USS Arlington (LPD 24) brings in the New Year in Muscat, Oman

Photo By Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins | A U.S. Sailor embarked with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) throws the leading line to a mooring line aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) during a sea and anchor detail while arriving in Muscat, Oman, Dec. 31, 2015. U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), embarked aboard the USS Arlington and Sailors with the KSGARG, celebrated the New Year during a liberty port visit in Muscat, Oman, Dec. 31, 2015 – Jan. 4, 2016, while forward deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins/ Released)  

USS ARLINGTON, GULF OF OMAN

01.11.2016

Story by Sgt. Austin Long 

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)     

USS ARLINGTON, Gulf of Oman - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Sailors with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, celebrated the New Year during a liberty port visit in Muscat, Oman, Dec. 31, 2015 – Jan. 4, 2016, while forward deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

After completing extensive training exercises in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, and celebrating the Christmas holiday aboard ship, the liberty was a welcome change of pace for many of the service members aboard the USS Arlington.

“This port visit will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the morale of the landing force,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Daniel Coleman, the commander of troops of the 26th MEU embarked aboard the USS Arlington. “Since we were underway for Christmas, having the chance to welcome the New Year while on liberty is an outstanding opportunity for our Sailors and Marines.”

Port visits are an important part to the overall mission of the 26th MEU.

“Liberty is a vital mission, especially in the NAVCENT area of operations,” said Coleman. “Like we do for training and operations, we prepare for liberty with the goal of leaving a positive impression of the United States on the host country. Successful liberty is a positive experience that refreshes and recharges the Marines and Sailors. It also increases our understanding of regional customs and culture, and leaves a lasting, favorable impression for the United States on the local population.”

• Date Taken: 01.11.2016
• Date Posted: 01.13.2016 05:32
• Story ID: 185971
• Location: USS ARLINGTON, GULF OF OMAN