Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) visited Salalah, Oman, during a port visit that concluded July 21.

While in Salalah, Sailors had a chance to explore the city and experience the Omani people's rich history, culture, and food during tours to historic locations set up by Mason's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee.

"I went on a camel ride tour, which was amazing," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class India Shula, assigned to Mason's Supply Department. "It's definitely something I can scratch off my bucket list. Our Omani tour guides were very welcoming and kind to us. They treated us like lifelong friends, and we felt like guests."

Shula said the Omani people's barbecued chicken and camel were great and the curry rice was unique and flavorful.

Along with the camel riding tour at Wadi Darbat, Sailors visited the Frankincense Land Museum, Al-Balid archaeological site, Al Husn Souk (market), the spring of Ayn Razat, Samhurum or Khor Rori palace ruins, the Lost City of Ubar, Jebel Qara and the tomb of the Prophet Ayoub, or Job, from the Old Testament.

For four days, Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy liberty and to help strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Oman.

"They're a very proud and welcoming people," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Misty Wiggers, assigned to Mason's Damage Control Petty Officer Department.

Oman is a valuable regional partner with which the U.S. has a long-standing cooperation. Oman's strategic location plays an important role in helping the U.S. realize its goals for regional stability and ensuring safe global maritime commerce.

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

Ike CSG includes the CSG 10 staff, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the embarked squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the DESRON 26 ships: the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Nitze (DDG 94) and Mason.

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