if we allow it, distracting us from the simple pursuits that make us better leaders, better professionals and better human beings. “Professionally, my priorities are ensuring that our US Naval forces operating here in the region continue to provide the stability and reassurance that’s vital to continued flow of commerce throughout the region and that we continually improve and expand the relationships that collectively result in a more stable and prosperous Middle East and, by extension, the world. “Let me be clear however, that no single nation has the capacity to protect and defend the global system alone. A collective effort will ensure our maritime forces provide that necessary presence. Whether in the blue water of the Atlantic and Pacific, or the turquoise waters of the Gulf, we can help assure stability and security, creating and strengthening global relationships, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, deterring adversaries and meeting and defeating threats when necessary. “We have to remember that collective security is just that, collective. That doesn’t mean that a handful of big nations provide all of the security for the collective; it means all nations benefitting from the collective security contribute to it in a meaningful way. “It isn’t just the economic benefits in our individual countries that matter. We all benefit from the way that shared economic success helps us limit conflict and war. Maritime instability can contribute to unrest and violence, stoking the fires of conflict. By helping to secure the world’s oceans and responding to crises early to limit escalation, the US Navy and our partner maritime forces in the region play a vital role in the world.” Below decks Taking on his new command
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