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Wasp Enjoys Liberty Port Visit in Jebel Ali

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040413-13 Release Date: 4/13/2004 4:36:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Derrick M. Ingle', USS Wasp Public Affairs

JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- After being out to sea for a month, the crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) enjoyed a port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, April 5-8.

The much-needed three days of liberty gave more than 1,400 Sailors and Marines a chance to tour the nearby town of Dubai for souvenirs, discount shopping, fun and memorable experiences.

"My liberty buddies and I had fun just mingling with the natives," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Cedric Prevall of Brooklyn, N.Y. "We were embraced with open hospitality."

Some of the memories Sailors made during the visit will be credited to the eight adventurous tours offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department. More than 160 Sailors and Marines were able to enjoy the "extreme" side through sand-boarding, paintball combat, scuba diving and desert safaris.

"The highlight of the visit was definitely MWR's Sunset Safari tour," remarked Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW) Luis Otero, a native of Orlando. "We rode in 4X4 off-road trucks up and down the sand dunes. We also got to drive quad-cycles though the desert. Later we went on camel rides, ate traditional Arabic barbeque and got a little rhythmic entertainment from a belly dancer."

Others also mentioned that the hot weather was ideal for being outdoors. Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Frank Ard bypassed the MWR tours to play golf in the sporting capital of the Gulf and home of the European Professional Golf Association's Dubai Desert Classic, the Emirates Golf Club.

"I loved playing on the same course Tiger Woods once played," said Ard. "From the course to the clubhouse, everything was immaculate. Even the driving range was perfect. The greens were perfectly manicured, and the service at the club was excellent. The weather and the scenery was a golfer's dream come true."

Centered between Europe and the Far East, Dubai's surroundings are mostly deserts housing a U-shaped waterway called "The Creek." Considered part of the wealthy Middle East, Dubai is known as one of the cheapest places to buy gold.

Aside from sightseeing and recreation, crew members were quick to take advantage of the bargain deals at the malls and the town's world famous Gold Souk.

"The town's photogenic design made good sightseeing," mentioned Airman Rachel Alam from Philadelphia. "The exterior of some of the banks, their twin towers and the hotels were all mirror glass. It looked pretty at night. One of the hotel's outside lights actually changes colors on the hour. It was unlike anything I've ever seen."

After four straight weeks at sea, Sailors and Marines eagerly shopped, mingled, toured and participated in memorable recreation during their short visit in Jebel Ali. Whether it was playing "let's make a deal" with vendors, improving relations or just enjoying the sweet sound of liberty call, the port visit boosted morale and gave the crew lasting memories, all in just 72 hours.

Wasp is the flagship of the first East Coast Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a regularly scheduled deployment. ESG 2 consists of the Wasp Strike Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). Ships include Wasp, USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Yorktown (CG 48), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Connecticut (SSN 22). The group includes more than 6,300 Navy and Marine Corps personnel.