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THE US Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz arrived in Bahrain for a visit at the weekend while on a scheduled deployment to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility.
It will shortly be conducting maritime security operations in regional waters and providing direct air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan.
While in Bahrain, Nimitz sailors have been visiting Manama and experiencing the culture of the Middle East first-hand. Tours have been organised and activities have included shopping, scuba diving, deep sea fishing as well as religious and cultural events.
"Bahrain is an excellent liberty port for our sailors," said Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt Paul Monger. He added that the crew had been looking forward to enjoying the 'hospitality of the people of Bahrain' and experiencing the kingdom's rich cultural traditions.
Since departing Singapore in September, Nimitz has safely sailed more than 14,000 miles and has conducted over 1,800 air sorties.
Aircraft that are launched from the Nimitz's flight deck provide 30 per cent of all coalition close air support in Afghanistan.
A sister vessel has been making an impact in the war against drug smugglers in the region in recent days.
USS Anzio, operating as part of the combined maritime forces, a US-led coalition supporting maritime security operations in the region, seized approximately four tons of hashish found aboard a skiff, with an estimated street-value of $28 million.
The skiff was located approximately 170 miles southwest of Oman when it was spotted traveling at high speed by Anzio's crew.
Following a brief chase, it was boarded by a team which included officers from the US Coast Guard and Navy.
The drugs seized could have helped to fund the insurgency in Afghanistan and therefore contribute to instability in the region.
"The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region," said Rear Adm. Scott E. Sanders, Commander, combined task force (CTF) 151, embarked aboard Anzio. "Yesterday these sailors were hunting pirates, today they have sent a message to all would-be smugglers that we won't tolerate pirates or drug traffickers in these waters."
The drugs were thrown overboard and destroyed. Naval Forces assigned to the Combined Maritime Forces have seized more than 22 tons of narcotics during operations in 2009.
