Military Construction Project Begins at Mina Salman Port

Published May 28, 2010

MANAMA, Bahrain – The Middle East District participated in a groundbreaking ceremony, hosted by the government of Bahrain and the U.S. Navy, at Mina Salman Port May 26 marking the beginning of a military construction project that will develop 70 acres on the waterfront to support U.S. and coalition ships and personnel.

"NSA Bahrain continues to grow to better support ongoing operations around the region," said Capt. Enrique Sadsad, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Bahrain. "This expansion project will not only enhance our ability to support our tenant commands and their mission, whether that be logistics, aviation, theatre security, or surface operational support, but also provide the necessary infrastructure to support our service members and their families, including our civilian and contract employees."

MED awarded the $26.2 million contract to Contrack International Inc. on April 7, 2010, to begin the first phase of construction, which will see the development of site utilities and a utilities building, a perimeter wall and a pass and entry gate. It scheduled for completion in the fall of 2012.

Phase two of construction is scheduled for award in August. This phase will include the port operations and harbor patrol unit facility, along with a small craft basin, and is expected to begin this fall.

Scheduled for award in the summer of 2011, the third phase will focus on an administration facility consolidating 16 commands, personnel barracks and the flyover bridge. The fourth and final phase will include additional personnel quarters, a dining facility and a recreation center.

"The investment in the waterfront construction project will provide a better quality of life for our Sailors and coalition partners, well into the future," said Lt. Cmdr. Keith Benson, NSA Bahrain's public works officer. "This project signifies a continuing relationship and the trust, friendship and camaraderie that exists between the U.S. and Bahraini naval forces."

The ultimate goal of relocating port operations and development at Mina Salman is to provide better support to U.S. and coalition ships deployed here and operating in the region.

The work at Mina Salman is being overseen by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Southwest Asia, headquartered in Naples, Italy. The Middle East District is managing construction and has an onsite resident office.

Planning for the relocation of port operations has been in progress since 2003.

(Some information for this article came from a Navy News Service release.)


Release no. 13-039