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USS Peleliu Enjoys Port Visit in Bahrain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060502-02
Release Date: 5/2/2006 7:45:00 AM

From USS Peleliu Public Affairs

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) completed a four-day port visit to Manama, Bahrain, April 27.

Serving as the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 flagship, the working-port visit provided crew members an opportunity to perform needed repairs, in addition to partaking in some well-earned liberty.

After working hours, Sailors and Marines assigned to Peleliu toured Bahrain on their own and through excursions offered by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). While on liberty, Sailors visited sites such as the 500-year-old “Tree of Life,” local mosques and shopping malls. Other MWR tours included camel rides, a day of pampering at a local spa, and a visit to the city's market areas, known as souqs.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Timothy Hutchens, the ship's weapons department leading petty officer, had never visited Bahrain in his 14-year Navy career. Hutchens visited the country's first oil well, a mosque, a camel farm, and other spots of historical significance.

“It was interesting to see the actual history behind this island, which all used to be under the waters of the Arabian Gulf at one time,” he said.

Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Alex Gallegos, weapons department leading chief petty officer, went on the same tour and said it is important that Sailors and Marines understand the culture of their host countries.

“The culture tour was my favorite because it gave you an opportunity to better understand their lifestyle, their history, and their past,” said Gallegos, who had previously visited Bahrain on a prior deployment.

While visiting Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Peleliu service members spent time at the Liberty Center and MWR facilities. A calling center gave them the opportunity to call home while the food court provided American-style food. Billiards and foosball tables also gave the deployed crew members a way to relax after nearly three months away from home. Additionally, for two evenings, the ship's band, “Midwatch,” performed at the Desert Dome, the base's outdoor food court.

It was a “good relaxing port, overall,” said Gallegos.

ESG 3 is comprised of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines and is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.