The Everett home ported guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) recently concluded a mid-deployment Middle East port visit. The seven-day visit enabled Ingraham Sailors to get off the ship and participate in leisure activities such as sand dune boarding, sand dune off-roading, camel riding, and shopping in the world’s largest mall.

“The morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) tours and skiing were favorites among Sailors,” said Ingraham’s Command Master William Conley.  “They only had to pay for 50 percent of the cost of sponsored tours, with our MWR funds covering the rest. You could go on an MWR sand dune boarding trip and then go indoor-skiing, all in the same port visit if you like.”

In addition to time away from the job, some Ingraham Sailors used their liberty time to spread international goodwill while participating in one of two community relations (COMREL) projects. 

“We had two community relations projects during our visit here: one at a children’s autism treatment center and the other was riding horses with disabled children,” explained Senior Chief Electronics Technician John Hertzberg, Ingraham’s COMREL coordinator. “It’s been a very positive experience for both our Sailors and me. Although it was a liberty port, we were also able to accomplish a lot of repairs to the ship that can’t be done while underway,” added Hertzberg.

The port visit was especially significant to the crew as it marked the approximate halfway point in Ingraham’s Middle East deployment.

“I got to see a new place I’ve never seen before…I enjoyed it very much,” said Seaman Bruce Newellsaco. “Most importantly, this [port visit] means we are half-way home, so I can see my wife and son.”

Ingraham is part of the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group and is currently conducting operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The flexibility and capability of U.S. and Coalition forces make them well-positioned to respond to any potential emergent situations. Through operations and training with regional partners, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional countries’ struggles against violent extremism.