Monday, April 22, 2019

Columbia Native Patrols Middle East Maritime Region

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David R. Finley Jr., Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer Second Class Melvin Bell, a Columbia, South Carolina, native wanted to join the Navy to pursue a degree and start his career in a positive way.

Now, seven years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Bell keeps watch aboard the cyclone-class coastal patrol ship (PC), USS Typhoon, patrolling one of the world’s most dynamic maritime region as the leading-edge of the Navy.

“One of the most challenging things we face as a small crew is having to cross train,” said Bell. “It can be difficult to learn assignments outside of your specialty, but it provides us with the opportunity to become better sailors.”

Bell, a 2011 graduate of Blythewood High School, is a gunners mate aboard the Manama, Bahrain-based ship, one of 10 PCs forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf in the Navy’s 5th Fleet.

“As a gunners mate, I am responsible for all the weapons and magazine sprinkler systems onboard the ship,” said Bell.

Bell credits success in the coastal patrol force, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Columbia.

“Watching my community work together to overcome adversity has helped me throughout my career,” said Bell. “I also have applied the hard work and discipline instilled by my family.”

USS Typhoon is 179 feet long, 25 feet wide and weighs nearly 320 tons. Four diesel engines help push the ship through water at 40 miles per hour. [ship name] is perfectly suited for the complex waters of the Arabian Gulf, where over 80 percent of maritime security operations take place in less than 39 feet of water. The ship’s light tonnage, powerful propulsion plants and shallow draft mean it can move nimbly in crowded coastal waters.

This platform is also used to escort larger ships such as destroyers, protect infrastructure like oil platforms and distilling platforms, and frequently participates in exercises with regional partners.

The PCs operate under U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 55, responsible for surface ships in the region. 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.

“Being so far away from home can be difficult,” said Bell. “It is important to establish a good routine and find things to keep yourself busy.”

Serving in the Navy means Bell 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.


“I’m incredibly proud to serve with each of our Sailors, Coastguardsmen and Marines forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations,” said Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, deputy commander for NAVCENT/ U.S. 5th Fleet. “They represent the very best of our country and serve as volunteers in a complex and dynamic region that’s vital to our security. I am honored to work alongside these warriors.”

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, Bell is most proud of mentoring younger sailors.

“I enjoy being able to share my story and pass down life lessons to junior sailors,” said Bell.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bell 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 an honor to serve in the Navy,” said Bell. “I feel a sense of responsibility to represent the Navy in the highest regards.”