Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Seaman Sage Wolcott, an Attica, New York, native, really liked the fact she could retire in 20 years if she wanted and she could get money for college.
Now, one year later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Wolcott serves as the leading-edge of the Navy the Nation Needs.
Wolcott, a 2017 graduate of Attica Central School, is a master-at-arms (MA) at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet.
“As a master-at-arms, I provide security for the base responding to any alarms or calls for the base,” said Wolcott.
Wolcott credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Attica.
“Working hard is really important and you have to work hard for what you get,” said Wolcott. “You need to be responsible and take ownership of what you do.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.
“Without master-at-arms there would be no security on the base,” said Wolcott.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Serving in the Navy means Wolcott is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Wolcott is most proud of earning Chief of the Guard in January.
“It is a leadership qualification and is a lot of responsibility leading those under me,” said Wolcott.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Wolcott and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means many things to me: serving my country and risking my life everyday,” said Wolcott. “It gives me great pride that I am doing something that matters like protecting the greatest country in the world and everything it stands for. This is the greatest burden to have.”