George H.W. Bush Departs Bahrain, Returns to Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jessica Echerri, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) resumed underway operations July 14, after completing a four-day port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Sailors participated in recreational and cultural tours sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program and volunteered in four community relation (COMREL) projects.

More than 750 Sailors purchased tickets for discounted tours offered by MWR. Sailors experienced the cultural side of Bahrain, with food tastings and a tour of the Grand Mosque, as well as the recreational side while swimming with dolphins, fishing, golfing and going to a local water park. MWR subsidized more than 30 percent of the costs of the tours.

"The water park tour was a great way to stay cool in the heat," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Laron Cooke. "Everyone got together after riding the slides to play water volleyball. It was a blast."

Additionally, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain offered Sailors the use of their sports facilities and MWR set up basketball, softball and flag football tournaments aboard the base.

"Playing pick up games of basketball with fellow Sailors was exciting and enjoyable," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Fernando Landeros.

The ship's Command Religious Ministries Department organized several COMRELs during the port visit.

The Sailors played a soccer match with a local Bahraini soccer team, tutored children in English, math and art at the Regional Institute for Active Learning and visited with residents of a local women's shelter.

"It's important to give back to the community, no matter what community you're in," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kendrah Agostini, who participated in a COMREL at the women's shelter. "It's rewarding to take some of our limited liberty time and give to a good cause."

This was the fourth scheduled port visit for George H.W. Bush, which entered the 5th Fleet area of responsibility June 18.

George H.W. Bush Strike Group is made up of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, aircraft-carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS Anzio (CG 68) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103).