MANAMA, Bahrain -- During a recent port visit to the island of Bahrain, members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) spent a day of liberty touring the small island nation to develop an understanding of its history and culture and meet its people. The tour began with a stop at the Tree of Life, a large, full tree in a remote part of the desert region, and ended at the Grand Mosque - a $20 million structure the size of a stadium, and the largest place of worship in Bahrain. Between these destinations, tourgoers visited a camel farm, where rides were offered, a pottery shop, an ancient Portugese fortress, the Gulf's first oil well, a bakery and craft shop, and saw the palaces of the royal family.
Later that night, during a celebration of New Year's Eve at the Hard Rock Café, there was a surprise visit from the Nassau Chapter of The Flying Elvises, who were welcomed by fans, both old and new.