The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Manama, Bahrain, following a port visit, Jan. 26-30.

Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group senior leadership met with the Bahrain Defense Forces chief of staff during the port call. Sailors also took advantage of their time ashore to volunteer, compete in athletic events, and experience Middle Eastern culture through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) sponsored tours.

Bahrain Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi spoke with Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 Rear Adm. Stephen Koehler aboard Theodore Roosevelt.

"This was a great opportunity to meet with one of our partners, enhancing mutual trust, cooperation and respect," said Koehler. "Our continued interactions underscore the Navy's commitment to the region and a partner nation."

During their time in Bahrain, Sailors read to local children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIAL) and the Department of Defense Education Activity's Bahrain School. Sailors also had the chance to care for animals at the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Muharraq Horse Riding School.

"Anytime we can go out and interact with the local community and build those relationships -- it gives a lot to the people involved," said Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Rebecca Coxe, a RIAL volunteer. "Helping in the local community gives a sense of gratification to everyone who takes part. It's a good way of getting a different perspective. I think the impact is great."

Sailors organized and participated in several sporting events while in port, including a soccer game and a rugby match with local teams.

"We played two soccer games against Sailors from Naval Support Activity Bahrain and Sailors from USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). We also played soccer against Sailors from the French frigate Chevalier Paul (D 621)," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Naftaly Muriuki, Theodore Roosevelt's soccer team captain. "We've been out to sea for the past three months, so it took us about 10 minutes to knock the rust off, but after that it was smooth sailing. It was a good opportunity to play against people from all over and everybody loved it."

Visiting Sailors experienced the local culture through tours sponsored by MWR, which included visits to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain Fort, and Bahrain's Gold Souq, an outdoor marketplace.

"I felt that the tours provided a great insight to the Middle Eastern way of life," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Zachary McBee. "The Gold Souq was exactly how I pictured a Middle Eastern marketplace to be, with shops and salesmen all over the place. The trip to the mosque gave me a good idea of the religious culture, which was very informative. Tours like these are a convenient way for Sailors to get to know the local culture."

Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of CSG 9, is currently underway with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Preble (DDG 88), for a routine deployment. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in waters around the globe, displaying commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.

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