Location
NSA Bahrain is located in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Middle East, within the archipelago Persian Gulf, and east of Saudi Arabia. NSA Bahrain covers the busiest 60 acres in the world. We provide services and support to ships at sea, remote sites throughout the region, and military and civilian personnel living in Bahrain.
History
The British Navy established a naval installation known as HMS JUFFAIR on April 13, 1935, in the area where NSA is located today. The British treaty expired in 1971, and Bahrain became totally independent. The United States, through agreement with the Bahraini government, took over part of HMS Juffair in 1992. When the U. S. acquired the HMS Juffair site, the command title changed to Administrative Support Unit (ASU), Southwest Asia. The title reflected the new mission of supporting ships and remote sites throughout the area of responsibility. In 2000, the command title changed to Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
Mission
The mission of NSA Bahrain is to provide Operational Support to U.S. and Coalition Forces operating throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Naval Support Activity Bahrain operates and sustains superior facilities and services for its tenant commands, their deployed assets and military members, DOD civilian personnel and dependents living in Bahrain, and provides security to ships, aircraft, detachments, and remote sites throughout the region.
Population Served
NSA Bahrain is home to approximately 4,400 military personnel and DoD Civilian employees assigned to NSA Bahrain and 78 Tenant Commands, as well as Joint and Coalition Forces.
Base Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
Sponsorship
Military personnel reporting to NSA Bahrain should contact the NSA Bahrain Sponsor Coordinator at either of the following numbers, 011-973-1785-4088 or DSN 318-439-4088. Please note that the NSA Bahrain workweek is Sunday – Thursday, 7:30 – 4:30, plus 8 hours EST. The Sponsor Coordinator will tell you how to contact your sponsor. Your sponsor can provide all pertinent information to assist you in relocating to NSA Bahrain. If your flight is delayed and you cannot contact your sponsor, call NSA Bahrain’s ACDO 011-973-3943-2187 or CDO 011-973-3940-3877. If you arrive early and need assistance please call these same numbers.
Temporary Quarters
E5-E9 and Officers are expected to spend their first night and up to 45 days at a local hotel until they find a flat or villa. Prior to checking in the hotel off base all military/DoD civilian personnel are required to get the non-availability stamp from Transient Quarters (TQ). Reservations can be made in advance by contacting the Housing Welcome Center at 011-973-1785-2100/3372 or DSN 318-439-2100/3372.
Relocation Assistance
The Relocation Assistance Program is a comprehensive program that supports military personnel and DOD Civilian employees assigned to NSA Bahrain. The program offers a Newcomer Orientation that includes Inter-Cultural Relations programs and classes. For more information about Relocation Services, contact the RAP directly from stateside 011-973-1785-9796 or DSN 318-439-9796.
Critical Installation Information
Passports/Visas
All active duty military personnel are required to have an official passport prior to arrival in Bahrain. Official (No-Fee) passports will be issued through your Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). Do not delay, it is critical that you have an official passport plan early. Passport application can take as long as two months. The Kingdom of Bahrain requires a visa for all personnel entering the country. All service members and DOD Civilians should ensure they have a “no fee” passport in their possession prior to the move.
Civilian Attire/Dress Code
U.S. personnel and their families must be aware of local sensitivities and cultural values in order to minimize the impact of U.S. military presence and reduce, to the maximum extent possible, any potential host-nation friction. Unless otherwise directed in writing by higher authority, all U.S. Navy personnel attached to COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT units and family members must adhere to the requirement of General Order OPORD 1000-10 (U).
It is impossible to cover all combinations of attire. The goal is to blend with the local environment and not draw undue attention to yourself. Civilian attire will present a neat, conservative appearance. Clothing will be loose fitting and concealing. Neither males nor females shall wear shirts or blouses of sheer fabric that could be considered revealing. Long pants are required between sunset and sunrise in all hotels, restaurants and clubs without exception (excluding fast food restaurants). Capri and cropped pants are considered long pants for women. Casual shorts will not be more than 2 inches above the knee for both male and female. Conservative slacks, denim pants (jeans), skirts, dresses, or shorts and collared shirts are generally acceptable. Shirts or ball caps with military, political, religious, musical, or heavy metal logos should not be worn.
During the celebration of Ramadan, the wearing of physical training attire and casual shorts will be modified to require full leg coverage, i.e. sweat pants/jeans; complete arm covering is also recommended in public.
Traditional host-nation male attire (thobe and guttra) and female attire (abaya) shall not be worn by U.S. personnel or family members.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator DSN: 318-439-4000 011-973-1785-4000
American Embassy 011-973-1785-3300 /011-973-1785-5126 Fax: 011-973-1785-2594
Bahrain DoDDS School 011-973-1772-7828
Billeting Office 011-973-1785-4716 DSN: 318-439-4716
Combined Bachelor Housing / Sentinal Hall Temporary Quarters 011-973-1785-4107 DSN: 318-439-4107
Dental 011-973-1785-4325 DSN: 318-439-4325
Disbursing and Check Cashing 011-973-1785-4300 DSN: 318-439-4300
Housing Welcome Center 011-973-1785-4104 DSN: 318-439-4104
Inprocessing-Military Personnel Support Office 011-973-1785-4376 Fax: 011-973-1785-4071 DSN: 318-439-4376 DSN Fax: 318-439-4071
Medical Clinic 011-973-1785-4260 Fax: 011-973-1785-4860 DSN: 318-439-4260 DSN Fax: 318-439-4860