• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Anzio Makes Port Visit to Oman

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070104-03
Release Date: 1/4/2007 5:02:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) visited the port of Muscat, Oman, Dec. 7-9 to give Sailors the opportunity to enjoy liberty and to help strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Oman.

“We’re here because we’re building relationships,” said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) William Seegars, Anzio’s command master chief. “When we come over to this area of the world, some of the things that we do depend on us having good, friendly and successful relationships with countries in the region.”

Sailors visited some of the local areas, both new and historic. Many of the visiting Anzio crew members enjoyed visiting Muscat’s Souq.

“I’d call it their version of the market place,” said Seaman William Eggleston. “A lot of [the merchandise is] handmade. That really interests me; it shows a lot about the country and its heritage.”

Other Sailors took the opportunity to sign up for a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored tour of the local sites.

“We got to see a lot of stuff that nobody else on the ship got to see,” said Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Josh R. Livangood. “As we were driving through the mountains, everything was picture perfect.”

The crew also enjoyed learning about the people in Muscat.

“Whenever we pull into port, I want to learn and know as much as possible about that country, its culture and everything they have to offer,” said Yeoman 2nd Class (AW) Earl McFarland. “Anything that would involve their culture or food, I want to be involved in.”

Anzio also hosted a luncheon for several representatives from different coalition countries along with the Commander of Muscat’s Royal Navy and Commander, USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group, Rear Adm. Allen G. Myers.

“Oman has always been a very close friend of the U.S.,” said Capt. Perry Bingham, Anzio’s commanding officer. “Muscat is a wonderful city, and [Anzio’s port visit] gave us an opportunity to [discuss regional subjects] with the Oman leadership, some key Omani military personnel and [several coalition countries ambassador's to Oman]."

Even though Anzio was only in port for a little over 40 hours, the visit held a lasting impression on its Sailors.

“I’d love to go back,” said Eggleston. “I had a very good time.”

Anzio, as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is currently deployed in support of 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 and 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.

Anzio departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3, with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on a regularly scheduled deployment.