Pentagon expands, modernizes its base for Fifth Fleet in Bahrain

Pentagon expands, modernizes its base for Fifth Fleet in Bahrain
GeoStrategy direct w/e 12-Feb-14
 The United States has advanced in a project to expand its military presence in Bahrain.
Officials said the Defense Department has been awarding contracts for the expansion of the U.S. Navy base outside Manama.
The U.S. will invest $500 million to expand its Fifth Fleet base in Manama.
They said the project, estimated at more than $500 million, focused on construction and modernization of facilities at the Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, responsible for operations in the Gulf.
On Jan. 22, the Pentagon awarded a $9.7 million contract for the construction of the Fifth Fleet complex. Under the contract, American International Contractors would construct the British Maritime Component Command at Bahrain's Mina Salman port.
"Funds in the amount of $9,788,000 were obligated at the time of the award," the Pentagon said.
American International has been identified as a leading company in the U.S. military project in Bahrain, overseen by the Army's Corps of Engineers. The project was meant to establish additional residential facilities as well as protect the compound from attack.
Officials said the Pentagon has overseen the completion of a flyover at Mina Salman. The 122.5 meter-long bridge, begun in September 2012, was installed on Jan. 31 by the U.S. company Contrack NASS.
"This will remain a landmark project in the history of bridge construction in Middle East," Contrack International chief executive officer Wahid Hakki said.
Under the latest Pentagon contract, American International would construct a forward support unit warehouse and headquarters for the British component. The contract was expected to be completed in April 2015.
"Bids were solicited via the Internet, with eight received," the Pentagon said. "Work will be performed in Bahrain."