Rushmore, 13th MEU Visit Dubai

AT SEA

10.17.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Reymundo Villegas 

USS Rushmore (LSD 47)

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates Oct. 13 following maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden.

The goodwill port visit allowed the Sailors of the Rushmore to enjoy the local culture and visit the historical sites of the United Arab Emirates.

"This port visit was a great opportunity to reward Rushmore’s Sailors and Marines,” said Cmdr. Rob Tryon, commanding officer of Rushmore. "After their hard work during maritime security operations, our blue-green team enjoyed the opportunity to experience the culture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Liberty was a great way to deepen the relationship between our nations."

While in port, Sailors and Marines were able to get some rest and relaxation after a challenging at-sea schedule with multiple exercises. Some went shopping, visited religious and cultural sites, tasted delicacies native to the country while others purchased tours from the ship’s morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) committee and attended local attractions such as city tours, food tours and theme parks.

“We had a variety of tours for our Sailors and Marines to choose from,” said Chief Quartermaster Candice Stone, Rushmore’s MWR recreation service officer. “Some people attended the sunset safari where they had the opportunity to ride camels, and watch the sun set over the sand dunes. Others explored the water parks, the Burj Khalifa, and many other amazing sites that the UAE had to offer. Everyone had a great and safe time because there was so much to do and see.”

Rushmore is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting to the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points as part of a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Rushmore (LSD 47), visit http://www.rushmore.navy.mil and https://www.facebook.com/USSRushmore

• Date Taken: 10.17.2018
• Date Posted: 10.28.2018 05:28
• Story ID: 297971
• Location: AT SEA