By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason J. Behnke, USS New Orleans Public Affairs
DOHA, Qatar (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), March 26-28.
DIMDEX featured 14 warships from 11 different navies, as well as exhibitors and guest speakers from all over the world.
"One of the biggest benefits is the interaction between the navies," said Cmdr. Homer Denius, Pearl Harbor's commanding officer. "We see each other on the water but rarely do we get an opportunity to be in the same port to interact."
According Denius and Lt. Col. Andrew Bergen, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 11, DIMDEX is beneficial for Sailors and Marines to learn how different navies react to and handle situations in the region.
"Many of the nations participating in DIMDEX take part in various types of operations across the globe, so by being part of this we are able to learn from one another, and make lasting partnerships," said Bergen.
Prior to arriving in Doha, Pearl Harbor spent five days in Manama, Bahrain conducting general shipboard maintenance, ensuring the ship was prepared for the international exhibition.
"The Sailors and Marines from Pearl Harbor have been fantastic in preparing the ship," said Denius. "They worked side-by-side to show off their ship after a long at-sea period."
Pearl Harbor was the only U.S. Navy ship and the only amphibious ship that participated in this year's event.
Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
