Manama, JUly 25: Bahrain-based US military staff members have started welcoming back family members after a ban on their presence in Manama was lifted by the US authorities.
“The return of families to Bahrain will enhance the quality of life here for our service members and Department of Defence civilians,” said Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, at the first town hall meeting at the US Naval Support Activity (NSA) in Manama held to welcome back families of US service members who have already come to Bahrain and to inform them of the programmes and services NSA Bahrain has to offer.
“It also speaks to the security and stability of the region and highlights our country’s enduring commitment to Bahrain, a country and a people who have been tremendously supportive of our Navy and the US for decades,” he said.
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All family members were authorised to return to Bahrain on June 29, marking a change in the defence department’s policy that has been in place since July 2004 when all family personnel were ordered to leave amid concerns about a terror attack in Bahrain.
The US never explained publicly the nature of the threat, and Bahrain, shocked by the US decision, launched a massive lobbying campaign led by Crown Prince Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa to reverse the move. Shaikh Salman was informed during his June visit to Washington that the families would be allowed to return.
Captain John D. Schoeneck, NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer, said it was important to coordinate the Town Hall Meeting to address and compile the many questions family members had as well as offering the opportunity to impart much of the needed information about life in Bahrain.
Schoeneck said that the addition of family members offers a real benefit to the command.
–Agencies–