Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) arrived in Jebel Ali and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 18.
The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department, offered a variety of entertainment and sight seeing opportunities such as golfing, sand boarding, and safari’s during the visit.
“I really wanted to find something that would be unique,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Brandin Lane. “I’m really excited, because I am going to just relax, visit the beach and ride a camel.”
Sailors and Marines picked tours they wanted to participate in based on their work schedule and personal preferences.
“I wanted to ride a camel and to be more informed on the local culture,” said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Shawna Fitzgerald. “The sunset safari was mystical, featuring a camel ride and the opportunity to see the sunset over the desert.”
While some service members wanted to enjoy the hot sun of the desert or the cool water of the water park, others enjoyed a calm tour of the city of Dubai.
“I think it’s really special to visit a city like Dubai,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Michael Eby. “The tour offered us the chance to see some world renowned sites, historical districts and the tallest tower in the world. Who wouldn’t take advantage of this opportunity?”
The second day of the visit allowed Sailors and Marines the opportunity to engage with the local community by playing soccer at a local school.
Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Press Release, June 3, 2013; Image: US Navy