Manama, BAHRAIN (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Bahrain after completing a scheduled eight-day mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR), Nov. 14.
An MDVR is used to complete repairs and maintenance that allows the ship to continue fully mission capable throughout the remainder of its deployment that could not be done underway.
“MDVRs are solely for accomplishing corrective maintenance on mission or safety essential items necessary for the ship to continue its deployment,” said Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Taylor, the ship’s maintenance management officer and repair officer.
The MDVR took months of planning and coordination; and maintaining equipment and preservation was vital for the working port to be successful.
"Our MDVR was a complete success; the level of effort and attention to detail put in by the entire Essex team was impressive to watch," said Capt. Brian Mutty, commanding officer of Essex. “We were able to perform maintenance on several critical systems and the team was also able to enjoy some well-earned liberty in Bahrain due to the exceptional efforts of NSA Bahrain MWR.”
While in Bahrain, Sailors and Marines were also able to take advantage of a variety of activities, including Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours and community service programs.
“I really enjoyed the tour; our tour guide was incredible, not only did he show us a local sweets shop, but as he took us around the city, he really broadened our views on the culture and tradition of the local population,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kimberly Huidor. “I really liked how he incorporated a little bit of a history lesson on how the country came to be, while we were physically able to view everything that he was explaining.”
Essex is currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of Essex, USS Anchorage (LPD 23), USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.