The amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), along with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived at port Mina Salman for a scheduled port visit Sept. 14.

This second port visit to Bahrain will provide Sailors and Marines the opportunities for finishing up in-port repairs while providing them time to enjoy sightseeing, shopping and relaxation.

"It's going to be a working port for my department, but the hours will give us more than enough time to go out and enjoy liberty," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jasmin Villa. "I can't wait to go back, enjoy the down time and get some good shwarma!"

Cmdr. Thomas Stephens, Rushmore's commanding officer, said that the port will benefit Sailors and Marines by being a balance of taking care of both the ship and the crew.

"Rushmore will leave Bahrain in better condition as there are several significant repair items that are needed to keep us sustained for all future operations," said Stephens. "On top of that, the Sailors and Marines will get a little bit of a break, a chance to stock up on items from the base Navy exchange and a chance to get some wi-fi and connect with their families and friends back home."

Stephens said he's proud of the Sailors' and Marines' performance this far into the deployment and that the break is well deserved.

"Rushmore has a great reputation when it comes to executing the mission to get the job done," said Stephens. "My crew has performed nothing less than outstanding, as they always do. I have the best operational amphibious crew in the Navy."

Rushmore is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, and with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are 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 Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, visit www.navy.mil/.