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USS Whidbey Island Visits Jebel Ali, Completes MDVR

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161013-14
Release Date: 10/13/2016 2:10:00 PM

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan R. McDonald, Wasp Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and embarked Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, after completing a mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR), Oct. 12.

MDVRs are used to complete repairs and maintenance that will allow the ship to continue fully mission capable throughout the remainder of its deployment.

"Our MDVR was extremely successful; the level of effort put forth by our Navy and Marine Corps team was just phenomenal," said Cmdr. Ethan Rule, commanding officer of Whidbey Island. "Every department, division, and platoon completed extensive work and were also able to enjoy a fantastic liberty outing in Dubai. Whidbey Island stands ready for the remaining months of deployment."

Some of the tasks Whidbey Island's Sailors and Marines completed were deck repairs, preservation, amphibious assault vehicle maintenance, and generator repairs.

Before pulling in to Dubai, the crew knew the scope of the workload ahead of them, and prepared themselves to tackle it head-on.

"We came in to Dubai with the mindset that we were here to work," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Juan Rivera. "The Marines were a huge help. We all worked together and pushed through it until we were done. We even got some liberty and got to see Dubai when were done."

While the port call was a working port, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to participate in a community relations project at an animal welfare center and a "Sunset Safari" tour offered through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. The trip included an off-road excursion over sand dunes, camel rides, and a traditional Middle Eastern meal.

Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6 commands the Wasp ARG, which consists of Whidbey Island, amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The 22nd MEU is currently embarked on the Wasp ARG.