The visit graded the installations readiness based off forthcoming requirements which will require NSA Bahrain to remain certified vice the standard training cycle exercise of a three-year certification process by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC).
The CNREURAFCENT RTAV included drills designed to test whether the base can respond appropriately to any mishap or casualty. The drills included simulated responses to scenarios involving a gate runner, active-shooter threat, small Boat attack and counter-UAS response.
Also during the visit, CNREURAFCENT conducted an installation Emergency Management Program Assessment (EMPA) with a final score of 97%, and an evaluation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with a final score of 100%.
Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, NSA Bahrain’s commanding officer, praised the efforts of personnel base-wide.
“Our personnel continue to do an outstanding job across the board in all facets of anti-terrorism, force protection and emergency response,” said Aperauch. “At NSA Bahrain we have the right balance of new and enthusiastic personnel paired with veteran leaders who have been aboard the installation through not only training cycles, but real-world operations. Success doesn’t happen without the partnership and collaboration between several departments including security, emergency dispatch, fire, and medical, and our Bahraini counterparts – and our scores are indicative of that success.”
Effective Oct. 1, 2025, all short-tour installations, including NSA Bahrain, are expected to shift from progressive assessment cycles to continuous readiness. Such installations are referred to as “Category I” and will maintain a 36-month certification cycle while receiving training and validation events semi-annually. Navy Regions will conduct a Region Sustainment Validation (RSV) every six months and CNIC headquarters will conduct an annual Headquarter Sustainment Validation (HSV) with region support.
NSA Bahrain will now prepare for HSV, tentatively scheduled for May 2026.
NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage and commitment.