Skip to content
image description
image description
image description
image description
image description
The Leadership in Training (LIT) Executive students participate in a specialized Child and Youth Programs training at Naval Base San Diego, aimed at providing hands-on learning during the six-week course.
Despite the concert being canceled by weather, MWR made sure NAS Pensacola fans met Little Big Town at Operation MWR on May 18, making it a special event for military families.
NAS Whidbey Island's Navy MWR Liberty Center hosted an action-packed Esports and fitness event, where Sailors faced esports pro Drini Gjoka in EA Sports College Football, combining gaming, fitness, and camaraderie.
Jim Gaffigan brought laughter to Naval Station Great Lakes on May 9, 2024, with his Operation MWR comedy tour. Opening with Ryan Hamilton, the night was a hit, connecting Sailors and families through humor.
Navy FFR’s Leadership in Training hybrid model blends online and in-person learning, helping FFR employees enhance decision-making, leadership skills, and collaboration through real scenarios.
The Navy is prioritizing employment for spouses through the Pathways Recent Graduate program. To enhance this initiative, it is hosting focus groups called Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard, to assess awareness and improve support for military spouses.
Experience the Battle of the Branches at the 2nd Armed Forces Esports Championship, Jan 23-25, 2024! Top military gamers compete in Halo: Infinite.
The annual Customer Service Satisfaction Survey, launched by Navy MWR, aims to gather feedback on its programs and services for Sailors and families.
Navy MWR Entertainment's Hot Chelle Rae Asia Navy Base Tour brought high-energy pop-rock to 7 bases, entertaining over 1,700 Sailors, DoD civilians, and families.
Over four dynamic days, spouses, transitioning service members and veterans looking for career services participated in an array of educational sessions and virtual job booths provided by the Fleet and Family Services Center (FFSC) Federal Hiring Summit.
The Leadership in Training program advances with the Professional Development In-Person course, empowering students with essential leadership skills.
Naval Base San Diego’s Operation MWR transformed Admiral Prout Field into a major concert venue for 10,000 attendees. The event featured BRELAND's genre-blending set and Weezer's energetic performance, bringing joy to military families.
Plain White T's rocked Bahrain on May 15 and 16 with Operation MWR concerts, bringing service members and families unforgettable performances and a sense of home.
The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library is an essential resource used by two Navy families to support their homeschooling needs.
Madeline Multer, a participant in Navy FFR's Leadership in Training program, reflects on 12 weeks of growth, collaboration, and leadership development, culminating in a week-long in-person session in Millington, TN.
The Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) Program at Naval Base San Diego stands out for its innovative approach to providing essential support services to Sailors.
Navy FFR MWR's inaugural Esports Fitness Challenge merges physical fitness with esports to enhance camaraderie and wellness. Compete, win prizes, and climb the leaderboard!
CNIC launches inaugural N9 Innovation Summit, focused on "Leading with Vision, Achieving with Action," bringing together leaders and looking toward the future.
The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) crew celebrated a successful summer filled with RIMPAC victories and teamwork, closing with a memorable luau in Hawaii.
Sailors and families aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford enjoyed an unforgettable evening as Old Dominion performed a special concert on the flight deck. The event, hosted by Navy MWR, also included the filming of the band's latest music video.
Ludacris and DJ Vito electrify Naval Air Station Patuxent River! Over 5,000 attendees enjoyed an unforgettable Operation MWR concert, highlighting Navy Entertainment's commitment to quality of life.
From virtual bingo to cooking and improv, Navy MWR's Virtual Single Sailor Program delivers fun, connection, and creativity for Sailors, offering engaging events right to their screens.
MA Bradford, a Texas native, tells his story of growth and learning. Relying on lessons from both mentors and loved ones, he also takes advantage the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Liberty program and all if has to offer.
Plain White T’s and BRELAND performed for nearly 4,000 at Operation MWR at Naval Station Everett and NAS Whidbey Island, boosting morale for military families with free concerts.
RIMPAC Esports debuted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, bringing together 128 competitors from the U.S., Germany, Korea, Italy, and Brunei for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
The Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard Virtual Focus Groups continue to gain momentum as the Navy and OPM prioritize military spouse employment.
Virtual Clinical Counseling services launched by Fleet and Family Support Program is advancing mental health support for Sailors and families.
As part of Operation MWR, The All-American Rejects rocked NAS JRB New Orleans, NCBC Gulfport, and NAS Meridian, kicking off the summer with unforgettable performances.
Country star Russell Dickerson performed during Naval Base Ventura County's Operation MWR, entertaining 800 attendees with his chart-topping hits.
Everett MWR team united to support Operation MWR, featuring performances by Plain White T's and BRELAND, ensuring a successful and memorable event for the military community.
The 2024 Great Navy Campout brought over 1,500 participants together for unforgettable outdoor adventures, from camping tips to fun activities across 20 installations.
Join the 9th annual Great Navy Campout presented by T-Mobile! With 61 events worldwide from June to October 2024, connect with nature and win prizes through the Pledge to Camp initiative.

Plain White T's Rock Bahrain and Down Range Site During Operation MWR Concerts

Operation MWR - Bahrain.jpg

May 29, 2024 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON --- The Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)'s Operation MWR initiative reached new heights with two electrifying performances by the Plain White T's on May 15 at a down range site in Bahrain and on May 16 at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. These events, designed to enhance the morale and resilience of service members and their families, showcased the band's enduring appeal and commitment to supporting the military community.

The Plain White T's, known for their catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, delivered performances that had everyone singing along. The setlist featured fan favorites like "Hey There Delilah," "1, 2, 3, 4," and "The Giving Tree," as well as tracks from their new album. The band's enthusiasm was matched by the audience's energy, creating an unforgettable experience.

"We are so appreciative for this opportunity not only to be able to say thank you to all of the military service men and women, but it gives us a chance to travel to places we have never been," said Plain White T’s lead vocalist Tom Higgenson. "They come out to these shows with so much enthusiasm for our music. It's great. Not only that, but they are super proud to show us what they do and that is awesome."

The significance of such events for the military community cannot be overstated. One Sailor, described the event as "a taste of home," emphasizing its role in boosting morale. "This feels like a piece of home to us when we are so far away," they said. "It’s great to be able to participate in these events. We should increase the frequency of events—more concerts, more events. MWR is great!"

NSA Bahrain saw over 1,000 attendees, while the down range location welcomed 300 service members. Geoff Rinehart, MWR Community Recreation Director at the down range Bahrain site, highlighted the event's success, saying, "This was a fantastic event. What a great crowd! Probably the largest we have had in the last four years down range. The band was amazing!"

Leaders at both locations underscored the importance of MWR events in enhancing the morale and resilience of service members and their families. The Triad at the down range Bahrain site, including Executive Officer Commander Paul Latina, Command Master Chief Kristie Barbier and Operations Director Commander Keith Frost, shared, "These MWR events at our Big Top facility provide our Sailors something a little different—a break from the usual day-to-day routine. It gives them an opportunity to socialize and feel like they are back home."

They added, "It’s the continuation of a great tradition in our country’s naval history. Years ago, our grandmothers and grandfathers overseas were treated to entertainers like Bob Hope and others and this is a great reminder of that. It shows our continued support for those who sacrifice so much."

Momoyo Harris, MWR Director at NSA Bahrain, expressed her commitment to supporting the military community through diverse and engaging events. "My staff and I want our Sailors and families to know that we are here to give you excellent service, a sense of happiness, to make your day a little lighter by providing something a little different. We have got your six! We are here for your families to provide fun so you don’t have to worry about them. We are here for you!"

As Operation MWR continues to host events around the world, the success of events like these underscores the Navy's commitment to the well-being of its service members and their families. The Plain White T's performances in Bahrain have set a high bar for future events, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

Navy MWR's Operation MWR, presented by GOVX, will host 65+ free events at Navy installations worldwide from May to June 2024. These events aim to boost morale and resilience among service members and their families through live entertainment, recreational activities, food, games and more. Open to active duty members, reservists, veterans, retirees, DoD civilians and eligible MWR patrons. For more information about Operation MWR and to find your local event, please visit NavyMWR.org/OperationMWR.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy MWR Entertainment tours make a positive impact on the morale of our troops. The program provides quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about the program, visit NavyMWR.org/Entertainment.

No Navy endorsement implied.

Back to top