MANAMA, Bahrain – The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed Manama, Bahrain following a scheduled port visit, Feb. 28.
After approximately six weeks at sea, Kearsarge’s crew was able to get some rest and relaxation and participate in a variety of organized activities during their nine days in port.
"My group assisted with special needs children,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class John Thompson, who interacted with students at the Ria Institute as part of three scheduled community service events. “It was an awesome experience to help bring cheer to them. We were able to use fun activities and games to help them learn. I believe we all enjoyed the smile we put on their faces.”
Kearsarge’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation program offered various tours including a visit to the Tree of Life, Grand Mosque and an Arabic dinner where Sailors and Marines were able to eat traditional local cuisine.
“It was great to be able to experience the culture through all of the food they served,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class GinelleMae Legaspi. “We had the opportunity to try food we may never have again and I enjoyed all of it.”
Along with several other sporting events, Sailors played in a basketball game against Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s team, which gave athletes a chance to do something they often can’t while underway.
“It’s always a great experience to get on the court and do what I love,” said Chief Warrant Officer Karen Thompson, food service officer aboard Kearsarge. “It was great playing with them because they’re a well-organized basketball team. Our women’s team joined our men’s team to play them so we all had fun. It was great to get out there, build some morale and let it all out on the court.”
Kearsarge is the flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/ and “Like” https://www.facebook.com/kearsarge.