Royal Navy Starts Building New Base in Bahrain

UK and the Royal Navy started the construction of a permanent naval base at the Mina Salman Port, Bahrain, on October 31.

The works on the new base will include upgrades to the existing facilities at the Port, providing the Royal Navy with a forward operating base and a place to plan, store equipment for naval operations and accommodate Royal Navy personnel.

Mina Salman Port will play a central role in the Royal Navy’s ability to operate in the region, giving it a permanent presence here and allowing longer-term deployments in the Persian Gulf. It will also allow Britain to send larger ships, and in greater numbers.

BBC reported in December 2014 that the construction works will amount to £15 million, with Bahrain covering most of the costs.

The Foreign Secretary, along with Royal Navy officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Bahrain to start construction of the new Royal Navy facility.

The Foreign Secretary was joined at the ceremony by Royal Navy personnel, who watched the first spades go into the ground against a backdrop of HMS Bangor, a minehunter, and RFA Cardigan Bay.

Commander Joint Forces Command, General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE ADC, said:

This is a reflection of the continued cooperation and engagement between the Bahrain Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces. We welcome the continued support from Bahrain which enables the Royal Navy to operate in the Gulf region.

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Image: Twitter/Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond