26th MEU (SOC) pulls into first liberty ports

[thedrifter]

26th MEU (SOC) pulls into first liberty ports

GySgt. Mark E. Bradley

26th MEU Public Affairs Chief

May 8, 2003

MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Following successful combat operations in Mosul, Iraq, the Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) pulled in to port today for a well-deserved "liberty call."

The ships of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group arrived today at three separate ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS Iwo Jima docked at the small island-nation of Malta, located south of Italy. The USS Carter Hall arrived in Taranto, Italy, and the USS Nashville pulled into Triest, Italy.

The Morale Welfare and Recreation representatives on each ship have been working hard arranging tours and activities to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for all the Marines and Sailors to get out and experience their respective host countries. For example, an overnight trip to Rome is being made available for the Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Carter Hall. Other activities being offered on all three ships include sightseeing tours, 4X4 off-road excursions, shopping trips, biking tours, museum visits and many others.

Anticipation has been building for the past few days as the Marines and Sailors have been ironing civilian clothes and making plans to enjoy themselves ashore. A few even arranged for loved ones to meet them while in port. Staff Sgt. Dan E. Jackson, a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron -264 (Reinforced) flight line mechanic from Lynchburg, Va., says he is looking forward to spending a lot of quality time with his wife while taking in the sights and letting her experience a foreign country without the kids.

However most Marines and Sailors are simply looking forward to going ashore and taking advantage of the time off. Regardless of plans however, thoughts of home are not far away from anyone here.

Aboard the USS Carter Hall, Staff Sgt. Jermal L. Rogers Weapons Platoon, Alpha Company BLT 1/8, from Hattiesburg, Miss., said that when his ship pulls into Italy, he plans to take in the sites and do some shopping for his wife back home.

Following these port visits, the 26th MEU (SOC) will continue on with its scheduled deployment.


Sempers,

Roger