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Eisenhower Strengthens Ties in Bahrain during Historic Visit
Story Number: NNS090520-05
Release Date: 5/20/2009 12:57:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kenneth R. Hendrix
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to Bahrain and the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command cohosted a reception aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) May 17, during the carrier's historic pierside port visit.
Eisenhower became the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to pull in pierside in Bahrain May 16. To celebrate the historic visit, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Adam Ereli and Vice Adm. William E. Gortney hosted the reception.
"I would just like to say, 'wow,' this is fantastic isn't it," Eisenhower's Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne shared with enthusiasm. "There will be many opportunities in the future for other carriers to follow as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower made history today."
"And that's a important thing to consider because our ship's namesake, President Eisenhower was also known as a pioneer and innovator during his presidency and time as a general, and it's only fitting that we carry on the tradition of our namesake," Mewbourne continued.
The reception helped strengthen longstanding relationships in support of 5th Fleet theater security cooperation engagement efforts to promote mutual understanding and interoperability among coalition partners.
Earlier that day the King of Bahrain, His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived by helicopter on the flight deck for a tour of the ship's capabilities and functions.
The last carrier to moor pierside in Bahrain was the 11,373-ton Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova (CVE 114) in 1948. During its stay in Bahrain, Rendova hosted the current king's grandfather Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Emir of Bahrain.
During the current visit, the Bahrain National Band performed traditional songs and dance.
The reception drew an audience of more than 250 invited guests to enjoy the music, food and festivities.
Guests also had the opportunity to tour the flight deck throughout the evening.
"Being here in Bahrain allows us to work closely with our friends the Bahrainis to increase our engagement and increase our opportunities in the region here," said Eisenhower's Executive Officer Capt. Ted R. Williams.
During the duration of the port visit, Ike's crew members took part in various community relations projects, sporting events and many other Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored events.
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime operations and operate in international waters across the globe.
For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.
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