NSA Bahrain CPO Selectees Hold Stirring 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

MANAMA, Bahrain— Chief petty officer selectees from various commands at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on September 11.

The ceremony commenced with the parading of colors, the national anthem, and an invocation. It then featured the reading of first responder testimonials, a ceremonial flag passing, and the timeline recount of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Rear Adm. Matt Kawas, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, highlighted the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. Navy and American life.

“Thank you, first and foremost for being here today and remembering,” said Kawas. “Remembering it’s been 23 years since that fateful day. 23 years since four commercial airlines crashed into the Twin Towers in New York, in a field in Pennsylvania, and into the Pentagon, changing the trajectory of our nation. 23 years since naval ships executing one set of missions were suddenly redirected,” said Kawas. “The world felt like it was moving 100 miles a minute in those first few uncertain weeks, but we are a resilient Naval force. We grew. We adapted. We persevered.”

Kawas extended gratitude to NSA Bahrain personnel and their partner nations for their dedication to maritime security and regional stability.

“Exercising vigilance, performing deterrence, and establishing enduring partnerships: these are what prevent another 9/11 from happening,” stated Kawas. “Our work here honors those lives lost, both on 9/11 and the 23 years since. You all make a difference, and we continue to make a difference every day right here in 5th Fleet because we have been looking forward, remain looking forward, remain engaged, and most importantly, remain ready.”

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer of NSA Bahrain, elaborated on the installation’s strategic importance in 2001 and the personnel’s response to support heightened operations in the region.

“This base transformed to the center of gravity in the war on terror; CENTCOM’s [Central Command] main operation base in the AOR [area of responsibility]. They didn’t have everything we have now, but what they had was something far more important; the unbreakable spirit to serve; to protect; to fight back, and to honor their duty,” said Aperauch. “Here, at one of the most strategically vital installations on the planet, we are called to stand the watch in times of uncertainty. Tensions are high, the stakes are great, and, just like on that day before, today may feel like any other day, but we know that tomorrow can change everything.”

Aperauch emphasized the resilience and courage demonstrated by first responders and military personnel after the 9/11 attacks, urging everyone to embody their determination.

“This day isn’t just about remembering what we lost; it’s about remembering what we found,” Aperauch stated. “Our sense of duty, our commitment to each other, our unwavering resolve to never forget. So today, let’s recommit ourselves to that same spirit of service and sacrifice. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by ensuring we are always prepared to defend what is right and just. And let us never forget the price of our freedom.”

NSA Bahrain supports U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area. The base provides security for ships, aircraft, and tenant units, along with essential shore services to sustain the fleet, support the fighter, and uphold the family with honor, courage, and commitment.