JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates –The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) departed from its seven-day port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17.
America hosted a reception to commemorate the kick off of the Dubai International Airshow. The reception included more than 300 distinguished visitors, including the Honorable Barbara Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Vice Adm. John Aquilino, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Lt. Gen. William D. Beydler, commander, Marine Forces Central Command; and retired Lt. Gen. Bob Durbin, chief operating officer of Aerospace Industries Association.
“Our two countries have enjoyed a strong partnership over the last 40 years and we are grateful for our Sailors and Marines to meet the people of this country and witness this partnership first hand,” said Capt. Joe Olson, the commanding officer of America in his opening remarks. “Visits such as these are a testimony to this enduring friendship and tonight will further strengthen that.”
As the first international reception held onboard during the ship’s first operational deployment, the event was an opportunity for the crew to engage with guests from international militaries, guests of the Dubai Air Show and representatives from aviation organizations such as Aerospace Industries Association.
Also, while in port, contractors and the ship’s crew completed their mid-deployment maintenance requirements.
“The contractor and ship’s force support was phenomenal,” said Cmdr. Brian Ponce, America’s chief engineer, on all the hard work completed during the time in port.
During the stay, Sailors and Marines participated in a variety of tours offered by the ship's afloat recreation program, such as fishing, water park trips, city tours and a sunset safari experience.
"The Dubai visit was a hit for the crew," said Shannon Smith, America’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation representative. "Everyone was excited to delve into the plethora of events and tours the USO had to offer."
Many of the Sailors and Marines aboard signed up for a sunset safari. During the tour, they rode in all-terrain vehicles through desert dunes to a Bedouin-style campsite and experienced an evening of traditional Arabic culture with the dress, food and music. They also had the opportunity to ride a camel and have a traditional henna tattoo painted on their hands.
"I had never actually seen a camel before," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jack Green, assigned to the ship’s medical department. "And the four-wheel drive through the dunes was awesome!"
America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.