Nsa Bahrain: A Massive Military Presence In The Middle East

NSA Bahrain, or Naval Support Activity Bahrain, is a United States Navy base located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Covering 60 acres, it is home to around 4,400 military personnel and DoD Civilian employees, as well as 78 Tenant Commands and Joint and Coalition Forces. The base has a rich history, with the British Navy first establishing a naval installation in the area, known as HMS Juffair, in 1935. The site was transferred to the U.S. government in 1971 and today, NSA Bahrain provides logistical, supply, and protection support to both the United States Armed Forces and coalition assets.

NSA Bahrain's history

NSA Bahrain, or the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, is a United States Navy base situated in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is home to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the United States Fifth Fleet. The base covers 60 acres and provides services and support to ships at sea, remote sites in the region, and military and civilian personnel based in Bahrain.

The history of NSA Bahrain dates back to the early presence of the British Royal Navy in the Persian Gulf. In the 1820s, the rulers of Bahrain signed an agreement with the British to curb piracy in the region, which was a significant threat to British shipping and trade routes. This agreement was further strengthened in 1835 to specifically address piracy and the slave trade.

In 1935, the British Navy established a permanent base in Bahrain known as HMS Juffair, located in Mina Salman. During World War II, the base was bombed by the Italian Air Force as part of the Axis Forces' efforts to cut off Allied Forces' oil supply. As a result, the United States Navy was invited to deploy a small detachment to the region. After World War II, in 1948, the US posting was recognized as the U.S. Middle East Force, providing logistical and communications support to Marine Expeditionary vessels.

In 1971, Bahrain gained independence from the British Empire, and the Royal Navy's permanent presence in Bahrain came to an end. The USN took over the entire site, and in 1979, the location was named the Administrative Support Unit (ASU) Bahrain. This name change reflected the mission of supporting ships and remote sites in the area. In 1992, the command title was changed again to Administrative Support Unit Southwest Asia to more accurately reflect the increasing role of US Navy activities in the region.

The base underwent significant expansion in 2003, following the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, a large food court, the "Freedom Souq," and an expanded Navy Exchange were opened to enhance morale and welfare support for service members and tenant commands. Between 2010 and 2015, the Navy embarked on a $580-million project to double the size of the facility, including new utility buildings, port operations expansions, and improved infrastructure for personnel.

The base's size

NSA Bahrain, or Naval Support Activity Bahrain, is a United States Navy base located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the Middle East. It is situated within the archipelago of the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. The base covers 60 acres, making it one of the busiest naval bases in the world.

The site was originally established by the British Royal Navy as HMS Jufair in 1935. During World War II, the US Navy deployed a small detachment to the site, and in 1971, with Bahrain's independence from British rule, the USN took over the entire 40,000 square metre (or 10-acre) site. In 1992, the base was renamed Administrative Support Unit Southwest Asia, reflecting its mission to support ships and remote sites in the area. In 2000, the base was given its current name, Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

In 2003, the base began expanding in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in 2006, a large food court and an expanded Navy Exchange were opened to enhance morale and welfare for service members and tenant commands. In 2010, the US Navy embarked on a significant expansion project, aiming to double the size of the 62-acre facility. The expansion included a new perimeter wall, utility buildings, a harbour patrol facility, a small-craft basin, new barracks, a dining facility, and a renovated recreation centre, among other improvements.

Today, NSA Bahrain is home to approximately 4,400 military personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian employees, as well as 78 Tenant Commands and Joint and Coalition Forces. The base provides operational support to US and Coalition Forces operating in the CENTCOM area, offering superior facilities and services. It also provides security and support to ships at sea, remote sites, and military and civilian personnel based in Bahrain.

Personnel and tenants

NSA Bahrain is home to around 4,400 military personnel and DoD civilian employees, as well as 78 Tenant Commands, Joint and Coalition Forces. The base supports tenant commands, deployed assets, military members, and DoD civilian personnel and dependents living in Bahrain. It also provides security to ships, aircraft, detachments, and remote sites throughout the region.

The base's mission is to provide operational support to U.S. and Coalition Forces operating throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility. This includes logistical, supply, and protection support, as well as a Navy Exchange facility and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs. The base also operates and sustains superior facilities and services for its tenant commands.

NSA Bahrain is the primary base in the region for naval and marine activities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It was also a key base for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and its successor, Operation New Dawn (OND), until the end of the Iraq War.

The base covers 60 acres and is located in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Middle East, within the Persian Gulf archipelago and east of Saudi Arabia. It is situated on the original territory of the British Royal Navy base known as HMS Jufair, which was established on 13 April 1935. The U.S. presence at the site was established during World War II, and the site was officially transferred to the U.S. government in 1971 when Bahrain gained its independence from the British Empire.

The relocation process

NSA Bahrain is a United States Navy base situated in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is home to around 4,400 military personnel, DoD Civilian employees, and 78 Tenant Commands, as well as Joint and Coalition Forces. The base covers 60 acres and is responsible for providing operational support to ships at sea, as well as remote sites and personnel throughout the region.

If you are relocating to NSA Bahrain, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, all active-duty military personnel are required to have an official passport prior to their arrival in Bahrain. The process of obtaining an official passport can take up to two months, so it is important to plan ahead. Additionally, the Kingdom of Bahrain requires a visa for all personnel entering the country, so make sure you have the necessary documentation before you move.

When you first arrive at NSA Bahrain, you will need to contact the NSA Bahrain Sponsor Coordinator to get more information about your relocation. They can provide you with pertinent information and assist you in finding temporary housing if needed. E5-E9 and Officers are expected to spend their first night and up to 45 days in a local hotel while they look for more permanent accommodation. Prior to checking into an off-base hotel, all military/DoD civilian personnel are required to get a non-availability stamp from Transient Quarters (TQ). You can make reservations in advance by contacting the Housing Welcome Center.

Another important aspect of relocating to NSA Bahrain is understanding the local culture and dress code. U.S. personnel and their families are expected to be respectful of local sensitivities and cultural values to minimise the impact of the U.S. military presence. The goal is to blend in with the local environment and not draw undue attention to yourself. Conservative and loose-fitting clothing is generally recommended, and it is important to be mindful of the dress requirements during the celebration of Ramadan.

Finally, it is worth noting that NSA Bahrain offers a comprehensive Relocation Assistance Program that supports military personnel and DoD Civilian employees. This program includes a Newcomer Orientation with Inter-Cultural Relations programs and classes to help ease the transition to life at NSA Bahrain.

Dress code guidelines

NSA Bahrain, a United States Navy base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has a strict dress code that all US personnel and their families must adhere to in order to respect local sensitivities and cultural values. The aim is to blend in with the local environment and not draw undue attention to oneself. Here are the dress code guidelines:

• Civilian attire should be neat, conservative, and loose-fitting.
• Clothing should be concealing. Sheer fabric that could be considered revealing is not permitted for both males and females.
• Long pants are mandatory between sunset and sunrise in all hotels, restaurants, and clubs, excluding fast-food restaurants. Capri and cropped pants are considered acceptable for women.
• Shorts should not be more than 2 inches above the knee for both men and women.
• Conservative slacks, denim pants (jeans), skirts, dresses, or shorts, and collared shirts are generally acceptable.
• Shirts or ball caps with military, political, religious, musical, or heavy metal logos should be avoided.
• During Ramadan, physical training attire and casual shorts should be replaced with full leg coverage, such as sweatpants or jeans. Complete arm covering is also recommended in public.
• Traditional host-nation male attire (thobe and guttra) and female attire (abaya) shall not be worn by US personnel or family members.

Frequently asked questions