The amphibious transport ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) completed its mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR) pier side in Doha, Qatar Aug. 10, 2019 during a scheduled port visit.

The nine-day port visit was used for the crew and contractors to do maintenance and make repairs to the ship’s plumbing, engineering, and replacement of the crew self-serve laundry washers and dryers.

“What we do out here is demanding and creates much wear and tear,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Seth Swanson, John P. Murtha’s material and maintenance management coordinator. “Conducting an MDVR offers an opportunity to complete emergent repairs while deployed. Completing these repairs helps maintain our mission capabilities, reducing the possibility of equipment failures which could impact our mission.”

In addition to repairs made, John P Murtha’s MDRV in Qatar also served to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s relationship with the Qatar.

“We had a successful maintenance period and a demonstration of access not previously accomplished here in Qatar,” said Swanson. “By conducting the MDVR here in Qatar, it helps us to develop and a build a relationship with the maintenance team which will in turn benefit future deploying units in the region.”

 “This is the first-time ever a U.S. Navy ship has conducted an MDVR in Qatar,” said Capt. Kevin Lane, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “This was a demanding port visit and I could not be more proud of the crew for their efforts. The feedback I received from the maintenance team here in Qatar was stellar and they were also impressed with the professionalism of the John P. Murtha.”

John P. Murtha is currently on its first deployment and part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit team and is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operation 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.

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