Photo By Sgt. Austin Long | The Svitzer Muharraq, a tugboat working in the Naval Support Activity Bahrain harbor,...... read more read more
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NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN - Marines and Sailors embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) conducted daily maintenance operations during a scheduled Mid-Deployment Vessel Repair (MDVR), while in port at Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain), Jan. 13-20, 2016.
The 26th MEU and KSGARG are deployed in support of maintaining regional security in the 5th Fleet area of operations.
“The landing force used the MDVR to focus on the maintenance and accountability of our equipment,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Coleman, the commander of troops aboard the USS Arlington, with the 26th MEU. “With the focus being on maintenance, the landing force addressed a wide range of necessities, both large and small.”
During the MDVR, Marines replaced an engine in a light armored vehicle and conducted inventories on their tool kits, weapon systems, and equipment. The various types of maintenance and repairs performed during the MDVR contribute to the MEU’s readiness and ability to rapidly respond to a wide array of operations.
“This port was different for a couple reasons. It was not focused on liberty, but instead was an opportunity to conduct the necessary maintenance and accountability of our equipment that is difficult to perform while out at sea with limited space and resources. Second, this port provided access to Naval Support Activity Bahrain. While most of our other ports visits occurred at civilian facilities, this was the first port in this region where the Marines and Sailors had access to an American military base,” said Coleman.
While in port, Martin Luther King Jr Day was recognized by Marines and Sailors who participated in a 5K race held by the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation staff at NSA Bahrain.
“The MLK 5K hosted by Naval Support Activity Bahrain MWR was a special occasion. The run allowed us to pause and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Sgt. Maj. Phillip Billiot, the sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th MEU. “The large turnout from the USS Arlington for the MLK 5K was a humbling sight to see. Anytime you can gather together for a team building event, it’s positive. The MLK 5K gave the USS Arlington’s Marine and Navy team an opportunity to improve upon an already solid relationship. As we go forward with the deployment I hope there are many more opportunities to participate in team building events.”
Stopping at NSA Bahrain provided Marines and Sailors with access to U.S. facilities, which allowed them to recharge and prepare for the remainder of their deployment in the 5th Fleet area of operations.
Each port visit is a mission within itself. The landing force has an opportunity to represent not only the 26th MEU, but the United States as a whole. Acting as exemplary American citizens, each port visit is an opportunity to build relations with the host nation. By utilizing each visit as an opportunity to maintain readiness and build upon relations, each port is vital to the overall mission of the 26th MEU.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2016 05:13 |
| Story ID: | 187500 |
| Location: | BH |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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