WASHINGTON - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith traveled to Manama, Bahrain, Jan. 13-14 to meet with senior Bahrain leadership as well as forward-deployed Sailors in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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SLIDESHOW | images | 210113-N-XG173-1316 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 210113-N-XG173-1199 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 210114-N-CR843-0179 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 210114-N-CR843-0167 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 210113-N-XG173-1476 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2020) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Maritza Dominguez in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, meets with the female divisional officers aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Victoria Jacobs, a naval flight officer assigned to the “Fighting Tigers'' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 14, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Lt. Bradley Borosak, a pilot assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a tour of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 14, 2021. CTF-57 operates maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 13, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, left, speaks with Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Odera Weaks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points critical to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aja Bleu Jackson)

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During his visit, Gilday met with His Royal Highness Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa.

“Bahrain is a valued and trusted defense partner, a crucial friend, and we greatly value the contributions and capabilities that they bring to regional security,” Gilday said. “Our relationship with Bahrain continues to grow across the board, and we cooperate on a wide range of issues at the highest levels.”
 
At Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Gilday and Smith met with U.S. 5th Fleet leadership, and were briefed on Combined Maritime Forces operations by representatives from the 33-partner nations. Gilday and Smith also visited Sailors deployed to Bahrain and aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) at sea, and spoke with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group leadership by phone during the trip.
 
“I’ve spoken with Nimitz Strike Group Leadership and they understand the mission, expectations, and why they are needed in the region right now,” Gilday said. “Nimitz’s presence in the region highlights that there is a demand for maritime forces across the globe and the U. S. Navy is meeting that demand.”
 
Smith said that Sailors here demonstrate the very best of the U. S. Navy.
 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our forward-deployed Sailors here in 5th Fleet,” Smith said. “The work they do every day helps us provide security and stability and demonstrates a maritime combat prowess that gives any potential adversary pause.”

This visit by Gilday and Smith has been long-planned to meet with deployed Sailors and Bahrain officials who graciously host the U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.