An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | March 4, 2020

Crown Prince of Bahrain visits NAVCENT

By By U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

The Crown Prince of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, visited U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the U.K. led  International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) Task Force SENTINEL on Naval Support Activity Bahrain, March 3.

During his visit Crown Prince Salman toured NAVCENT and the IMSC headquarters to discuss U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition partner operations.

"It was a great honor to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to the headquarters of Naval Forces Central Command," said Vice Adm. Jim Malloy, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet. "Our partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain is deep and enduring, and is based on a long history of friendship, trust, and a shared commitment to regional security. Under the steadfast leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince, Bahrain continues to lead and pace regional efforts in the critical and collaborative work to protect and defend this vital region."

During his visit to NAVCENT the Crown Prince received an operations and intelligence brief, and also toured the IMSC’s operations center where he spoke with the commander, Royal Navy Commodore James Parkin.

“Our partnership with Bahrain is crucial,” said Parkin. “Welcoming Bahrain’s Crown Prince and sharing our mission with him emphasizes the significance of what this coalition of nations is doing to deter state-sponsored malign activity and provide all mariners with a sense of assurance and security.”

The multinational IMSC deploys advanced capabilities through the region as part of a surveillance and detection effort, leading to de-escalation and deterrence through transparency. The IMSC ensures freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in international waters throughout the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Oman.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.

-30-

For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

011-973-1785-4562 or navcentpao@me.navy.mil