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History of COMFIFTHFLT, MANAMA, BAHRAIN

The United States Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT), headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, operates as the United States Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT). Reactivated in 1995, the Fifth Fleet traces its origins to World War II operations in the Pacific but now focuses on the vital waters of the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. COMFIFTHFLT is responsible for ensuring maritime security, conducting joint and combined naval operations, and safeguarding the free flow of commerce in a region critical to global energy supplies. Over the years, it has played a key role in operations such as enforcing sanctions, counter-piracy, and supporting major campaigns including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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ABOUT COMFIFTHFLT, MANAMA, BAHRAIN

  • Establishment: The U.S. Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT) was originally established during World War II in 1944, but was disbanded after the war and reactivated in 1995 with its headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
  • Area of Responsibility: The Fifth Fleet’s area covers approximately 2.5 million square miles, including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean—one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.
  • Operation Earnest Will: In the late 1980s, predecessor U.S. naval forces in the region protected oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War under Operation Earnest Will, setting the stage for the Fifth Fleet’s modern mission.
  • Major Operations: The Fifth Fleet has played a key role in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011).
  • Naval Forces Central Command: COMFIFTHFLT is also dual-hatted as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), integrating Navy operations with other U.S. and allied forces in the region.
  • Bahrain Partnership: The strong partnership between the U.S. and Bahrain is exemplified by the fleet’s headquarters being located in Manama since 1995, with Bahrain hosting over 7,000 U.S. military personnel.
  • Historic Visits: U.S. Presidents, including George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have visited Fifth Fleet headquarters, highlighting its strategic importance.
  • Anti-Piracy Operations: The Fifth Fleet leads Combined Task Force 151, which combats piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, helping secure international shipping lanes.
  • Freedom of Navigation: The fleet regularly conducts Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-third of the world’s seaborne oil passes.
  • Multinational Exercises: Fifth Fleet routinely hosts major multinational naval exercises such as International Maritime Exercise (IMX) and the biennial Exercise Iron Magic, promoting regional maritime security cooperation.

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