USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier visits Bahrain after three years

After 3 years, U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) returned to the Kingdom of Bahrain for a port visit, August 13-17.

With more than 50 consecutive days at sea, the crew appreciated the time to rest and explore the small island country and take in the local culture.

Ike is part of the first carrier strike group to deploy under the new Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), a cross-community collaboration effort to better prepare the fleet in meeting combatant commander needs without straining the ships, planes and sailors.

It is also the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet for the second half of 2016, an initiative that demonstrates efforts to transform energy use and highlight it as a strategic resource.

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) hosted several tours, events and even trips to a spa — of which a good number of Sailors took advantage.

The crew was also afforded the opportunity to get some exercise and cheer on their shipmates in rugby, basketball, softball and soccer games with local Bahraini teams.

“I had so much fun out there with all the guys,” said Electrician’s Mate Fireman Daniel Lewis. “I got to play rugby before, but I’m glad I got to contribute to the team.”