Amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and embarked U.S. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pulled into Muscat, Oman, for a port visit Sept. 23-28.

While in Muscat, Whidbey Island hosted an open house for distinguished visitors, including U.S. ambassador to Oman, Marc J. Sievers, and Commander, Task Force 51 Naval Amphibious Force/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Brig. Gen. Francis Donovan.

Prior to the port visit and open house, Whidbey Island and amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and their embarked 22nd MEU Marines participated in a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise. The three units coordinated closely with Omani officials and the U.S. embassy to improve the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team's crisis response capabilities during natural disasters or contingencies.

"Team Whidbey Island is very excited to be a part of such a high level port and build partnerships with Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council as a follow up to our NEO [exercise]," said Cmdr. Ethan Rule, commanding officer of Whidbey Island. "Our team is also excited to show off the most versatile and capable platform in the U.S. Navy, and to serve as ambassadors, professional mariners and Marines operating at the tip of the spear."

While in Muscat, Whidbey Island Sailors and Marines participated in several cultural tours offered through Morale Welfare and Recreation during the visit. The trips included deep sea fishing, a desert safari to the Wadi Bin Khalid oasis and a snorkeling excursion.

"Muscat, Oman was my first visit to the Middle East and to a U.S. 5th Fleet port," said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Grant Bradley. "I want to get out and see the culture, try the local food and visit the mall."

Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Commander, Amphibious Squadron SIX commands the Wasp ARG, which consists of Whidbey Island, amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio), and amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The 22nd MEU is currently embarked in WASP ARG.

For more information on Whidbey Island, visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd41 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/USSWhidbeyIsland.

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For more news from USS Wasp (LHD 1), visit www.navy.mil/.