Manama: The US Naval Support Activity (NSA) in Bahrain provided logistical support to French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle during its port visit to the kingdom.
Charles De Gaulle has been operating in the Arabian Gulf since December 7 and conducting missions with US and coalition partners in the fight against Daesh.
“The Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Centre (NAVSUP FLC) in Bahrain helped the aircraft carrier and three accompanying French ships maintain mission readiness by providing transportation and logistical support,” the US Navy said in a statement.
The carrier’s previous resupply was in early December while the ship was at sea.
“The port call in Bahrain provided sailors with a much needed opportunity to unwind off the ship as well as receive critical supplies.”
The three other French ships resupplied during the port call included air defence destroyer Chevalier Paul (D621), anti-submarine frigate La Motte-Picquet (D645) and command and supply ship Marne (A630).
French Navy Lt Guillaume Florczyka, who oversaw the onload for Charles de Gaulle, said that 80 per cent of the resupplied parts were for aircraft and critical to current operational needs.
“It is difficult to get supplies out on mission and not be able to make port calls at our usual ports,” Florczyka said. “It is easier for us to work with NAVSUP FLC Bahrain than with civilian agencies.”
NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Executive Director Brian Sterner said the centre took pride in the services it provided to the fleet every day and that it was an honour to provide a little bit of that same customer-focused service to the French allies.
“Our support of Charles De Gaulle is yet another demonstration of the flexibility, reliability and expertise of the NAVSUP FLC Bahrain team.”
The port visit came less than two weeks after the US Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter and Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Adm Kevin Donegan visited Charles De Gaulle at sea on December 19 in a move that demonstrated the interoperability and partnership between the naval forces of France and the US in the fight to degrade and ultimately destroy Daesh, the statement said.
NAVSUP FLC Bahrain has more than 160 military and civilian personnel providing logistics support in the 5th Fleet area of operation.
The command is one of eight fleet logistics centres worldwide in the NAVSUP Global Logistics Support enterprise.
