NSA Bahrain

• Strategic Location: NSA Bahrain, or Naval Support Activity Bahrain, is the United States Navy's primary base in the Persian Gulf, strategically located in Manama, Bahrain. It serves as the headquarters for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Fifth Fleet. • Historic Roots: The U.S. military presence in Bahrain dates back to 1948, when a U.S. Navy team established a small communications post to support regional operations. • Expansion after 1971: Following Bahrain’s independence from Britain in 1971, the U.S. formalized its military presence, eventually leading to the establishment and massive expansion of NSA Bahrain. • Home of the Fifth Fleet: The U.S. Fifth Fleet, responsible for naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, has been headquartered at NSA Bahrain since 1995. • Multi-National Hub: NSA Bahrain supports not only U.S. forces but also regularly hosts ships and personnel from allied navies, including the UK, Australia, and France, especially during coalition operations. • Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, NSA Bahrain played a pivotal role as a logistics and command hub for U.S. and coalition naval operations against Iraq. • Massive Upgrades: In the 2000s and 2010s, NSA Bahrain underwent significant expansion, adding new piers, barracks, schools, and family facilities, transforming it from a small support detachment into a major overseas base. • First Female Commanding Officer: In 2019, Captain Amy Bauernschmidt became the first woman to assume command of NSA Bahrain, marking a milestone in the base's history. • Supporting Regional Security: NSA Bahrain is crucial in anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and ensuring the free flow of commerce through strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. • Cultural Diplomacy: The base regularly engages in community outreach and cultural exchange events with the Bahraini public, strengthening U.S.–Bahrain relations beyond military cooperation.