Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) returned to sea after a three-day port visit in Duqm, Oman, Nov. 29.

While in Duqm, Nitze Sailors were able to experience both local Duqm culture and cuisine.

"It's no secret that the crew has had a very eventful and somewhat stressful deployment," said Cmdr. Paul Kaylor, Nitze's commanding officer. "As we approach month seven, it's nice to take a step back for a few days and just relax and enjoy ourselves."

During the visit, Nitze's crew was able to participate in pick-up soccer, basketball, and volleyball games, and shop around for local souvenirs at the pier's "sandbox." They also visited local resorts where they were able to use recreation facilities and wireless internet.

"Our time in Duqm was great," said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Rubiaco. "It was nice to get off the ship and onto dry land, if even only for a limited time. The staff at the sandbox was extremely courteous and helpful. The amenities offered were a blessing. Being able to speak to my family was a great moment."

Nitze, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Ike CSG includes CSG-10 staff, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), staff and squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the DESRON 26 guided-missile destroyers Nitze, USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and USS Mason (DDG 87).

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For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit http://www.navy.mil/.