ABU DHABI — After more than four years, the United States has allowed the dependents of military personnel to return to Bahrain.

The Defense Department has deemed Bahrain safe enough for the return of nearly 1,000 dependents of U.S. military and Pentagon personnel. But the Pentagon decision excluded dependents less than 18 years old.

In 2004, the Pentagon ordered the evacuation of dependents of U.S. military personnel amid the threat of an Al Qaida strike. At the time, Iranian-backed Shi'ites were also staging regular demonstrations to shut down Fifth Fleet headquarters.

"The return of our adult family members reinforces security and stability of the region, demonstrates our enduring commitment to Bahrain, and will make the quality of life for our service members and Department of Defense civilians even better," U.S. Fifth Fleet commander Vice Adm. William Gortney said.

Gortney, who is also chief of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the Pentagon would later review the decision to ban minors from joining their families in Bahrain. About 3,000 U.S. military and Pentagon personnel have been based in the Gulf Cooperation Council state, which hosts the Fifth Fleet.

Officials said the Pentagon decision for the return of the U.S. dependents was signed on Oct. 28. On Nov. 2, the decision was relayed to Bahrain.

"The return of the adult dependents of Defense Department personnel will restore an important personal dimension to the strong relationship between Bahrainis and Americans," Fifth Fleet Rear Adm. Kendall Card said.

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