Service

The foundation of a relationship is service.  It breeds compassion.  It strengthens friendships and loyalties.  It opens the doors for others of future generations to do the same.  It produces thankful hearts that desire to reciprocate the kindness and service.  Thus, we see the cycle of service, thankfulness, reciprocation, thankfulness, service, thankfulness, etc.

The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States are connected by this very simple, yet complex principle.  It's not hard to be kind to someone.  But it is hard to risk your life for someone else.  Bahrain and America not only have kindness between them, but loyalties that lead to sacrifice and service.

The perfect example of this happened this past week.  His Majesty, King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, met with Admiral Mark I Fox of the US Naval Fifth Fleet that is stationed in Bahrain.  Admiral Fox has served faithfully and loyally as the leading officer of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, which includes the Fifth Fleet, and has strengthened relationships between the United States and Bahrain through his service.  

Fox will be leaving this post in the near future, and as a gesture of thanks, His Highness the King presented Admiral Fox with the First Class Medal, recognizing the efforts of Fox in building strong bilateral relationships and cooperation between the US Navy and government, and their counterparts in Bahrain.

In response, Fox lauded the King for his continued efforts of bilateral relationships and praised the fruitful cooperation of the Bahrain Defense Force while he was serving in Bahrain.

Why is this so important to both countries?  Quite simple.  One, by Fox's great efforts, and exceptional reputation in Bahrain, the door is open for the next commanding officer.  Because of Fox, he will have a foundation on which to work.  Because of the efforts made by the government of Bahrain, the new officer will enter a friendly environment where he can trust the King and the government wholeheartedly.

Another reason that these relationships are so important is the station of the Fifth Fleet.  With strong relationships, the United States is able to stay in Bahrain, protecting the Strait of Hormuz, and thus, Bahrain and other Arab nations from Iran.  With this close proximity to Iran, the US is also able to keep a close eye on Iran and its activities.  

Therefore, it's not only important to Bahrain that the US is there, but it's important the US is there for the US and the rest of the world.

This is only possible because of people like Admiral Mark Fox and His Highness, King Hamad.