After 3 years, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) returned to the Kingdom of Bahrain for a port visit, Aug. 13-17.

With more than 50 consecutive days at sea, the crew appreciated the time to rest and explore the small island country and take in the local culture.

"It was awesome to get off the ship for a few days and recharge," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Skylar Halbeisen. "Bahrain is a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to coming back here again."

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) hosted several tours, events and even trips to a spa -- of which a good number of Sailors took advantage.

"The MWR tours are always great," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Kayla Amador. "I got a massage and a pedicure. I feel like a new woman."

Sightseeing tours were available throughout the capital city of Manama, to national monuments such as the Al-Fateh Mosque, Bahrain World Trade Center and a 4,000-year-old fortress. Sailors who had never visited a Middle Eastern country were able to learn more about the culture and history of the region.

The crew was also afforded the opportunity to get some exercise and cheer on their shipmates in rugby, basketball, softball and soccer games with local Bahraini teams.

"I had so much fun out there with all the guys," said Electrician's Mate Fireman Daniel Lewis. "I got to play rugby before, but I'm glad I got to contribute to the team."

The Ike crew departed renewed and ready to return to sea to support ongoing operations in the area.

"This is what I joined the Navy to do," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Emma Ensweiler. "I love the fact that I get to serve my country and see the world while I do it."

Ike is part of the first carrier strike group to deploy under the new Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), a cross-community collaboration effort to better prepare the fleet in meeting combatant commander needs without straining the ships, planes and Sailors. It is also the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet for the second half of 2016, an initiative that demonstrates efforts to transform energy use and highlight it as a strategic resource.

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