Middle East
USS Truman makes port visit in Bahrain
Stars and Stripes
September 19, 2013
The USS Harry S. Truman, in 2010. (Kilho Park/U.S. Navy)
The USS Harry S. Truman, in 2010. (Kilho Park/U.S. Navy)
An HH-60 Seahawk helicopter hovers above the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in Naples, Italy, in 2007. The carrier arrived in Bahrain on Sept. 18, 2013, for a scheduled port visit amid ongoing regional tensions over Syria’s chemical weapons. (Sandra Jontz / S&S)
MANAMA, Bahrain — The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier arrived late Wednesday for a scheduled port visit in Bahrain amid ongoing regional tensions over Syria’s chemical weapons.
The Truman carrier strike group entered the U.S. 5th Fleet in August to relieve the USS Nimitz in the region. But while the Truman officially assumed the watch in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and regional maritime security operations, the Nimitz also remains in the area for what officials previously described as a “prudent” move — in anticipation of possible U.S. military strikes against Syria. Navy officials say there are no details yet on when the Nimitz might be returning home.
The main purpose of Truman’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain is for the crew of about 5,000 sailors to get some rest and relaxation according to Lt. Marissa Myatt, U.S. 5th Fleet spokeswoman.
“Sailors will participate in (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) sponsored tours and events as well as enjoy the local culture,” said Myatt.
The Truman is on an eight to nine-month deployment that started in July.