Navy spouses, adult children allowed back in Bahrain

NORFOLK

Four years after an emergency evacuation of military families from Bahrain, the military has begun to allow service members' spouses and adult children back to the Persian Gulf nation.

The military lifted restrictions in early November. The Navy expects the change will improve morale for sailors based in Bahrain, the headquarters of the 5th Fleet.

Approximately 3,000 sailors are stationed in Manama, Bahrain, according to Navy personnel command. About 700 would qualify to bring family members.

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of Navy forces at Central Command, said in a statement that the policy "reinforces the security and stability of the region, demonstrates our enduring commitment to Bahrain, and will make the quality of life for our service members and Department of Defense civilians even better."

Military personnel now serve 12-to-18-month unaccompanied tours in Bahrain. The policy change means that for those who are accompanied by family, tours will now stretch to 24 months.

The return of younger children will be considered after a review by military education officials.

Capt. John Schoeneck, commander of naval support activity in Bahrain, said the move had been eagerly anticipated.

"It'll be a win for the families," he said.

The move should also help stabilize the commands. Schoeneck said the turnover rate was high because sailors were reluctant to extend their tour and spend more time away from their families.

The State Department ordered military families to evacuate Bahrain in July 2004, warning that "extremists are planning attacks against U.S. and other Western interests in the kingdom."

About 800 family members flooded Norfolk bases on emergency orders to evacuate.

The Navy's Mid-Atlantic Region coordinated the evacuation.

Beth Baker, spokeswoman for the region, said the command will not play a formal role in the return. Family members of foreign-based military personnel are likely scattered around the country, she said.

The new policy could effect Schoeneck, whose wife and three school-age children live in Hampton Roads.

But the family has made several recent moves and expects to remain Stateside, he said.

"Personally," he said, "we're trying to bring some stability."

Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2322, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com