Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with embarked Carrier Strike Group 11, Carrier Air Wing 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 arrived in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, July 5 for a scheduled port visit.
While in port, the Sailors will have the chance to visit the sites, shop and enjoy liberty. For many Sailors aboard Nimitz, this is the first time they have visited the United Arab Emirates. Nimitz commanding officer, Capt. Jeff Ruth, said this visit is a well-deserved break for the Sailors.
“If you’ve been here, you know what a great city Dubai is,” said Ruth. “I know our Sailors will have a great time. They certainly deserve it after all the hard work they’ve put in on this deployment.”
Nimitz has been at sea for more than 35 consecutive days, and this is its first port visit since arriving in the region.
“The United Arab Emirates and the United States have an important and strategic friendship,” said Ruth. “The UAE also has a long history of welcoming us when we visit, and I’m glad our Sailors get to see its second-to-none attractions firsthand.”
During the port visit, Nimitz’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation program will be arranging a variety of tours and activities for Sailors. Scheduled events will include desert safaris, city tours and a visit to a local water park.
Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Press Release, July 8, 2013