Kearsarge departs Manama

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

12.01.2015

Courtesy Story

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain - Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed Manama, Bahrain, Nov. 30, after a six-day port visit.

This was Kearsarge's first port visit since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on Nov. 1.

Cmdr. Gregory F. Chapman, Kearsarge operations officer, explained that the stop in Bahrain was a chance for the crew to get some rest and relaxation after seven weeks underway as well as an opportunity to coordinate with their operational staff counterparts.

“Being able to personally interact with each other reinforces our understanding of operational tasking and enables us to better carry out our mission,” said Chapman.

While in port, crew members took advantage of the opportunity to participate in two community relations (COMREL) events; one to the Regional Institute of Active Learning (RIA) School and the other to Muharraq Horse Riding School and Stables.

Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Jerry Hutchins, command COMREL coordinator, said the purpose of the RIA COMREL event was to positively interact with disabled students through various activities to include decorating cookies and constructing a festive dragon.

During the COMREL event at the horse riding school, Sailors and Marines volunteered their time by helping the staff with the grooming, upkeep and exercise of eight horses.

“Both COMRELs were a great success!” said Hutchins. “The volunteers fostered positive relations with the Bahraini community and its future leaders.”

Events during the port call were not isolated to shore. Aboard Kearsarge, Sailors and Marines attended a change of command ceremony where Capt. Larry Getz relieved Capt. David L. Bossert as the ship’s commanding officer.

During the ceremony, Getz spoke on his enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the ship and its crew.

“It is difficult to find the words that express how grateful I am to be able to serve with a crew like the one we have here on the Kearsarge,” said Getz. “This is an amazing team, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The ship also hosted Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, for a special Thanksgiving meal where Donegan interacted with the Sailors and Marines on duty.

The crew visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain where they were able to utilize the base's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Crew members also toured the city and historic monuments such as the Grand Mosque as well as experiencing the local culture by attending a traditional Arabic-style dinner.

The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG), comprised of the flagship Kearsarge, the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts.

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/esg2/

• Date Taken: 12.01.2015
• Date Posted: 12.01.2015 09:21
• Story ID: 183162
• Location: MANAMA, BH