USS San Diego Returns To Sea After Outbreak Of COVID-19 While Docked In Bahrain

San Diego CA

16 March, 2021

4:36 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego March 16, 2021 The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego returned to sea late last week and will rejoin the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group following a two-week coronavirus outbreak, the Navy reported. The San Diego-based warship had docked at Bahrain in the Persian Gulf for scheduled logistics and maintenance last month when approximately 20 sailors and embarked Marines tested positive for COVID-19. The Navy said all personnel who tested positive for COVID-19 or were identified as close contacts were isolated on board. The ship has extensive medical capabilities, including embarked medical staff, operating rooms, a 24-bed hospital ward and additional overflow capacity. Capt. Kevin Ralston, the commanding officer, thanked the Bahrain Ministry of Health for its assistance during the outbreak. "San Diego is extremely thankful for their unwavering support and assistance during our time pierside," he said. The ship has been deployed since January along with the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset, and the Camp Pendleton-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.