More than five hundred Sailors serving in the Navy's most operationally active theater celebrated the 240th Navy Birthday during the Navy Birthday Ball at the Art Rotana Hotel here, Oct. 10.

Bahrain is home to the U.S. 5th Fleet which is currently leading the Navy's role supporting operations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

The ceremony began with remarks by Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces, who highlighted the importance of forward presence and its effect on regional partnerships.

"We have a saying in the Navy: 'you can't surge trust'," said Donegan. "You have to earn trust. Our Navy has operated forward here in the Arabian Gulf for over six decades. We enjoy a strong bond of friendship with the Kingdom of Bahrain and other nations across the Middle East and southwest Asia."

The evening's guest speaker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain William Roebuck, praised Sailors for their significant contributions and sacrifices.

"Tonight we are here to celebrate the birthday of America's Navy and 240 years of service to our great nation and for the cause of freedom," said Roebuck. "Many of you have come to Bahrain from halfway around the world leaving behind family and friends in order to defend America's interests in this vital part of the world. I feel privileged to be here to serve with you and I thank all of you for your service to our country."

The Navy Ball is held worldwide in celebration of the Navy's birthday on Oct. 13, 1775. These events provide Sailors and their guests the opportunity to remember and celebrate the accomplishments of the U.S. Navy throughout its history.


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