We were not allowed to wear our uniforms ashore in Egypt during a 1980 Med Cruise port-of-call, due to radicalized Muslims that may target us. Would have never dreamed that 35 years later the same order would be given on U.S. soil.
I do not know specifically where you went ashore, but I would make a strong guess that it was Alexandria. Not wearing your uniform ashore there was a very good idea, for the sake of robbery and murder. Just like Chicago is today.
The people of Alexandria make a few cents a day in income. They viewed soldiers/sailors as millionaires because they maybe he would have $40 on them. That is fortune to them.
No, not at all. If I was ordered to wear my uniform in Egypt, I would refuse shore leave. That is a very dangerous place in all and any case. Wearing a uniform would be like flashing a neon sign that says, 'rob me'.
You don't have to worry about the radicals, as much as you have to worry about simple criminals and thugs, and this includes even the police.
When I was there, one third of the ship got diarrhea from eating the food/water there. Many refused to even leave the ship. That is one very nasty place.
Remember this makes me sad. All the orphaned street children, filthy dirty, and begging for a penny. Egypt is a dirty nasty place, unless you stay only in the tourist areas. Do not go out of bounds.