Royal Navy Opens Base in Bahrain

On Friday, the Royal Navy formally opened its new naval support facility in a ceremony at Mina Salman port in Bahrain. The facility will play a central role in the UK’s ability to operate in the region, and it will be the hub of the Royal Navy’s operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

“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," said defense secretary Gavin Williamson. “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."

The facility will provide a key strategic base east of Suez for Britain, its allies and coalition partners. It will provide a self-sufficient operating base capable of meeting the needs of any British warship operating in the region, including Britain’s new aircraft carriers, the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. It will be home to just over 300 British military personnel and supporting civilians, and accommodates up to nearly 550 people for short periods.

The 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.

"With the opening of this base, the UK’s presence in Bahrain and the wider Gulf is guaranteed into the future, ensuring Britain’s sustained deployment east of Suez," said General Sir Chris Deverell. “In meeting HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa today, I thanked him for the continued support from Bahrain which enables us to operate in the Gulf region.”

Bahrain is longstanding British ally and both countries work closely across diplomatic, economic and security matters.