A groundbreaking ceremony of a multi-million dollar project that will address the living conditions of US sailors deployed in the kingdom was held at the Fifth Fleet in Juffair.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) Bahrain – which is the engineering arm of the US Navy’s Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command – and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain broke ground recently on a $15.8 million renovation of housing facilities for unaccompanied sailors (without dependents).
The project aligns with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s Barracks Task Force formed last month to address substandard living conditions.
Mr Hegseth, in a video posted on the Secretary of War’s X account, highlighted the shabby conditions of barracks without basic amenities for sailors, and called on the task force to develop a department-wide investment plan for housing improvements and report its progress to him within 30 days.
He spoke about clogged showers, sewage overflows in restrooms, brown tap water, mold growth, and other poor living conditions in barracks in his video message that prompted him to address the issue with the Pentagon and set up a task force.
Mr Hegseth added that the Department of War, backed by US President Donald Trump, was investing more than $1.2bn to improve the barracks conditions, with more than $800m allocated for ‘critical barracks renovations immediately’.
The task force includes representatives from across the War Department, including experts in contracting, leaders from military installations, and experts in personnel, readiness and finance.
The renovation at the Navy’s Fifth Fleet command here is part of the ‘Sailors First’ initiative, which prioritises long-term investments to enhance sailors’ quality of life.
“Any investment in our sailors’ well-being is returned to us in the form of mission readiness and talent retention,” said NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer Captain Zachariah Aperauch.
Capt Aperauch cuts a ceremonial ribbon
“Many of our service members here at NSA Bahrain are first-tour sailors who have never been outside the US.
“When we ensure our team has the best possible living conditions, we are investing in both their success here on the installation and the future of their Navy career.”
The extensive renovations will transform the unaccompanied housing facility into a modern, safe, and energy-efficient living space by installing a new roof system and insulated exterior doors with full repainting.
Works include refurbishing residential units and common areas with new flooring, updated paint schemes, and contemporary fixtures; overhauling mechanical and plumbing systems; and upgrading fire protection, life safety, electrical and telecommunications systems.
“This groundbreaking represents a significant milestone for our entire team,” said PWD’s facilities engineering and acquisition division director Lieutenant Commander Michelle Fitzgerald.
“Our construction managers, contracting officers, and engineering technicians invest years of dedicated effort into projects of this scope.
“Being able to initiate these essential renovations and ultimately provide improved living conditions for our service members is extremely rewarding.”
The latest effort underscores the Navy’s commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and clean housing, recognising that such conditions are essential to sustaining the health, welfare, and combat-effectiveness of every sailor.
The GDN reported in 2016 that three new buildings to house thousands of American military personnel were constructed as part of a $580m expansion of the US naval base in Bahrain.
NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support US and coalition maritime operations throughout the Fifth Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments.
Bahrain is home to more than 8,000 Navy personnel and dependents.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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