CVN 77 Departs Manama, Bahrain

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Manama, Bahrain April 27, following a five-day port visit.

Sailors experienced the local culture and attractions, and took advantage of the services available at Naval Support Activity Bahrain while in port.

“It was nice to pull into a place where we could access Wi-Fi, go to the mall and relax,” said Airman Apprentice Jesus Balines Lopez, from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. “The architecture throughout the city was really cool too.”

Sailors participated in tours offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department, including golf, cultural tours, shopping and a beach barbecue.

More than 500 Sailors participated in 11 tours offered by MWR.

“These Sailors work extremely hard every day,” said Capt. Andrew Loiselle, commanding officer of USS George H.W. Bush. “These tours provide a great opportunity for everyone to decompress and relax.”

While in port, George H.W. Bush Sailors also took part in several community relations projects including reading and interacting with students at a school, and volunteering and participating in track and field events at the Department of Defense Bahrain Middle School and High School.

“This was a great opportunity for Sailors who are missing their own kids back home to interact with the kids here,” said Lt. Christilene Whalen, Carrier Air Wing 8 chaplain and coordinator of the track and field event at Bahrain Middle School. “This event gave everyone involved something fun to do.”

More than 100 Sailors participated in community relations events during the five-day port visit to Bahrain.

George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group deployed Feb. 15 and is operating in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

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Press Release, April 29, 2014; Image: US Navy