Oak Hill and Jordanian Sailors Play Soccer Game

AQABA, JORDAN

01.13.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Griffin Kersting 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Active)

AQABA, Jordan – Sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and Sailors from the Royal Jordanian Navy competed in a soccer game in Aqaba, Jan. 13.
Oak Hill and Jordanian Sailors competed in the game to continue to build relationships between the two countries and to have the opportunity to break away from the normal work day and have some fun.
Oak Hill’s soccer game with the Jordanian hosts were part of an approximately weeklong visit to Jordan by the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit. Sailors and Marines from the flagship amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) also participated in soccer games with the host Jordanians.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Samuel Mensah, a Sailor assigned to Oak Hill who participated in the soccer game. “Getting to play against the Jordanian Navy in a soccer game is something I won’t forget about my time in the Navy.”
More than 20 Sailors from the Oak Hill participated in the game while enjoying liberty.
“It’s always great to have the opportunity to play against other countries while on deployment,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Juan Flores. “It’s a time to have a break from work and do something that you enjoy.”
Oak Hill, with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is conducting bilateral training in partnership with the Royal Jordanian Marines and Navy in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

• Date Taken: 01.13.2020
• Date Posted: 03.10.2020 11:24
• Story ID: 364242
• Location: AQABA, JO