U.S. Navy Evacuates 5th Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain

1,500 sailors, families, and pets relocated to Naval Station Norfolk amid attacks on NSA Manama

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:35am

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The U.S. Navy has evacuated the Bahrain-based Naval Support Activity (NSA) Manama, the headquarters of the U.S. 5th Fleet, after the facility was subjected to multiple strikes. The Pentagon confirmed that 1,500 sailors, their families, and pets were relocated from NSA Bahrain to the Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Why it matters

The evacuation of the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain is a significant development, as it marks the first time the U.S. has been forced to abandon a major naval command center since World War II when the Philippines were invaded by Japan. This move highlights the escalating tensions and security challenges in the region.

The details

Satellite images confirmed that at least seven buildings, including communication infrastructure and warehouses, were destroyed at NSA Manama in the first week of the attacks. American sailors arrived in Norfolk with only what they could carry in their backpacks, and local community organizations are being mobilized to provide basic necessities.

  • On February 28, the first day of Operation Epic Gloom, NSA Manama was subjected to the initial strikes.
  • In the first week, at least seven buildings were destroyed at the facility.

The players

U.S. Navy

The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval operations, including the evacuation of the 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Manama

The headquarters of the U.S. 5th Fleet, located in Bahrain, which was the target of multiple strikes and subsequently evacuated.

U.S. 5th Fleet

The United States Navy fleet responsible for naval operations in the Middle East, the Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, headquartered in Bahrain.

Naval Station Norfolk

The relocation site for the 1,500 sailors, families, and pets evacuated from NSA Manama in Bahrain.

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What’s next

The U.S. Navy and Department of Defense will assess the security situation in Bahrain and determine the timeline for potentially returning the 5th Fleet headquarters to its original location.

The takeaway

The evacuation of the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain is a significant setback for American naval operations in the region, highlighting the growing instability and security challenges faced in the Middle East. This move will likely have far-reaching implications for U.S. military strategy and presence in the area.