• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Nimitz Makes Second UAE Port Call

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030714-18

Release Date: 7/14/2003 2:40:00 PM

By Airman Maja Dyson, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

ABOARD USS NIMITZ, At sea (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 Sailors again experienced fun, relaxation and cultural exchange in the United Arab Emirates during a port call in Jebel Ali and nearby Dubai July 3-9.

Although the temperatures in these United Arab Emirates cities at times reached into the hundreds, the heat didn't stop Sailors from enjoying their liberty.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) had many activities for Sailors to keep them occupied.

"MWR offered the Sunset Safari, a day-long safari, Hattatrek (a four-wheel drive trip around the sand dunes), sand boarding (skiing on sand), Wild Wadi Water Park, Big Bus Company tour around the city of Dubai, Mina Siyahi Beach Resort, Sarjah Ajman City and Dubai City tours," said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Lee Lemaster, MWR's day check leading petty officer. "Even though we didn't offer as many tours as we did during our last visit here, our turnout was great, and the coordination effort between MWR and USO was also much better this time."

"Even though the weather was a lot hotter this port visit versus the last time we were here, I still made my way to the Wild Wadi Water Park to enjoy the rides there," said Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Kirkland Tynes from Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, IM-3 division. "The liberty time was also extended, which made our time here a lot more enjoyable, because we didn't have to worry about rushing back to the ship early in the evening."

The tours weren't the only form of entertainment provided to Sailors. Nimitz and USO offered live entertainment in the Oasis (an area adjacent to the pier that serves food and sells souvenirs for Sailors).

The entertainment included Dexter Freebish, a band from Austin, Texas; a Fourth of July picnic sponsored by USO and Nimitz Supply Department; the Washington Redskins cheerleaders; and Switch 2, a local Nimitz band.

"This was our first time performing," said Airman Daniel Gray, Switch 2's drummer. "I think it went well. We'll see what our future performances hold."

With all of the entertainment and activities provided, Sailors still found other ways to spend their time.

"I had the opportunity to catch up on some sleep," said Mess Management Specialist 3rd Class (AW) James Pearson, night check supervisor in Wardroom 1 from Carrier Air Wing 11's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 squadron.

While Pearson had expected to relax and enjoy his time off for the period of his port visit, something unexpected happened during one of his trips to Dubai's City Center Mall.

"I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite comedians, Chris Tucker, as well as get his autograph and take a picture with him," said Pearson. After meeting actor/comedian Chris Tucker, well known for his performances in movie "Rush Hour" and as "Smokey" in "Friday," Pearson and Airman Carlton Benoit from VFA-14 brought him to the ship, where they gave him a tour and gave him the opportunity to meet other Nimitz and CVW-11 Sailors. "It was an exciting moment for me and worth my trip out here," Pearson added.

MWR is currently hoping to provide more entertainment for future Nimitz port visits.

"For our next expected port visit," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) (AW) Sean Fernandes, "we're hoping to provide the same kind of liberty and activities for our Sailors. If not the same, then hopefully to expand on it and make it better."