Naval Support Activity Bahrain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Naval Support Activity Bahrain | |
|---|---|
| , Bahrain | |
 Marines with Company A, Command Logistics Element, Marine Central Command, practice their speed and accuracy with M16-A2 service rifles |
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| Type | United States Navy Main Operating Base |
| Built | Refurbished in 1997 |
| In use | 1979-Present |
| Controlled by | United States |
| Garrison | U.S. Fifth Fleet |
| Commanders | U.S. Navy Captain John C. Oberst |
Naval Support Activity Bahrain (or NSA Bahrain) is a United States Navy base, situated in the Kingdom of Bahrain and is home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and United States Fifth Fleet. It is the primary base in the region for the naval and marine activities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). It is a former military instillation of the Royal Navy at which it changed hands to the U.S. government in the early 70's. NSA Bahrain's commander is "dual hatted" serving both as Commander Navy Region Southwest Asia whose responsibilities include NSA Bahrain and Camp Lemonier, and commanding officer for the NSA base. As a component command of Navy Region Southwest Asia, NSA Bahrain reports directly to them. Navy Region Southwest Asia then falls under the oversight of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) whom is commanded by a 3-star admiral. Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command is also "dual hatted" and serves and Commander, United States Fifth Fleet.
[edit] History
Although Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, as it is known today, has existed in its present form for slightly more than a decade, the continued United States presence in Juffair has evolved from the small detachments organized nearly 60 years ago into the modern infrastructure today, providing award-winning support through logistical, supply and protection as well as a world-class Navy Exchange facility and top-notch Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs to both United States Armed Forces and coalition assets.
Initially recognized as the U.S. Middle East Force in 1948, what was to become Naval Support Activity Bahrain began as a small continuous U.S. Navy presence, which later transformed into a small shore facility in Juffair, occupying Royal Navy territory while providing logistical and communications support to Marine Expeditionary vessels.
In 1971 permanent Royal Navy presence in Bahrain officially ended, and the United States Navy moved onto the ten acres previously occupied by British operations, which eight years later became known as Administrative Support Unit Bahrain.
The facility remained known as this until 1992, when, in an effort to more accurately reflect the increasing role and mission of United States Navy activities in the region, the organization became known as Administrative Support Unit Southwest Asia.
In 1997, under the aegis of the Military Construction Program, facilities located in Juffair saw an increased buildup, resulting in what is known today as Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
While constant rehabilitation of existing buildings, construction of new facilities and an aesthetic overhaul of the facilities known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain are always ongoing, the mission of the organization has never changed - to provide top-notch service and unparalleled support to the thousands of United States Navy and Coalition Sailors and ships using the facilities here each year.
