May 18, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #078-09
Naval Support Activity Bahrain Prepares For Return of Service Members’ Children
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – In preparation for the return of children and family members, significant work has been done at the Bahrain School and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
“NSA Bahrain has been coordinating preparations for school-age and below school-age dependent return with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) for months now,” said Capt. John D. Schoeneck, NSA Bahrain’s Commanding Officer. “In anticipation of the approval, we have worked with DoDEA to improve physical security at the Bahrain School; ensuring that the children have a safe learning environment.”
Nov. 4, 2008, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in cooperation with the American Embassy in Bahrain, after receiving authorization from the DoD, announced that adult family members would be allowed to return to Bahrain, effective immediately. NAVCENT expects the return of children to take place this fall.
The Bahrain School, part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), broke ground on a perimeter wall March 23, to enhance security measures at the school. The school currently has around 460 students from approximately 40 different countries.
“What you will find that is a little bit different (than schools in the U.S.), is that it’s a small community where the kids become very close and get to know each other quite well,” said Alice Berard, Bahrain School Principal.. “It’s quite a small, close knit family that’s quite diverse.”
At NSA Bahrain, renovations are being conducted at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) dependent’s swimming pool, youth center and child development center.
“Every organization involved: NAVCENT; Navy Installations Command; Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia; DoDDS/DoDEA; and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, SWA has made readying the base a top priority," said Schoeneck.
All renovation projects are scheduled to be completed prior to the prior to the start of the 2009-2010 academic school year.
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