US Navy cruiser visits UAE

U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) wrapped up its four-day port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 26.

San Jacinto, part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve which is aimed at eliminating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The cruiser is also participating in the U.S. Navy’s Great Green Fleet initiative, the centerpiece of which is made up of the Ike CSG.

Great Green Fleet was created to make alternative fuel blends a regular part of the military’s bulk operational fuel supply. U.S. Navy ships are currently sailing on a blend of alternative fuel made from waste beef fat provided by farmers in the U.S. Midwest.

During their time in UAE, San Jacinto sailors participated in several morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) tours, experiencing local customs and sightseeing, as well as took time to play basketball at a local school.

“Our visit to Jebel Ali provided a great opportunity for the crew to see the rich culture UAE has to offer,” said Capt. Dennis Velez, commanding officer of San Jacinto. “This was San Jacinto’s first visit to the Emirates this deployment.”