Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) departed Split, Croatia, Oct. 9, after a scheduled port visit.
While in Croatia, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to take tours hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team, which showcased some of the unique attractions of the region. Some service members went canyoning in the Cetina River, and some took a city tour of Dubrovnik, where the HBO show “Game of Thrones” recently filmed scenes.
This was Mesa Verde’s first port visit since transiting the Suez Canal, Oct. 2, and leaving the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
“Sailors and Marines got to experience some great culture in a very relaxed atmosphere,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ethan Rule, executive officer of Mesa Verde. “The people of Croatia were very hospitable and we got to see some beautiful countryside.”
Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is wrapping up an almost nine-month deployment since leaving its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, Feb. 8.
[mappress] Press Release, October 10, 2014; Image: US Navy