The Yellow Jackets on board USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) have spent a solid month of flying Operation Iraqi Freedom missions in sweltering conditions.

The entire squadron has put in relentless flight and man-hours flying missions from the Arabian Gulf since March 19. In fact, over 1,300 hours have been flown by the Yellow Jackets in support of OIF and just recently, Carrier Air Wing Nine received news that they were going to be extended a few more weeks in the Gulf. While not quite news Sailors and Marines wanted to hear, morale has never been higher, for the level of enthusiasm for the job being done by the Yellow Jackets and the rest of the Air Wing is insurmountable.

The recent port visit to Dubai gave troops such needed liberty, especially in light of the extension. While many had been to Dubai before, there were still many opportunities and adventures to be had by all.

Everyone got to soak up aspects of Arab culture and went sailing, on tours, sightseeing and shopping in gold souks where every make and fashion of the highest quality gold products could be purchased.

Some visited rug and carpet vendors, where one-of-a-kind pieces of art on canvases of wool and silk could be bought through systematic price haggling with the jovial vendors.

PR3 John Weatherford found his time at the Dubai paintball field well spent. “Though it was hot, we still had a great time playing the sport, we did not realize how popular the game was outside of the states,” Weatherford said.

IT1 Rick Avalos booked an MWR excursion into the deserts of Dubai. “The night safari was one of the best in-port adventures I’ve had. We toured the sand dunes in off-road vehicles, rode camels and had an authentic

Arabian meal prepared for us at an oasis in the desert. Much of the tour was at night and the desert was a very different and amazing place at night,” Avalos said.

Most of hotels and nightclubs had a westernized atmosphere with Arab influence. Everything from the most cutting edge dance clubs, to big band jazz clubs could be found, all providing the Yellow Jackets with a great time and a chance to get their minds off of their deployment.

After spending four full days in Dubai, the Yellow Jackets and the rest of the USS Carl Vinson headed back to the ship to make last-minute phone calls to loved ones or enjoy one more middle eastern food delicacy at the USO-provided entertainment area pier side.

Now Carrier Air Wing Nine is back in the skies in support of OIF, and looking forward to their transit home through the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic. The Yellow Jackets hope to be home sometime this summer.