Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) were granted liberty during a port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 2-5.

While in Jebel Ali, Monterey Sailors had the opportunity to sightsee and experience local customs through downtown Dubai tours, a dhow dinner cruise and a sunset safari organized by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team.

"I went on the dhow cruise with other Sailors and local families," said Seaman Jared Hess. "It was a great opportunity to see the Dubai skyline at night."

Sailors had the opportunity to participate in events based on personal preference while others created their own adventures.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Smigiel always wanted to play a golf with Monterey's Commanding Officer Capt. Chris DeGregory. While in Dubai, a group of Monterey officers and enlisted Sailors played a round of golf.

"I was really nervous playing with the commanding officer, and I never knew what to expect," said Smigiel. "The match turned out to be the most fun I have had on this deployment."

Several Monterey Sailors chose to spend some of their time delving into the history of the foreign culture and seeing different attractions the city offers.

"This was a great opportunity for the crew to experience a globalized city like Dubai," DeGregory said. "For many of my Sailors, it was the first time they had the opportunity to visit. It has countless, amazing attractions that make it a favorite port call with all Sailors."

During the visit, Sailors participated in a local community relations project at the K-9 Friends Shelter in Dubai.

"For me, I was excited to see the dogs," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Sosaia Faanunu. "Being able to take care of the animals highlighted my trip here in Dubai."

Monterey, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Ike CSG is comprised of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and Monterey, and the ships assigned to DESRON 26: the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

For more information from USS Monterey (CG 61), visit www.navy.mil/local/cg61.


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