Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 3rd Class Mohammed Aboharb, a Syria, Damascus, native, joined the Navy to give back to his country.
“My family is from Syria, but we are Americans,” said Aboharb. "In order for me to assist my country, I joined the military.”
Now, two years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Aboharb serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“The biggest challenge is being away from my family,” said Aboharb. “The heat is the next most difficult thing, but it is exciting speaking with locals because they are so happy and will in turn make you happy.”
Aboharb, a graduate of Blue Water Middle College, is a master-at-arms at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“Master-at-arms provide the Navy with security specialists who perform anti-terrorism force protection, physical security and law enforcement deputies on land and at sea,” said Aboharb.
Aboharb credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Syria.
“I am fortunate to have a background in foregin language skills,” said Aboharb. “I use Arabic to translate for Navy personnel daily.”
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 Aboharb 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, Aboharb is most proud of the work performed every day.
“I provide anit-terrorism measures and conduct background investigations on a daily basis,” said. Aboharb. “In addition to talking and translating for our Navy, this is very fulfilling professionally.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Aboharb 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 has given me something to be proud of and just having the opportunity to serve is an achievement I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Aboharb.
Now, two years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Aboharb serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“The biggest challenge is being away from my family,” said Aboharb. “The heat is the next most difficult thing, but it is exciting speaking with locals because they are so happy and will in turn make you happy.”
Aboharb, a graduate of Blue Water Middle College, is a master-at-arms at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“Master-at-arms provide the Navy with security specialists who perform anti-terrorism force protection, physical security and law enforcement deputies on land and at sea,” said Aboharb.
Aboharb credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Syria.
“I am fortunate to have a background in foregin language skills,” said Aboharb. “I use Arabic to translate for Navy personnel daily.”
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 Aboharb 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, Aboharb is most proud of the work performed every day.
“I provide anit-terrorism measures and conduct background investigations on a daily basis,” said. Aboharb. “In addition to talking and translating for our Navy, this is very fulfilling professionally.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Aboharb 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 has given me something to be proud of and just having the opportunity to serve is an achievement I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Aboharb.