• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Boxer Sailors Enjoy Liberty in UAE

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030529-12

Release Date: 5/30/2003 1:17:00 AM

By Lithographer 3rd Class Sadie Conklin, USS Boxer Public Affairs

JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) pulled into Jebel Ali for some much needed "R&R" after spending 100 days at sea.

"After as long as we had been out, it was nice to get off the ship, put up my feet and simply relax for a while. It was really nice," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Damon Cable from Lakewood, Colo.

Many of the crew members went into town for shopping at the Gold Souk, Electronic Souk and the City Center Mall.

"The mall is modern, and the souks are a peek into the interestingly different culture in the United Arab Emirates," said Lt. Greg Braaten of Tacoma, Wash. He was visiting Jebel Ali for the 12th time. "It has changed tremendously since my first time in 1993, and even a lot since 1998 -- my most recent of the eleven previous visits!"

Lt. j.g. Dave Merrifield from Troy, N.H., went to Wafi World, an Arabian-style mall, and the fishing village on the Dubai Creek.

"I thought Dubai was a great city. This was my first time in the Middle East and in an Arabian nation. I learned a lot about their culture. I had a great time in the UAE (United Arab Emirates)," he said.

While shopping seemed to be the favorite pastime of most Boxer Sailors, many enjoyed tours offered by the United Servicemember's Organization. Lt. Cmdr. Gina Blakeman from Houston went on a night safari trip.

"We rode over the huge sand dunes in (all terrain vehicles)," she said. "It was exhilarating!"

There were also tours that included riding camels and sand boarding. Most ended with a traditional Arabic meal and belly dancing at a camp in the desert.

While the experience out in town was definitely one to remember, many Sailors stayed inside "The Oasis," where they were able to enjoy a few nights of live music, cold drinks and the company of their shipmates.

While in port, it wasn't all play, though. The crew members were tasked with many jobs they were unable to do while underway. The long, hot and exhausting days of painting, stores onloads and shipboard maintenance definitely paid off with nights of fun. After 100 days underway, it was a much-needed break that many will remember.