USS Nimitz gets liberty call in Bahrain

The San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is on liberty call Sunday in Bahrain, giving sailors a chance to relax after a busy first three months of delivering air support for the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, the Navy said.

The Nimitz pulled into port in the Persian Gulf nation Saturday, Seaman Amara Timberlake said.

The ship left San Diego July 31 and sailed to Singapore. Since departing there in September, the ship has covered 14,000 miles and launched 1,800 sorties, Timberlake said.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the Nimitz have provided about one-third of close air support for ground troops in Afghanistan, she said.

Timberlake said about 7,000 sailors are spending their leaves by touring the Bahraini capital of Manama, going scuba diving and deep sea fishing, shopping and learning about the religious and cultural history of the Middle East.

She did not say how long the liberty will last.

Tags: al qaeda, Bahrain, Carrier Air Wing 11, SDNN, Seaman Amara Timberlake, Taliban, USS Nimitz

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