Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 2nd Class Sharmesha Creamer, a Chicago, native, wanted to join the military after seeing the story of master chief Carl Brashear in the film Men of Honor.
Now, nine years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Creamer serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“The most exciting part of being here is seeing the different cultures and the interaction with the foreign militaries,” said Creamer.
Creamer, a graduate of Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, is a yeoman at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for all the administrative tasks for my unit at NAVCENT,” said Creamer.
Creamer credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Chicago.
“Working hard matters and you don’t always get instant gratification for your work, but it pays off when it matters,” said Creamer.
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.
“I ensure that all the necessary correspondence is sent out through the fleet,” said Creamer. “Also, I make sure that all personnel have their information up to date in their record,”
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.
“Adjusting to the weather has been a challenge, but I enjoy dealing with the different culture Bahrain has to offer,” said Creamer.
Serving in the Navy means Creamer 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, Creamer is most proud of receiving the military outstanding volunteer service medal.
“It took three years of hard work and dedication to earn this award,” said Creamer.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Creamer and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy provides stability and gives me a sense of pride knowing that I protect the freedom of those who mean the most to me,” said Creamer.
“The most exciting part of being here is seeing the different cultures and the interaction with the foreign militaries,” said Creamer.
Creamer, a graduate of Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, is a yeoman at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for all the administrative tasks for my unit at NAVCENT,” said Creamer.
Creamer credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Chicago.
“Working hard matters and you don’t always get instant gratification for your work, but it pays off when it matters,” said Creamer.
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.
“I ensure that all the necessary correspondence is sent out through the fleet,” said Creamer. “Also, I make sure that all personnel have their information up to date in their record,”
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.
“Adjusting to the weather has been a challenge, but I enjoy dealing with the different culture Bahrain has to offer,” said Creamer.
Serving in the Navy means Creamer 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, Creamer is most proud of receiving the military outstanding volunteer service medal.
“It took three years of hard work and dedication to earn this award,” said Creamer.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Creamer and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy provides stability and gives me a sense of pride knowing that I protect the freedom of those who mean the most to me,” said Creamer.