Royal Navy opens Naval Support Facility in Bahrain

A new naval support facility in Bahrain for Royal Navy operations was officially opened in a ceremony on April 5.

The facility will be the hub of the Royal Navy’s operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

The base will be capable of meeting the needs of British warships operating in the region including the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

The carriers, or any other ships, will not be able to come alongside as the facility has no dry docks. The facility is designed to support operations by providing accommodation, admin, workshop and warehouses.

It will be home to just over 300 British military personnel and supporting civilians, and accommodates up to nearly 550 for short periods. The facility will also provide a key strategic base east of Suez for Britain, its allies and coalition partners.

The opening ceremony was attended by General Sir Chris Deverell Commander of the UK’s Joint Forces Command, Commodore Steve Dainton United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC) and Prince Andrew Duke of York as well as HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Field Marshal Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.

“Our Armed Forces are the face of Global Britain and our presence in Bahrain will play a vital role in keeping Britain safe as well as underpinning security in the Gulf,” UK defense secretary Gavin Williamson said.

“Britain is a major player on the world stage and this new Naval Support Facility will help us tackle the growing threats to our nation wherever they are across the globe and protecting our way of life.”