Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) departed from its four-day port visit to Jebel Ali, Dubai, March 29.
During the stay, Sailors and Marines partook in a variety of tours offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, such as fishing, water park trips, city tours and a sunset safari experience.
“I think the Dubai port visit went very well,” said Lucas Eckstein, Peleliu’s fun boss. “People came back and told me they had an amazing time. Sailors and Marines really took advantage of the services offered both on and off the pier.”
The double-decker bus city tour visited 23 different locations to explore, such as shopping complexes, historic districts and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
“I loved this tour!” said Yeoman 2nd Class Christina Shell. “The best part was seeing the culture that was all over Dubai. I chose this tour to learn about the city’s cultural diversity and see the amazing building structures. I would recommend it to everyone.”
Sailors and Marines who had previously visited Dubai, found new places to relax and hang out.
“I’ve been to Dubai on a previous deployment, but this was my first time going to the [Atlantis] water park,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Juan Reyes. “I definitely enjoyed myself because I had the chance to hang out with my friends.”
Sailors and Marines purchased approximately 1,200 MWR-arranged trips with additional tickets and tours sold by the United Service Organization (USO) on the pier, added Eckstein.
Peleliu is the flagship for the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 3, 2013; Image: US Navy