USS Vicksburg Completes Visit to Bahrain

Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) completed a regularly scheduled port visit to Bahrain, May 28.

Sailors had the chance to explore the rich culture in Bahrain, while continuing U.S. 5th Fleet efforts to foster regional partnerships with locals in the country.

“Our Sailors displayed an incredible amount of professionalism ashore which can be directly linked to the positive relationship we have with Bahrain,” said Lt. Cmdr. Noble Hetherington III, operations officer aboard Vicksburg. “By interacting with the local Bahrainis, we impact their view of Americans.”

They were able to take advantage of the naval facilities in Bahrain, although Sailors still stood duty and performed regular maintenance on equipment while in port.

“Sailors were excited to have access to things like the post office and Navy Exchange,” said Hetherington. “Most ports we visit don’t offer these facilities.”

In addition to facilities on base, Sailors took part in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours such as go-cart racing, a beach barbeque at a local resort, fishing, a local water park and a Bahrain dolphin resort.

“I went to the beach barbeque,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Derek Marsik, assigned to Vicksburg. “I had a great time, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind.”

Other Sailors took advantage of downtime and the city of Manama.

“I was impressed by the continued growth of the city since I was here last,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Tywone James. “This is the 12th time I’ve been here and every one has been friendly every time I’ve visited. The facilities were even better than I remember them being and I definitely want to come back for the Formula One series one day.”

Vicksburg is on its final deployment, operating with Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, and is slated to decommission in 2013.

Vicksburg is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Naval Today Staff , June 4, 2012