Courtesy Photo | Adam Ereli, the United States ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Vice Adm. Wiiliam...... read more read more
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MANAMA, Bahrain — A formal reception took place May 17 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower co-hosted by Adam Ereli, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain and Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
One day after Eisenhower became the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to pull in pier side in Bahrain and in celebration of the historical moment, the evening reception was held in hangar bay 2 as an opportunity to share history and traditions of the U.S. Navy, and the host nation.
"I would just like to say, 'WOW,' this is fantastic isn't it," Eisenhower's Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne shared with enthusiasm. "There will be many opportunities in the future for other carriers to follow as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower made history today."
"And that's a important thing to consider, because our ship's namesake, President Eisenhower was also known as a pioneer and innovator during his presidency and time as a general, and it's only fitting that we carry on the tradition of our namesake," Mewbourne continued.
The reception was also an affair to strengthen relationships in support of 5th Fleet theater security cooperation engagement efforts to promote mutual understanding and interoperability among coalition partners.
Early that day the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived by helicopter on the flight deck for a tour of the ship's capabilities and functions.
The last carrier to moor pier side during a liberty call to Bahrain was the 11,373-ton Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova in 1948.
During its stay in Bahrain, Rendova hosted the current King's grandfather Sheik Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Emir of Bahrain.
During the dinner, guest listened to the sounds of the Bahrain National Band with performances showcasing traditional songs and dance.
The reception drew an appreciative audience of more than 250 invited guests to enjoy the music, food and festivities.
After the dinner, guests received the opportunity to walk and tour the flight deck throughout the evening, as they were shuttled on elevator 2 from the hangar to the flight deck.
"Being here in Bahrain allows us to work closely with our friends the Bahrainis to increase our engagement and increase our opportunities in the region here," said Eisenhower's Executive Officer Capt. Ted R. Williams.
During the duration of the port visit, Ike's crew members took part in various community relations projects, sporting events and many other Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored events.
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime operations and operate in international waters across the globe.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2009 04:50 |
| Story ID: | 33838 |
| Location: | MANAMA, BH |
| Web Views: | 414 |
| Downloads: | 392 |
This work, Eisenhower Holds Reception During Historic Visit to Bahrain, by PO2 Kenneth Hendrix, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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