Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Gustave, a Valley Stream, New York, native, wanted to travel and see the world.
“It is exciting being in the middle east and managing military and personal goals at the same time,” said Gustave.
Gustave, a graduate of Greater New York Academy, is an operations specialist at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I manage combat systems that we use to monitor the Middle East tactical picture,” said Gustave.
Gustave credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Valley Stream.
“Growing up I learned to take ownership when I make a mistake,” said Gustave. “I always strive to be better and learn from my mistakes.”
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.
“Without managing the combat picture, we take away our eyes and ears in the Middle East,” said Gustave. “You lose the ability to make tactical decisions.”
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.
“I really enjoy the culture and getting to travel,” said Gustave.
Serving in the Navy means Gustave 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, Gustave is most proud of teaching himself computer coding and creating a game.
“Despite the hectic schedule at 5th fleet, I was able to go to school and improve myself,” said Gustave.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Gustave and other Sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Being in the Navy means the opportunity to constantly learn about myself,” said Gustave. “It also puts me in an environment where I am pushed to succeed, no matter how difficult the challenge is.”