Shannon Renfroe

Shannon is a reporter and photographer for Stars and Stripes based in Manama, Bahrain, where she writes about military operations and current events. She has 23 years of experience as a Navy communications professional.

@ShannonStripes

renfroe.shannon@stripes.com

U.S. and Emirati forces survey the Arabian Fox Mast-13 drone boat Oct. 14, 2024, during exercise Iron Defender in the United Arab Emirates. Unmanned vessels were a focus of the 10-day bilateral exercise, which ended Thursday.

US Navy and UAE wrap up drone-focused drills in Persian Gulf

U.S. Navy and United Arab Emirates drone operations wrapped up Thursday after a 10-day exercise in the Persian Gulf, where Iran was hosting its own maritime showcase on the opposite side of the strategic waterway.

Scoop Creamery in Shakhurah, Bahrain, sells pints of its gelato through online ordering in addition to serving walk-in customers.

From chemistry to creamery: Bahrain’s bold gelato adventure

Cannons were used under Portuguese control of the Bahrain Fort in the 16th century. The Portuguese occupied Bahrain in 1521 and used it as part of their strategic defense.

Bahrain Fort’s museum delights with wonders both culinary and cultural

The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn sails alongside the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 11, 2024, during a replenishment-at-sea in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. Big Horn ran aground in Middle East waters Sept. 23, the Navy said.

Navy replenishment oiler runs aground in Middle East waters

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mark M. Phelps, the commanding officer of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, left, Staff Sgt. Francisco J. Rosario, a senior drill instructor with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, middle, Sgt. Maj. Gerardo E. Trevino, the sergeant major of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, right, and spouses, pose for a group photo during a volunteer appreciation event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, April 30, 2024. The event was held to show appreciation for the Marines, Sailors, and civilians that assisted with volunteer events across the Depot and the local communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)

Marine enlisted leader jailed last week faces domestic violence accusation

The Navy confirmed the arrest Monday but did not disclose the reason why Trevino, 38, was jailed after being fired from his post.

Melenzane in Manama, Bahrain, lets patrons customize pizzas. In the picture is a pepperoni and mushroom pizza with extra basil.

Melenzane has its moments, but pizza time isn’t one of them

Melenzane is in the new Avenues Mall at Harbor Gate in Bahrain Bay at the far end near the food court, and you can’t miss it. Its towering decor makes it look like it was pulled off the set of “Mad Max.” The name translates to “eggplant,” which perhaps explains why its salads might be a better option than its hot pies.

The commanding officer of the USS Cole, Cmdr. Tim Clark, was transferred earlier this week to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt for undisclosed medical reasons, the Navy said in a statement July 23, 2024.

Medical issue prompts transfer of USS Cole commander to aircraft carrier in Middle East

The commanding officer of a Navy destroyer in the Middle East was transferred earlier this week to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt for undisclosed medical reasons, according to the service.

Sailors man the rails of the USS Gerald R. Ford as they depart Naval Station Norfolk, Va., in June 2021.

Time-based promotion system for Navy’s junior sailors begins next week

A new Navy promotion system for junior enlisted sailors that will base advancement on time in the service will take effect Monday.

Sculptures made of white travertine line the walkway leading to the Bahrain National Museum in Manama.

Discover Bahrain’s heritage through a visit to its eclectic national museum

The collection at the Bahrain National Museum in Manama spans more than 6,000 years of the history of what is today Bahrain. The exhibits trace the island nation’s evolution from ancient civilization to its modern, thriving economic hub.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti meets with sailors during a tour of Task Force 59, at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Manama, Bahrain, June 4, 2024.

Navy focuses on rapidly changing battle technology, Franchetti says in Bahrain

The introduction of innovation units in more theaters and a greater emphasis on drones are among the ways the U.S. Navy is adapting to the rapidly changing character of war, the service’s top officer said.

An unmanned surface vehicle is loaded onto the littoral combat ship USS Canberra on April 23, 2024, at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., as part of the first embarkation of the mine countermeasures mission package. The Navy plans to deploy littoral combat ships to the Middle East for mine countermeasure operations.

LCS quartet being lined up by Navy for Middle East mine operations

The Navy is on track to homeport four Independence-class littoral combat ships in Bahrain next year as part of a new mine countermeasures force in the Middle East, service officials said.

The souk in Muharraq, Bahrain, has myriad shops offering everything from clothing and household goods to perfumes, spices and gold jewelry.

Muharraq souk is a bazaar binge with a plunge into Bahrain’s architectural revival

The souk on historic Muharraq Island, north of Manama, Bahrain, blends traditional market life and architectural innovation while underscoring Bahrain’s recent architectural revitalization to boost tourism.

Seaman William Hube explains the steering of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington to a group of Ukrainian children during a port visit in Riga, Latvia, in 2022. Sailors proficient in certain languages, including Ukrainian and Latvian, can earn a $500 bonus by qualifying under a Navy testing program outlined in an April 24 memo.

Russian, Thai among 14 languages that can earn sailors bonus cash

Sailors proficient in Russian or any one of 13 other high-demand languages may be able to add a one-time $500 bonus to their paycheck under a new Navy testing program.

Students at Bahrain Elementary, Middle and High School are set to return to their campus Sunday, nearly three weeks after the school was closed because of significant water damage from a major rainstorm that hit the Persian Gulf region April 15-16, 2024.

DODEA school in Bahrain reopens following damage from historic storm

Students at the Department of Defense Education Activity’s school in Bahrain are set to return to classrooms Sunday, nearly three weeks after water damage caused by torrential rainfall forced the campus in Juffair to close.

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