April 2015magazine

APRIL 2015

THE SAUCE BOSS

CASTING CONNECTIONS

Big Hero Blue Blue Ridge Rescues Fishing Vessel in Philippine Sea

ISSUE NO. 2

Blue Ridge IN Review Pg. 2

Photos From HOng Kong ANd More

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), and members of the Po Leung Kuk Life Education and Elderly Support Center play board games during a community service project in Hong Kong. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Kirkjohnson)

Blue Ridge Magazine is an authorized publication for Sailors aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of USS Blue Ridge.

All news, photos and information for publication in Blue Ridge Magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.

Produced by Blue Ridge Media Services | Ext. 4154

COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Kyle P. Higgins EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cmdr. Nathan Fugate

Big Hero Blue

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM(SW/AW/IDW) Mark Tomlinson

Pg. 3

Blue Ridge Rescues Fishing Vessel in Philippine sea

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC(EXW/FMF/SCW) Ja’lon Rhinehart EDITOR MC1(SW) Bobby Northnagle LEAD DESIGNER MCSA Timothy Hale MEDIA TEAM MC1(SW/AW) Mike Story MC2(SW) Phillip Pavlovich MC2(SW) Michael Hendricks MC3(SW) Cody Babin MC3(SW) Samuel Weldin MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop MC3 Liz Dunagan MC3 Kevin Flinn MCSN Jordan KirkJohnson MCSN Dontral Patton

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Caitlin Clarke, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), provides medical treatment for one of five Filipino Nationals rescued after signaling for assistance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Timothy Hale)

the sauce boss blue ridge sailor turns fsa duty into a lesson in leadership

Pg. 4

MCPON Launches eSailor Initiative at RTC

Yeoman 3rd Class John Henderson, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), checks condiments bottles before chow on the mess decks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story)

casting connections

Contents

hospitality in hong kong Meals in the home feature

Yeoman Seaman Alec Wade, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), is shown the Peak Tower by Richard Carwin, a Meals in the Home volunteer, during a guided hike through upper Hong Kong. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)

also in this issue Captain’s Corner Words from the Commanding Officer

01 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

Pg. 2

Blue Ridge In Focus Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Anthony Ross

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Pg. 6

Check Out More News from the Fleet @ www.navy.mil

Pg. 5

SECNAV Directs Navy to Expand Use of LED NHHC Celebrates 50 years of “Navy Innovation” at Sea Air Space Expo U.S., Republic of Korea Navies Enhance MCM capabilities during Foal Eagle

Chaplain’s Message Words from Chaplain Stallings on Leadership

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back cover

IN

E CAS YOU

MISSED

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

IT

During a port visit in Hong Kong, Blue Ridge Sailors made Chinese dumplings and played board games with members of the Po Leung Kuk Life Education and Elderly Support Center.

Blue Ridge Sailors played games and made art and crafts with children at Loving Kids organization, Lai Huen House.

Behind the Scenes of “The Finest in the Fleet”

USS Blue Ridge friends and family, it was great to have you onboard for our Friends and Family Day Cruise. I hope you enjoyed your time with us as much as we enjoyed hosting you. Though the Steel Beach Picnic was challenging and we had some flying hamburgers on the deck, we enjoyed watching the little ones donning fire fighting gear and climbing around. I think everyone had a fanstastic time and hopefully made some worthwhile memories. It may not seem like it, but you are a huge component of our combat team.

You help the Sailors maintain readiness by all the things you handle at home. I guarantee they were as proud to show you their ship and have you experience a bit of their life on board, as you were to learn a bit about what they do when they are away from home. Thank you again. We appreciate you.

Over the past month or so, we were involved in various inspections and training scenarios that have kept us quite busy. All that hard work paid off and the ship and crew were recognized for their dedication and superior efforts. USS Blue Ridge received the Battle Efficiency Award for 2014. The Battle “E” is an award that evaluates responsibilities and mission readiness of a vessel in comparison to others in the Fleet. In addition, the crew won its 15th consecutive Force Health & Wellness Unit Award (Green H), an award that celebrates a command’s excellence in establishing and promoting a culture of good health, along with earning the Green “C” for communication systems excellence. These awards bear testament to the quality and expertise of our Sailors. They make us the “Finest in the Fleet”.

Thanks for your continued support of your Sailors while at home and away. It was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you in the near future.

- Capt. Kyle P. Higgins

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 02

“Luckily, we were there at the right place and right time to save lives.”

-Lt. Cmdr. Omar Saeed

Big Hero Blue

Story By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bobby Northnagle

Blue Ridge Rescues Fishing Vessel in Philippine Sea

PHILIPPINE SEA- Sailors stationed onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) rendered assistance to a fishing vessel suffering from mechanical difficulties, March 25.

Understanding the men’s need of assistance, Blue Ridge deployed a boarding team via rigid-hulled inflatable boat for a rescue. The five men were then brought safely onboard the ship for examination.

Five Filipino nationals had been fishing at sea when their boat’s motor stalled out, and the vessel was taken out by the current. The men were adrift for three days with no food.

Once onboard, Blue Ridge’s medical crew provided basic first aid, showers and a change of clothes. The men were found to be suffering from hypothermia and malnourishment among other ailments.

Blue Ridge watchstanders initially could only make out a small boat and a flag, but once the ship was within three nautical miles of the vessel, they noticed it didn’t appear to be moving and several men were inside.

“We thought it was strange to see something in the water, so we slowed down to get a better look,” said Ensign John Li, Blue Ridge officer of the deck during the response. “As we began looking for signs of distress, we noticed someone was waving a white t-shirt, while someone else was waving a flashlight.”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Babin

“These are situations Navy medical professionals are trained for,” said Blue Ridge Medical Officer Lt. Cmdr. Omar Saeed.

“Luckily, we were there at the right place and the right time to save lives.”

Left: Sailors, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), rescue five stranded Filipino nationals. (U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Waldrop) Top Left: Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), lower the rigid-hulled inflatable boat in order to rescue five stranded Filipino nationals. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Babin) Bottom Left: The Medical department provides medical treatment to five Filipino Nationals rescued after signaling for assistance.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Timothy Hale)

“I could see them jumping up and down trying to get our attention,” said Hospitalman Cassandra Spain, a bystander. “Their boat was being tossed around like a little toy due to the sea state.”

031 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

Top photo (Top Photo)

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), rescue five stranded Filipino nationals.

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the Sauce Boss

Story By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story

YOKOSUKA, Japan- As Sailors aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) sit at the ship’s mess tables choose from an abundant array of sauces for their chow, they rarely put thought into how those tasty condiments reach the table.

Fortunately for them, Yeoman 3rd Class John Henderson refills every bottle and shaker before each meal, so crew members can add a little extra flavor to their food.

“I don’t think Sailors realize it helps them,” said Henderson with a drawl acquired from his native Gordon, Texas. “They don’t realize it until that bottle runs out that their morale starts to go down.”

Henderson, who is of a slender build, topped with sandy, brown hair, is temporarily assigned to the ship’s galley as a Food Service Attendant (FSA) from the Blue Ridge administration department. As he sat and peered out through his wire-rimmed glasses, he compared some of his experiences working in customer service-based jobs, and said he believes in doing the best he can in any job he performs.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Robert Pilat, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), provides medical treatment for one of five Filipino Nationals rescued after signaling for assistance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Timothy Hale)

“The best way to get customer satisfaction is to give them what they want,” said Henderson, relaxing his facial expression to a friendly grin. “If we can’t give them what they want, we’re just polite and respectful. Customers usually understand why we don’t have something they want at the moment, but we do our best to get it to them.”

“It’s definitely a big deal for me,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Mbalu Fornah. “It just gives the food that little extra taste it needs.” As she smiled, she stretched out her arm out playfully twisting a bottle cap. She recalled her days as an FSA saying the condiments were definitely important, and that she had to make sure that every table was in tip-top shape before meals were served.

As the leading FSA, Henderson not only puts his best foot forward, but takes charge in ensuring other FSA’s have the ship’s mess prepared when the boatswain’s pipe blows for meal service.

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Michael Jimenez, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), provides medical treatment for one of five Filipino Nationals rescued after signaling for assistance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Timothy Hale)

“He’s pretty much in charge of the entire mess decks,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Bigalbal, mess deck master-at-arms and Henderson’s supervisor. “He knows exactly when and where to refill all the condiments.”

“He’s a reliable person,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Hiawatha Fryer, who works as an FSA with Henderson. “He knows how to get the job done, and he divvies out the work based on what he feels like we should be doing at the time. He’s pretty good at it.”

Henderson’s work day constantly demands efficiency with a strong sense of dedication to those he serves.

“It’s very important for morale,” said Henderson. “Work won’t get done without happy Sailors. Without simple joys in life, they may not take their job as seriously.”

Blue Ridge currently offers eight different types of condiments on each of the forty-six mess deck tables for Sailors to enjoy.

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), turn over custody of five Filipino fisherman to representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines at the Yokohama North Dock. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Weldin)

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“It’s always good to see people with smiling faces because we’ve got what they need, said Henderson. “Making other people happy is what makes me happy.”

As each meal service draws near its end, the buzzing chatter over the mess decks slowly fades into sounds of clicking lids and rattling bottles across empty tables as Henderson resumes his duties as a condiment concierge.

“I’ve never been in charge of something like this, but now I’m the head FSA,” said Henderson.”I think it will help develop more of my leadership skills, and i’ll come out as a stronger leader.”

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 04

C A S T I N G

CONNECTIONS

Hospitality in Hong Kong A

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn

merican expatriates Dick and Bonnie Corwin said they heard of Meals in the Home existing long before they came to Hong Kong the first time. From where they first met in New York to Tokyo to Hong Kong in the 80’s and back again in the new millennium, they’ve been able to support servicemembers through the Meals in the Home program.

The program allows local Hong Kong residents a chance to support servicemembers through acts of hospitality. Just prior to arriving in Hong Kong, usually by ship, the hosts receive notification of the servicemembers’ anticipated arrival. If the hosts are available, they submit plans for an event, providing a variety of choices for servicemembers, from hiking, biking, or shopping to the most common plan: simply, a meal. And just like that, 30 years ago, with a meal, the Corwins first supported the program.

“They were young. We were young,” said Dick Corwin. “We had a nice evening and it was a fun and positive experience.”

Recently during a visit to Hong Kong, the U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) had over 120 Sailors participate in 15 different Meals in the Home events. The Corwins hosted a group of Sailors for dinner when Blue Ridge visited. With all the time passed, they’re still engaged by developments within the Navy.

“I think we were all very interested to learn about the modern Navy,” said Bonnie Corwin. “It’s actually fascinating how it works and how many are involved.”

Many familiar programs are structured in the same way, such as Adopt-a-Sailor, a program that has been around since World War I or Kuala Lumpur American Sailor Socials (KLASS) in Malaysia. There are stories about various origins and timeframes of when Meals in the Home first took root in Hong Kong, but no one origin story has surfaced as being the accurate one. Today the American Women’s Association (AWA), a volunteer association designed to bring women from any nation together to have fun, socialize, explore or help others out, sponsors the porgram.

Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Brian Jewell, Blue Ridge’s community relations coordinator, had a lot to organize to bring the events to fruition. For him, it was unique compared to other community relations events because there was a variety of events at different days and times.

05 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

“For these events, it was more complicated because it was across three days. I had to look across those days and see who needed to be on or off the ship and then, coordinate times and places with the host,” said Jewell. “The host don’t need to worry about shipboard organization though. That’s my job.”

Overall, Jewell said it was a good experience. He also stated that he had received e-mails from Sailors and hosts after the events saying they had a good time, were glad they went, and would do it again.

After deciding to go to two different Meals in the Home events during their visit in Hong Kong, Electronics Technicians 3rd Class Christopher Morgan and Brandon Miller are two of those many who would participate again. They went hiking on Dragon’s Back Trail with a group of women from AWA Hong Kong one day. On another day, Alfred Tang, a Meals in the Home volunteer, led their group on a hike through part of Wilson Trail.

Tang started off with the program through his church. He and some other men from the church would fix up a meal, like barbeque, and invite Sailors to join them. For the first event they hosted, they had one Sailor. From there, his involvement grew.

Today, Tang hosts Sailors anytime they come through Hong Kong. Not easily gathered

by Tang’s extroverted personality, his talk of the U.S. military, or his gaunt, athletic appearance is that he has a Ph.D. in Theology, which he earned before he became a particle physicist — certainly a unique host for anyone visiting.

“

They were young. We were young. We had a nice evening and it was a fun and positive experience.

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“I believe in what the U.S. military is doing,” said Tang. “That’s why I support them. I want to be a part of something I believe in. Since I can’t join the military myself, this is what I do to help out.”

Morgan said the he loves that type of physical activity and Miller, the sights and hospitality.

Morgan even counted walking over 40,000 steps on his pedometer after the event Tang led.

“We did so many local things that are great tourist activities that I would have never done on my own,” said Morgan. “I never knew it was like this. It’s unbelievable that anyone would pass up on this opportunity. It’s amazing.”

Tang thinks the event went well. He led the group to more than just a hike though, showing them local marketplaces, hopping on trolleys and going to see many different flowers displayed in town.

Blue Ridge

Top Left: The Hong Kong skyline glows during a calm, peaceful night. (U.S. Navy

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Weldin) Top Right: A postcard of Hong Kong landmarks on display. (U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Weldin) Bottom: Yeoman Seaman Alec Wade, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), is shown the Peak Tower by Richard Carwin, a Meals in the Home volunteer, during a guided hike through upper Hong Kong.

The Meals in the Home program allows local Hong Kong residents a chance to support servicemembers through acts of hospitatility.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)

in Focus

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Anthony Ross Blue Ridge Magazine: Why did you join the navy?

SHSN Anthony Ross: I joined the Navy to see what the rest of the world offered and to get more discipline.

BRM: What are your hobbies?

Ross: I like to draw, read, hang out with friends, workout and have a good laugh every now and again.

BRM: What do you like to do on your days off?

Ross: I enjoying traveling and exploring, so basically getting lost in the city.

BRM: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Ross: A second class in the Navy still. I would like to be in another country, but still overseas, like Europe.

BRM: Who are your favorite music artists?

Ross: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Juicy J, The Weeknd, Kanye West and John Legend.

BRM: What is your favorite movie?

Ross: I enjoy a little bit of everything, but if I had to pick it would be between, Jumper, Wanted or Limitless.

BRM: Who are your favorite actors?

Ross: Denzel Washington, Will Smith and Robert Downey Jr. BRM: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Ross: The ability to freeze time.

BRM: What would you like to achieve here on the Blue Ridge?

Ross: I definitely want to obtain a crow while on the Blue Ridge.

BRM: How would you spend your time with 24 hours to live?

Ross: I would buy everything I could, eat at expensive restaurants and let everyone I love know that I love them.

BRM: Would you travel to the future or the past?

Ross: I would travel to the future to see what my kids look like and if I still had my hair.

“The problem was that it had been awhile since I hiked this trail and I advertised the hike to be easy. It turns out that it was a little bit more than easy,” Tang said with a laugh. “They had some struggle, but they were happy. As far as I could tell, they really appreciated the event. I think that was their natural response. No one coached them to say that.”

Something has kept the program alive for decade after decade from the program’s unsure origin. If appreciation, from the supporters, like Tang or the Corwins, to even a group of well-fed Sailors isn’t the fuel to propel Meals in the Home across the years, it is an obvious result.

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Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Weldin

“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 06

Chaplain’s Message “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be your slave”

- Matthew 20:26-27

Leaders are servants of people and of vision. Because of this, leadership requires humble confidence. Leaders are confident in the purpose and direction of their leadership, yet humble in the understanding that their position is a gift BY and FOR those who follow them. Therefore, leadership is first and foremost servanthood.

Leaders are servants of people. They call people to do their best. They inspire them to do the right things. They lead by example, caring deeply for those whom they lead. As the first among equals, leaders must know the needs, desires, gifts, strengths and weaknesses of those under their leadership. Leaders must know and care about those who follow them while always keeping the vision of their leadership in mind.

As servants leaders are stewards of vision. They hold and promote the vision, always keeping it before them, and calling people to the reality of the

vision by word and by deed. This requires leaders to know who or what they follow, for every leader is first a follower of someone or something.

Character is the backbone of a servant leader. Are you shaping and nurturing your own character? Are you making choices with the good of others and the benefit of the group in mind?

In George H. W. Bush’s 1989 inaugural address, first thing he did as president of the United States was prayed - and in that prayer he said; “Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen” - Chaplain Stallings