US ship in historic visit

THE USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) became the first Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier to pull in pier side in Bahrain as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen relationships, operational abilities and address maritime strategies.

This historic visit marks the second time an American aircraft carrier has docked pier-side for a port visit in more than 60 years.

"The US Navy shares a very special relationship with Bahrain and for that we are extremely grateful," said Rear Adm Kurt Tidd, Commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

"This visit is the first time in over 60 years an American aircraft carrier has pulled in pier-side Bahrain, and the first time ever a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has pulled in pier-side Bahrain, as a result of the careful and detailed hard work of the people of Bahrain. The sailors aboard Eisenhower are excited to be part of this historical visit."

The last carrier to moor pier-side during a liberty call to Bahrain was the 11,373 tonne Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova (CVE 114) in 1948. During its stay in Bahrain, Rendova hosted Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the late Amir of Bahrain.

Vice Adm Bill Gortney, Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, said he is very pleased Eisenhower was able to pull into the newly-constructed pier facility in Hidd.

"This is an important day for both the US and the Kingdom of Bahrain," he said. "Eisenhower's pier-side visit is a tangible reminder our commitment to Bahrain and highlights the special relationship that our two nations share."

During the port visit Eisenhower's crew will take part in various community relations projects, sporting events and many other Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored events.

Visits by US Navy ships symbolise the continued friendship and partnership between countries and military services - increasing cooperative engagement and exemplifying commitment to building trust and confidence among friends worldwide.

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as Maritime Security Operations.

Operations in the US 5th Fleet are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

The US Navy says the American warship that was struck by a US submarine in the

narrow choke point off Iran's coast has been repaired and is back at sea.

The Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain said the USS New Orleans returned to duty following repairs in the kingdom.

The New Orleans suffered damage in March when it was hit by the USS Hartford, a nuclear-powered submarine, as the ships were travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

The amphibious transport dock ship was repaired at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard in Manama.

Dry dock repairs were made to the ship's damaged hull, ruptured fuel tank and ballast tanks.

Although New Orleans was repaired in Bahrain, US Naval Sea Systems Command engineers decided that the submarine should be repaired in the US.

It completed sea trials on April 24 and is making a surface transit back to its homeport of Groton, Connecticut.

Two formal investigations have been completed; a Safety Investigation and a Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) Investigation into the collision.

Both are currently undergoing endorsement reviews, which are expected to take several months to complete.