Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Bahrain
By U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
| December 05, 2018
MANAMA, Bahrain --
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Bill Moran arrived at U.S. Naval Force Central Command (NAVCENT)/ U.S. 5th Fleet on Naval Support Activity Bahrain to meet with Sailors, regional allies, Bahraini officials and senior naval leadership Dec. 4.
Moran's visit follows the death of former NAVCENT Commander, Vice Adm. Scott A. Stearney, who was found deceased in his residence in Bahrain Dec, 1. The cause of death is under investigation.
His visit followed a video message released by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John M. Richardson, sending condolences to the Stearney family and emphasizing the U.S. Navy's commitment to continuity, responsibility and its posture in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
"We continue to maintain resolve in this region and our combined forces will meet any challenge together. We are committed to building strong maritime partnerships to help ensure cooperative security and prosperity," said Adm. Moran. "We have not adjusted our operations and will continue to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce."
In addition to supporting the NAVCENT team Moran conducted a series of meetings with host nation senior government and military leaders in order to thank them for their support during this difficult time.
After meetings in the region, Moran attended a frocking ceremony for 10 recently promoted NAVCENT Sailors and also held a series of all-hands calls, which allowed him the opportunity to speak with Sailors of all ranks and address potential concerns or questions.
"A key part of this trip was about looking into the eyes of the Sailors here and letting them know their chain of command is prepared and ready to continue to lead," said Moran. "The role we play in this theater is a critical one, and from what I've seen firsthand, our Sailors here know the enemy isn't mourning our loss, and we must remain vigilant and focused."
The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 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 region 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.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office 011-973-1785-4561 or, navcentpao@me.navy.mil