Congressional Delegation Meets With US Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Smith, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Members of a Congressional delegation (CODEL) visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain to meet with Sailors serving in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Area of Responsibility (AOR) during an informal luncheon held in the NSA Bahrain Freedom Souq Aug. 4.

U.S. Reps. Gene Taylor, Joe Wilson, Madeleine Bordallo Michael Conaway, Glenn Nye III and Mark Critz, all members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, spoke with Sailors and thanked them for their service.

Taylor said this was a great opportunity to spend some time with Sailors and hear there concerns.

"There are some very impressive Sailors in this region and they are doing a remarkable job," he said. "They seem aware of the threat and do an incredible job every day."

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cary Salas, assigned to the NSA Bahrain Harbor Patrol Unit, was one of the Sailors who had the opportunity to have lunch with the CODEL. He said the visit gave him the chance to talk with Bordallo about issues concerning not only Guam, but also the U.S. Navy.

"This is the second time I've met her and she is doing good things for Guam," he said. "She really cares about the people there and our future. She is very aware of our needs and is pushing forward with putting Guam in the limelight."

CODEL members also met with senior NAVCENT/5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces leadership, toured the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) and had the opportunity to talk with embarked Sailors.

CODEL members said Sailors are an integral part of the mission in this region. They are traveling throughout the U.S. Central Command AOR to meet with service members and military leaders.