Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) celebrated the midway point of her maiden deployment during a mid-deployment voyage repair visit at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Jan. 19.

The first half of Arlington's historic maiden deployment has seen the ship operate as part of U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, celebrate four national holidays, participate in multinational exercises including Trident Juncture 2015, conduct maritime interdiction operations, visit six countries and make headlines when the ship rescued a small disabled vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

"This midway point is a good opportunity to reflect on some of our accomplishments thus far," said Arlington's Commanding Officer Capt. Sean Bailey. "Since departing Norfolk in October, we've welcomed 55 new crew members and transferred 24, promoted 39 Sailors and more than 60 have earned their enlisted warfare designations, and we continue to see Sailors and Marines achieve personal and professional goals every day. Amazingly, we've also welcomed 15 new babies to our Arlington family, which really highlights the sacrifice of these young families as they forego the experience of the birth of a child to serve their nation."

The ship's midway point coincides with a port visit to Naval Support Activity Bahrain for a planned maintenance period.

"This port is a great way to start the second half of deployment," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Thomas McGuire. "Bahrain has so much to do, whether it is shopping or going on a tour. It's been a really fun port, and it'll be interesting to see what the second half of deployment holds for us."

During the port visit, Sailors and Marines also received a visit from U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Carl E. Mundy III, commander of Task Force (CTF) 51, who spoke to the crew during an all-hands call on the flight deck.

"Arlington's presence here sends a powerful message to this area of the world about our commitment to the stability of this region," said Mundy. "I want you all to understand the importance of what it is you all bring to the table while you are here in the Arabian Gulf."

With the first half of deployment behind them, Sailors and Marines aboard Arlington prepare for the second half of their deployment which will see the ship operate out of the Arabian Gulf before transiting back to her homeport in Norfolk.

"More important than looking back at this point, we stop to look forward at everything in our future, including completion of our maintenance period, a number of port visits to new countries, and a renewed sense of mission and purpose as we enter the Arabian Gulf," said Bailey. "The second half of deployment will be even more challenging than the first, but we are dedicated to achieving success as a team and to returning safely back home to our families. I'm proud of the great things Arlington has accomplished over the past few months and I look forward to bringing this great ship and awesome crew back home."

Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Arlington (LPD 24), visit www.navy.mil/.