The guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) arrived in Jebel Ali with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Strike Group, May 27.
Jebel Ali is a liberty port for the strike group and the ship’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) worked to provide activities for Sailors. For many Sailors, it is their first time visiting Dubai.

 ”We have a great opportunity to see a new place in our area of operation that our Sailors have not yet experienced,” said Raymond Charest, Hue City command master chief. “Jebel Ali has grown quite a bit since the last time I was here, but what is especially exciting for our Sailors is the chance of going into Dubai to see the only mall with indoor skiing.”

Sailors will have the opportunity to visit the Sailor Center in Jebel Ali, where they will be able to shop, access the Internet and use phones to connect with family and friends back home.

 ”Anytime we can call home and speak to the family to check in is great,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Jeffery Barnes. “They want to know we are doing well and safe and we just want to hear the familiar voices of our loved ones.”
“These port visits keep our Sailors going and help us continue to push toward our goal of mission excellence,” said Charest.

Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Press Release, May 31, 2013; Image: Wikimedia