Abraham Lincoln Visits Bahrain, Reinforces Key Bilateral Relationship

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Amber Smalley | 191130-N-GD018-1088 MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov. 30, 2019) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) walk dogs for the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as part of a community relations (COMREL) event during a port visit to Manama, Bahrain. Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is 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 the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley/Released)  

UNITED STATES

12.02.2019

Story by Chief Petty Officer Gretchen Albrecht 

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)   

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled into Manama, Bahrain for a scheduled port call, Nov. 26.
The visit continued a nearly 70-year bilateral relationship with Bahrain, a major regional ally, as more than 5,000 Sailors stationed on Abraham Lincoln as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) enjoyed the culture and history of the country.
“Our crew enjoyed partaking in all the beauty and cultural experiences Bahrain has to offer,” said Capt. Walt Slaughter, commanding officer of Abraham Lincoln. “Working with a key regional partner like Bahrain is an absolute pleasure.”
Port visits, which provide Sailors the opportunity to engage with other countries, are considered to be an important part of the mission for Sailors during a deployment. ABECSG Sailors embraced that mindset through multiple community relations (COMREL) projects and tours during the six-day visit.
“COMRELs are a great way for Sailors to interact with citizens and organizations they might not otherwise meet while in port,” said Lt. Christina Mauntel, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 chaplain. “Sailors help these groups and build goodwill through their volunteerism.”
More than 200 Sailors volunteered with various organizations, including the Muharraq Horse Riding School, the Regional Institute for Active Learning, and Bahrain’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“I was stationed in Bahrain prior to reporting to CVW 7, and I know many of these organizations value the contributions Sailors bring,” said Mauntel. It was wonderful to see the excitement about the COMRELs, and how Sailors really wanted to give back.”
Sailors took in the many sites and attractions Bahrain is known for through preplanned Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours. Participants were able to experience boat rides to secluded islands, racing at the Bahrain International Go Kart Circuit, scuba and pearl diving, and golfing at the Royal Golf Club.
“This port call was a success on all fronts, and I am proud of the Lincoln team for representing their ship and country well. The volunteer hours our Sailors dedicated to showing our appreciation for our gracious host are a testament to the value of our bilateral relationship,” said Slaughter. “This crew is better for having the opportunity to experience the culture of our longstanding partner.”
The ABECSG transited through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Arabian Gulf on Nov. 19. ABECSG presence in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), where it has operated since May, demonstrates the U.S. and its regional partners’ commitment to the free flow of commerce, regional maritime security and freedom of navigation.
The U.S. 5th Fleet AOO encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW 7.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2019
• Date Posted: 12.03.2019 13:09
• Story ID: 354102
• Location: US