Muharraq Airfield is a military base located in Bahrain adjacent to Bahrain International Airport. It is run by the United States Navy (USN) and usually ships supplies in and out of the airport with many of them from other countries as well. The USN, the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Ministry of Interior, and others run the security at the airfield. Often referred to as the nearby city of Manama, Muharraq Airfield was the last stop for most US troops being sent to fight in the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), including with the multinational International Security Assistance Force.
It was previously established by the Royal Air Force as RAF Bahrain (later changed to RAF Muharraq) in April 1943 and remained in use until 1971 when Bahrain declared independence.
The base was used by a detachment of Vickers VC10 tankers from No. 101 Squadron RAF during the Gulf War training with Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR1's.
From May 1997 a detachment of VC10s returned supporting Operation Jural and later Operation Bolton over Iraq.
Current use
It became part of No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group in the Middle East. Commanded by a Squadron Leader (RAF) until 2015, the current ranking Officer is a Warrant Officer First Class (Supply Chain) RN.
The base is also used by Mine countermeasures helicopters patrolling the Persian Gulf such as HM-15's Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon's.
See also
- List of airports in Bahrain