• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Gettysburg Departs Bahrain

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110919-05
9/19/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Betsy Lynn Knapper, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) departed Bahrain Sept. 6 after a six-day port visit.

The port visit came after Gettysburg spent 48 consecutive days at sea and allowed the ship's crew to perform general preservation while pierside.

"The ship received some much needed maintenance, contributing to the success of the port visit," said Cmdr. John Gray, Gettysburg's executive officer.

While in port, Gettysburg Sailors enjoyed a number of liberty activities courtesy of the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program including a beach barbeque at Albander Resort and a trip to the Lost Paradise Water Park.

"I think the crew enjoyed some much needed rest and relaxation, as well as a chance to get out in town and enjoy the hospitality of Bahrain," said Gray.

Additionally, 26 Sailors had the opportunity to participate in two days of friendly softball games, coordinated by Operations Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Carroll.

"I organized the softball games because it gave us the chance to get out there and stretch our legs, play a sport that we haven't been able to play in a few months and just have a good time," said Carroll.

In addition to the tours and recreation time, Sailors were able to visit Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain where they could shop at the Navy Exchange (NEX) and use the Internet and phone facilities to communicate with family and friends back home.

Bahrain marked the fifth port visit for Gettysburg since the ship left its homeport of Mayport, Fla. for deployment in May.

Gettysburg is on a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group, comprised of Carrier Strike Group 2, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 22 staff, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), guided-missile cruisers Gettysburg and USS Anzio (CG 68), and guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57).