Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 1st Class Abdoulaye Samake, a Philadelphia native, grew up wanting to be like his dad, who was in the military in Mali, Africa.
Now, 10 years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Samake serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“It is a fast-paced command and has short turn arounds on billets,” said Samake.
Samake, a 2007 graduate of Temple University, is a personnel specialist at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for pay and personel transacitons,” said Samake. “My job is important because I ensure everyone's pay in correct.”
Samake credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Philadelphia.
“Growing up I learned patience and perseverance,” said Samake. “It took me a couple of exams to make rank, but I never gave up and worked hard to make it.”
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.
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 Samake 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, Samake is most proud of making first class petty officer.
“It took me a while and I put in a lot of extra studying and hard work,” said Samake.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Samake and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means everything, through the Navy I support my family,” said Samake.
“It is a fast-paced command and has short turn arounds on billets,” said Samake.
Samake, a 2007 graduate of Temple University, is a personnel specialist at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for pay and personel transacitons,” said Samake. “My job is important because I ensure everyone's pay in correct.”
Samake credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Philadelphia.
“Growing up I learned patience and perseverance,” said Samake. “It took me a couple of exams to make rank, but I never gave up and worked hard to make it.”
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.
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 Samake 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, Samake is most proud of making first class petty officer.
“It took me a while and I put in a lot of extra studying and hard work,” said Samake.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Samake and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means everything, through the Navy I support my family,” said Samake.