Naval Support Activity Bahrain showcased its mission of serving as the single U.S. naval installation in the Arabian Gulf during a visit by the top commander of the shore enterprise.

Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), visited NSA Bahrain Sep. 11-13 as part of her assessment of the Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) installations.

"As the shore enterprise, we articulate readiness for the warfighter," said Jackson. "We have to look at things holistically, and we have to learn at a high velocity, as the CNO states in the Design for Maritime Superiority."

This was Jackson's first visit to the region after taking command of CNIC earlier this year. She was accompanied by Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander of Region EURAFSW, during her visit to the Bahrain.

Williamson highlighted that while Region EURAFSWA is "different, it is not special." The region is different due to its a geographic area that spans across three continents and three geographic combatant commands, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf and from Northern Europe into Africa. Region EURAFSWA, however, is not special because the shore enterprise and its installations are "force multipliers, supporting the operations of ships, aircraft and personnel while supporting their families ashore," Williamson said.

Williamson also explained he operates his bases according to the eight lines of operation that are similar to a ship. The eight lines of operation include air operations, port operations, safety, security, MWR, Fleet and Family Services, and what is called the core - the fuels, water and power that keep the bases running.

"The installations are our platforms and I employ them like a strike group commander," he said. "Like a destroyer, cruiser or carrier, our installations deliver a combat capability, and to do that we have to provide the fuel, water, electricity, and support to the various combatant commanders' and fleet commanders' objectives throughout our area of operations."

Jackson's visit enabled Williamson to demonstrate how the bases in this region are growing and uniquely equipped to establish strong host nation partnerships, deter conflict, and prepare to successfully engage and win should the need arise to fight.

"If we build relationships, we can build understanding and trust," said Williamson.

During the visit, Jackson and Williamson toured all of NSA Bahrain, including life support areas, the aviation unit, and waterfront. Jackson saw the construction going on across the base, including an extensive waterfront project that will enable an additional hull types to pull into NSA Bahrain and increase the base's pier capacity.

NSA Bahrain is the home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. As the persistent shore presence in the Arabian Gulf, NSA Bahrain provides an operational platform for U.S., allied, and partner nations to have a forward deployed naval force ready to be where they are needed, when they are needed to secure security and stability in the region.


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