Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) arrived in Manama, Bahrain, April 23.
Hue City had been underway for 43 consecutive days prior to pulling into Bahrain.
“We are at the point in deployment where things have become mundane,” said Hue City’s Command Master Chief Raymond Charest. “This will be a great opportunity for us to get some down time. Sailors need time to unwind and get their bearings back.”
Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) also pulled into port with Hue City, and both ships’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs worked together to provide liberty activities for their crews. They set up a soccer tournament as well as rugby and golf games and Sailors will have time to participate in a community service project with Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). The community service project will include general cleanup around Manama and an opportunity for wheelchair basketball.
“It is a nice change from the ‘groundhog days’ the Sailors endured while underway for so long, and I find that everyone who participates really wants to feel as though they may have made a difference,” said Hue City’s Chaplain Lt. Karen Rector. “I think that is also a big boost of the spirits for the participants.”
In port, Sailors will also have the opportunity to visit Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, where they will be able to shop at the Navy Exchange and use the Internet to connect with family.
“I am looking forward to being able to sit down and call my wife and family and talk for a while, not to mention have a chance to restock on items I am running low on,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Daniel Rini. “It will just be nice to have an opportunity to get out and stretch my legs and hopefully try some food I have never tasted before.”
Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 29, 2013