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	080113-N-9852I-002 BAHRAIN (Jan.13, 2008) President George W. Bush speaks with Chief Information Systems Technician Juston Geigley, from Houston, Texas, and Gunnery Sgt. Stuart Salazar, from San Angelo, Texas, while at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. NSA Bahrain is the home of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet headquarters. Bush met with service members representing more than 25,000 Sailors serving in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Bahrain is the third stop of his Middle East peace-seeking tour. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert G. Inverso (Released)
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President Bush Visits Sailors in Bahrain
Story Number: NNS080113-02
1/13/2008

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- President George W. Bush was greeted by applauding Sailors at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, home of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/5th Fleet headquarters Jan. 13, marking the first visit to the island by a U.S. president.

Bush enjoyed breakfast with a representative group of the 25,000 Sailors serving in Bahrain and the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). Afterward, he spoke to the troops and took time to greet each individual.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, I want thank you for your service to your country," Bush said. "I am in the presence of some of the finest men and women that our country has to offer."

Bush previously visited Israel, the Palestinian territories and Kuwait before arriving in Bahrain and will continue his tour of the Middle East with visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

NAVCENT/5th Fleet's mission is to conduct and support Maritime Security Operations in the region; perform visit, board, search and seizure; protect key infrastructure nodes; deter and disrupt piracy; assist mariners in distress; provide humanitarian assistance and conduct combat operations.

NAVCENT/5th Fleet's AOO encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Operations in the 5th Fleet AOO are focused on reassuring regional partners of the Coalition's commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy.

The flexibility and capability of U.S. and coalition countries make them well positioned to respond to any potential emergent situations. Through operations and training with regional partners, NAVCENT/5th Fleet forces enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional countries' struggles against violent extremists.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.