Bahrain King Visits Naval Forces Central Command

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | June 13, 2017

Photos

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet talk about a poster of naval history in the region during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet talk about a poster of naval history in the region during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, shakes hands with Sailors during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, shakes hands with Sailors during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet talk about a poster of his last visit to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet talk about a poster of his last visit to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, passes through sideboys with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, passes through sideboys with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Steinberg)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, speaks with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, speaks with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is greeted by Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters June 12 to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is greeted by Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters June 12 to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan D. McLearnon)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet salute during the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national anthem after arriving to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet salute during the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national anthem after arriving to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Steinberg)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, shakes hands with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, shakes hands with Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet during a visit to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS, June 12. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Blair)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, depart U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters June 12 after a meeting to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, depart U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters June 12 after a meeting to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan McLearnon)

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is greeted by Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is greeted by Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Blair)

Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet shakes hand with His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain following a meeting he attended with His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years.

Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet shakes hand with His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain following a meeting he attended with His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS. The King was accompanied by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Bahrain has been a partner with the United States in regional maritime security for nearly 70 years. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan McLearnon)

MANAMA, Bahrain – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, visited the headquarters of Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), June 12.

Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, NAVCENT commander, and the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the honorable William V. Roebuck, greeted His Majesty. During the visit, Navy officials briefed the King on current operations of the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition operations to defeat ISIS.

Following the briefing, the King had dinner with the ambassador and Donegan, where they continued discussing issues of mutual interest.

The King was accompanied on this trip by two of his sons, His Highness Brig. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard, and His Highness Maj. Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force; the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; and the Commander of the Bahraini Royal Navy, His Excellency Rear Adm. Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

His Majesty said the connection between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States was critical to regional maritime security and the free flow of commerce.

“The world’s trade flows, its commerce, and ultimately its security depend on what happens in this critical region,” His Majesty said. “This region in turn depends on the vital strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.”

Donegan echoed those sentiments noting the mutually beneficial relationship:

“We host your Majesty tonight in the spirit of friendship and partnership that has endured between The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States for nearly 70 years,” Donegan said. “Through your graciousness and leadership, the U.S. 5th Fleet has long had a home in the Kingdom.”

His Majesty added he looked forward to expanding the ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, and that he sees the partnership between the two nations as a model for regional alliances.

 “You can be assured that the cooperation of the United States is deeply appreciated in the Kingdom of Bahrain – indeed we believe this partnership is an example of how two nations can work closely together for the common good,” His Majesty said.

U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.