Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Lt. Patrick Flynn, a Charlotte, Michigan, native, joined the Navy to continue a family history of service.
Now, four years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Flynn serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“The most exciting thing about serving in Bahrain is that I have a direct or indirect effect on what goes on in the Middle East,” said Flynn.
Flynn is a Navy chaplain at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I'm responsible for making sure religious liberties of sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are kept,” said Flynn. “Chaplains provide for their faith group, facilitate space and materials for other faith groups and care for all.”
Flynn credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Charlotte.
“God has put numerous people in my life who have mentored and guided me,” said Flynn. “First on my mind would be my father, his work ethic is above reproach.”
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.
“Chaplains are force multipliers,” said Flynn. “We are a resource for strength and help get service members back into the fight.”
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.
“The work culture is different out here,” said Flynn. “There is such a wide exposure to U.S. allies and we get to see how the relationships are maintained on a global stage. You don’t really see that anywhere else in the world.”
Serving in the Navy means Flynn 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 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, Flynn is most proud of the work he does as a chaplain.
“The fact that I can serve my country as a chaplain is a special feeling," said Flynn. "It may be repetitive at times, but I never take it for granted.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Flynn and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“It is not about me,” said Flynn. “It is about the individual standing next to me, and the fact that I get to be a part of this rich history.”
“The most exciting thing about serving in Bahrain is that I have a direct or indirect effect on what goes on in the Middle East,” said Flynn.
Flynn is a Navy chaplain at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I'm responsible for making sure religious liberties of sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are kept,” said Flynn. “Chaplains provide for their faith group, facilitate space and materials for other faith groups and care for all.”
Flynn credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Charlotte.
“God has put numerous people in my life who have mentored and guided me,” said Flynn. “First on my mind would be my father, his work ethic is above reproach.”
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.
“Chaplains are force multipliers,” said Flynn. “We are a resource for strength and help get service members back into the fight.”
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.
“The work culture is different out here,” said Flynn. “There is such a wide exposure to U.S. allies and we get to see how the relationships are maintained on a global stage. You don’t really see that anywhere else in the world.”
Serving in the Navy means Flynn 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 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, Flynn is most proud of the work he does as a chaplain.
“The fact that I can serve my country as a chaplain is a special feeling," said Flynn. "It may be repetitive at times, but I never take it for granted.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Flynn and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“It is not about me,” said Flynn. “It is about the individual standing next to me, and the fact that I get to be a part of this rich history.”