WELCOME ABOARD!
MISSION
The Mission of PATFORSWA is to train, organize, equip, support and deploy combat-ready Coast Guard Forces in support of CENTCOM and national security objectives. PATFORSWA works with Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in furthering their goals to conduct persistent maritime operations to forward U.S. interests, deter and counter disruptive countries, defeat violent extremism and strengthen partner nations’ maritime capabilities in order to promote a secure maritime environment in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
REPORTING IN
Your report date will be coordinated by the PATFORSWA Command via the PATFORSWA Administration Officer and SMTC. An official message will be sent to your command via CGMS detailing your travel arrangements from the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain. You should be counseled on PCS travel entitlements and final PCS orders will be processed by your departing Servicing Personnel Office (SPO).
A sponsor will be assigned to you, will contact you upon notification of your orders and assignment and ensure you are provided housing, transportation and guidance upon arrival.
Visit our SharePoint site (CAC-Enabled) for the most current and detailed information on reporting aboard.
MAILING ADDRESS
Upon arrival, personnel will be assigned individual mailing addresses for personal mail. In the meantime the following is the general mailing address:
BAHRAIN:
Commander
USCG PATFORSWA
ATTN: Member Name/Department
PSC 851 BOX 110
FPO AE 09834-0002
CELL PHONES
Personnel will be provided a cell phone for official use only. Cell phones are the primary means of communications in Bahrain and are used to receive updated AT/FP text alerts.
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY (NSA) BAHRAIN
NSA Bahrain is located in the capital of Manama, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, east of Saudi Arabia. NSA Bahrain is home to approximately 7,200 military personnel and DoD civilian employees, 93 Tenant Commands in addition to Joint and Coalition Forces.
There is a Navy Exchange, commissary, gym, food court, basketball court, movie theater, softball field, outdoor sand volleyball court, library, bowling alley, fitness pool, post office, dry cleaner, and Navy College.
Visit the following link for more information: http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nsa_bahrain.html
Read up on local news in NSA Bahrain’s Desert Times:
http://issuu.com/nsabahrain
HOUSING
Personnel in Bahrain will be assigned to Government leased housing off base and will have at least one or two roommates from either the shore side support or cutter force. All apartments are furnished to include items such as bedding (sheets, blankets), cookware, and utensils but you are encouraged to check with your sponsor regarding other items. It is recommended you bring a set of towels, your own sheets (if you choose to), and warm weather clothes (it does get chilly here). Internet access is usually available at your residence, but you can also bring your own wireless router. Many of our crew members have personal laptops and handheld devices for communicating with family stateside.
COUNTRY INFO
Manama is the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is a very westernized city in the Middle East. You will find all the amenities of any other big city, keeping in mind that it is still a foreign country and in the Middle East with a different culture. It is not uncommon for Force Protection measures to be implemented with little notification. The MWR hosts several outings for cultural awareness and members are encouraged to take advantage of their services.
For more information on things to do in the Bahrain visit the MWR Bahrain website:
http://mwrbahrain.wordpress.com/
MONEY
In Bahrain, the exchange rate is approximately $2.65 US to 1BHD. The Bahraini Dinar is the primary currency off base in Bahrain. ATMs and currency exchange are available at the airport and on base. There is a Navy Federal Credit Union at NSA Bahrain.
RELIGION
Islam is the state religion of Bahrain, representing more than 80% of the population. The non-Muslims are almost entirely non-citizens, and among immigrants, many are Muslims. Religious freedom is secured by the constitution; other faiths may worship publicly and establish designated places of worship. There are religious services onboard NSA Bahrain. Churches and other religious places of worship may also be found out in town.