The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) arrived in Haifa, Israel, June 19, as part of a scheduled port visit.

Haifa is a routine port stop for U.S. Navy ships in the 6th Fleet and Dunham's second stop since departing its homeport in Naval Station Norfolk, June 2. The visit is also a welcome break for the crew from being underway.

"This port visit is an amazing opportunity for our Sailors to see this part of the world," said Cmdr. John Hamilton, Jason Dunham's commanding officer. "For a majority of the crew, this is their first deployment and Haifa is a fantastic historical and cultural place to be."

During the visit, Dunham Sailors will participate in planned community relation projects and guided tours organized by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team. Sailors will be able to see many of the area's historical sites and learn about the rich history the region has to offer.

"I'm excited to visit Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, places I've only seen in pictures," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Alexis Suarez, who has been in the Navy four years and is on his first deployment with Dunham. "Growing up, I enjoyed studying the geography and history of the area, but seeing it up-close in person is a dream."

Dunham, part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is currently on deployment, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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