USS Blue Ridge Magazine - August 19, 2014

August 19, 2014

Midshipmen Take the Helm

ETs Keep Blue Ridge Ready

Blue Ridge and PLA(N) SAREX

Blue Ridge Sailor Goes All-Navy

Blue Ridge Visits

CHINA

CONTENTS On The Co ver: U SN - PL A(N ) Basketball Game

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Oldest Ship in the Fleet

(PG. 4)

Blue Ridge now holds the honor following Denver’s decommisioning

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 Richard McCormack EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR Nathan Fugate COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM(SW/AW/IDW) Mark Tomlinson

03 - 06

P U B L I C A F FA I R S O F F I C E R MCC(SW/AW) Heather Ewton

Blue Ridge Visits

CHINA

EDITOR MC1(SW) Bobby Northnagle LEAD DESIGNER MC3(SW) Ben Larscheid MEDIA TEAM MC1(SW/AW) Michael Story MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman MC2(SW) Phillip Pavlovich MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders MC3(SW) Cody Babin MC3(SW) Sam Weldin MC3(SW) Jared Harral MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop MC3 Ivana Campbell

Photos and articles from our visit

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Midshipmen

Take the helm aboard Blue Ridge

By MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks

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Electronics Technicians

Helping Keep Blue Ridge Mission Ready

By MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman

back cover

“Know Your Shipmates” LS3(SW) Jen Thai

By MC3 Ivana Campbell

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SAREX

USN - PLA(N) Search and Rescue Exercise

By MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders

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Blue Ridge Magazine | August 12, 2014

Blue Ridge Now

2nd Oldest Behind Constitution

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelby Sanders

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.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) now holds the honor of being the oldest ship in the U.S. Navy’s active duty fleet, next to USS Constitution, after the decommissioning of the USS Denver (LPD 9) Aug. 14.

Blue Ridge’s keel was laid Feb. 27, 1967, and she was commissioned Nov. 14, 1970. Since 1970 the flagship has had a rich history to include commanding Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind during the Vietnam War, receiving the Humanitarian Service Medal in 1984 for rescuing Vietnamese refugees during Opertion Boat People, performing a nine-and-a-half month deployment as flagship for U.S. Navy Forces Central Command during the Persian Gulf War and rushing supplies and relief from Singapore to Japan during Operation Tomodachi.

“Blue Ridge has a rich history of providing our Navy with the most capable afloat command platform in the world,” said Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Richard McCormack.

To maintain her position as the most capable flagship in the world, Blue Ridge utilizes the most advanced communication satellite and computer technologies available.

“Blue Ridge has a superior and more robust communications system than any other type of ship by far,” said Blue Ridge Communications Officer Cmdr.

Hezekiah Natta.

As the demands of the mission evolve over the years, so too must Blue Ridge. The ship is constantly updating its equipment to stay a step ahead of its competition.

“Last year we did a complete overhaul and upgraded our communications equipment to allow us to continue our mission well into the future,” said Natta.

In 2016 Blue Ridge is scheduled to install a brand new Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES).

“CANES will provide the ship and her staff the capability to continue efficiently commanding and controlling all of 7th Fleet’s assets in her area of responsibility,” said Natta.

At every port the ship visits, the crew and embarked staff participate in community service engagements designed to promote peace, partnership and cooperative security. This mission requires Sailors who take pride in their service and hard work.

“It’s a great opportunity to serve and be part of U.S. Navy history,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Terrence Daye. “I feel good knowing I play a critical role in something great and meaningful to the command mission.”

Blue Ridge’s mission is unique and requires a top-ofthe-line crew ready to respond, at a moments notice, to any threat or humanitarian crisis.

“I’m honored to command this ship knowing she will continue, well into the future, to play the lead role in promoting stability and theater security cooperation in the Pacific,” said McCormack.

The flagship is currently on patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific with embarked 7th Fleet staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific.

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 34 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge is vital in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

August 12, 2014 |

Congratulations to our BLR/C7F Chief Petty Officer Selectees!

OSC(SEL) Joseph Arruda CSC(SEL) Robert Smith CSC(SEL) Jonathan Ricardo CTTC(SEL) Kurt Sauer SHC(SEL) Neil Mendoza BMC(SEL) Derval Davis HMC(SEL) Jason Corless MAC(SEL) Trucquynh Hua SHC(SEL) Kevin Zita HMC(SEL) Cameron Poteat LNC(SEL) Zandee Galang AGC(SEL) Stella Swartz EMC(SEL) Joel Santana MMC(SEL) Tye Buckner CSC(SEL) Octavio Hernandez Blue Ridge Magazine |

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Blue Ridge Visits

CHINA AWFC(NAWS/AW) Eric Nordstrom explains the role of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12’s MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to a member of People’s Liberation Army (Navy) during a ship tour aboard U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

A member of People’s Liberation Army (Navy) looks through a scope at a Fleet Anti Terrorism Security Team Pacific display during a Blue Ridge ship tour. (Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

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Capt. Richard McCormack gives a child a command coin as a gift during a welcome ceremony hosted by the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) after Blue Ridge’s arrival in China.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

Ens. Nicholas Caro gives a tour of Blue Ridge to members of People’s Liberation Army (Navy). (Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

Blue Ridge Magazine | August 12, 2014

Capt. Richard McCormack examines the helicopter bay during a tour of People’s Liberation Army (Navy) guidedmissile frigate CNS Yancheng (FFG 546) hosted by Capt.

Zhang Ruo Fei (right). (Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

OS3 Gerrit Ekkel drives the ball down the court during a friendly basketball game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet basketball team “The Admirals” and members of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Terrence Phillips shoots a free throw during a friendly basketball game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet basketball team “The Admirals” and members of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

(Photo by MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman)

Seaman Robert Scott receives a pass during a friendly basketball game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet basketball team “The Admirals” and members of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

(Photo by MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman)

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Bryant Sheridan takes a breather during a friendly game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet soccer team and members of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Alejandro Castillo plays defense during a friendly game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet soccer team and members of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)). (Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

Teams congratulate each other after a friendly game between the USS Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet soccer team and members of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

August 12, 2014 |

Blue Ridge Magazine |

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Blue Ridge (LCC 19) visited Qingdao to build with the PLA(N) during a goodwill port visit. and members of the PLA(N) participated in military exchanges, exercise planning, and sporting events.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks)

partnerships U.S. Sailors professional cultural and

Blue Ridge Concludes Navy-to-Navy Exchange with PLA(N) North Sea Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bobby Northnagle

U Commanding Officer of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Capt. Richard McCormack receives a fond farewell from China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) before the ship departed Qingdao, China.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Qingdao, China Aug. 8 after successfully concluding a visit emphasizing theater security cooperation and reinforcing a positive navy-to-navy relationship with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) North Sea Fleet.

“It’s not the Olympics, but I still take pride in knowing we had the chance to represent our country with exhibition games,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Terrance Phillips, captain of the Blue Ridge/ Commander, 7th Fleet basketball team “The Admirals.”

While in Qingdao, Blue Ridge and embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 officers hosted officers from the PLA(N) to conduct planning for a search and rescue (SAR) exercise.

“Our navies are engaging operationally, but playing sports together allows us to also connect on a more personal level.”

“We were able to come together and successfully outline a cohesive plan for an upcoming training evolution,” said Blue Ridge Operations Officer Lt. Rory Schneider. “The goal is to increase our chances for success by utilizing both of our resources in the event of a distress at sea scenario.”

Commanding Officer of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Capt. Richard McCormack speaks with Capt.

Zhang Ruo Fei during a tour of People’s Liberation Army (Navy) guided-missile frigate CNS Yancheng (FFG 546).

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

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Qingdao is a major seaport, naval base and industrial center in Eastern China, and home of the Tsingtao Brewery. While in Qingdao, Sailors toured a PLA(N) frigate, hosted guided ship tours for more than 400 PLA(N) personnel, participated in friendly tug of war, basketball and soccer events with members of the North Sea Fleet and experienced local culture and cuisine.

Blue Ridge Magazine | August 12, 2014

Established in 1943 in Australia, and based in Qingdao at the end of World War II, 7th Fleet has been promoting security and stability in the IndoAsia-Pacific region for more than 70 years. Seventh Fleet’s area of operation spans from the International Date Line in the East to the India/Pakistan border in the West, and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South.

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 34 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge is vital in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Search And Rescue Exercise Blue Ridge Partners with PLA(N) in Search and Rescue Exercise

Story and Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelby Sanders

HT3 Sam Shepherd watches as Blue Ridge pulls alongside North Sea Fleet guided-missile frigate CNS Yancheng (FFG 546)

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.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) teamed up with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) for a joint search-and-rescue exercise (SAREX) off the coast of China, Aug. 8.

The exercise was kicked off using communication standards from CUES (Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea), allowing both ships to practice using standardized flashing lights and flag signals for potential maritime encounters.

Blue Ridge and North Sea Fleet guided-missile frigate CNS Yancheng (FFG 546) demonstrated their SAR capabilities by utilizing helicopters and small rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) to locate and rescue a man-overboard dummy.

The rescue operation was initiated by an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 12 dropping the floating dummy into the sea. Both ships coordinated the rescue together, with Yancheng deploying a RHIB and Blue Ridge deploying her other MH-60S Seahawk in a coordinated search and rescue for the simulated person.

“The SAREX was a big success for both countries,” said Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 12 Air Boss Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Adams. “Any time we can work together on a professional level and improve our relationship with the Chinese navy it is beneficial to both sides.”

Within minutes, the second Seahawk was on scene hovering over the dummy.

U.S. 7th Fleet and USS Blue Ridge officers meet with People’s Liberation Army Navy officers to discuss plans for the Search-and-Rescue exercise.

HSC-12’s rescue swimmer leapt into the water and quickly set the dummy into a wire basket to be lifted into the helicopter.

The groundwork for the SAREX was laid two days prior with a meeting between officers from Blue Ridge and Yancheng.

“The two sides came together with two similar plans in mind,” said Lt. Michael Feay, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter pilot from HSC-12. “It was all about the ships working together and overall it was a great success.”

Communication was key to quickly locating and recovering the man-overboard. The exercise demonstrated how 7th Fleet is taking a positive approach in establishing a strong working relationship with its Asia-Pacific counterparts.

“This was a very positive step forward toward future exercise with the Chinese navy in this area of operation and potentially other areas as well,” said Adams.

Blue Ridge is on patrol with embarked 7th Fleet staff, HSC-12 and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 34 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge is vital in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

A Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 rescue swimmer jumps out of an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to rescue a simulated man overboard.

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and North Sea Fleet guided-missile frigate CNS Yancheng (FFG 546) steam alongside each other.

August 12, 2014 |

Blue Ridge Magazine |

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MIDSHIPMEN

Damage Controlman Fireman Quinn Jones (left) gives firefighting equipment training to midshipmen during their Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

TAKE THE HELM ABOARD BLUE RIDGE

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hendricks

“Three hundred thirty degrees at 10 knots!”

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idshipman 1st Class Brianne Aiken shouts to the helmsman in the pilot house of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). She immediately hears an echo of acknowledgement from the helmsman as he adjusts the ordered course and speed.

Aiken is normally seated in a classroom at the U.S. Naval Academy, but today she’s standing watch as a conning officer on a U.S. Navy ship as part of her annual requirement.

Fire Controlman 3rd Class Tanner Sandusky (left) gives live-fire weapons training to midshipmen during their Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

Blue Ridge hosted Aiken and 15 other midshipmen, July 5 - 24, while the ship steamed from Yokosuka to Otaru, Japan and back.

Blue Ridge is currently hosting an additional group of midshipmen, including two from Australia, who were able to get some first-hand naval experience during the ship’s high-profile partnership with the Peoples Liberation Army Navy in Qingdao, China, Aug. 5 - 8, and during parts of the ship’s visit to Busan, South Korea kicking off Aug. 12.

“This is my first cruise, and I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time,” said Midshipman 3rd Class William Herbert. “Honestly, I can hardly wait to become a junior officer and make an impact.”

Each summer the Academy sends midshipmen to the fleet to gain reallife experience at sea. Each midshipman is paired with a running mate.

Midshipmen 3rd class shadow first class petty officers while midshipmen 1st class shadow junior officers.

The purpose of pairing junior midshipmen with a first class petty officer is so they can experience Navy life from the perspective of an enlisted member.

This part of the program is vital because it gives them insight on how the enlisted-to-officer relationship works.

Midshipman 1st Class Brianne Aiken calls the bridge from the combat information center while on watch during a Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks)

“This is the first time I have mentored a midshipman,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Stephanie Martin. “Being able to show them how the enlisted personnel interact with our officers is very important, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to have such a big impact on this year’s program.”

As the midshipmen class up and get closer to graduating, their training shifts to the ward room.

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Blue Ridge Magazine | August 12, 2014

Midshipman 3rd Class Alexis Brown, right, practices checking the vitals of Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Yuechao Zhao during a Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks)

Midshipman 3rd Class William Herbert participates in a 9mm gun shoot on the flight deck during the Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Kelby Sanders)

“Once they become a midshipman 1st class, the entire experience changes,” said Lt.j.g. John Schimmelman, Blue Ridge midshipmen co-coordinator. “They now get the opposite view and see what it is like from the division officer’s point of view, and they learn how to interact with the chief at a different level.”

Learning how to interact within a division is vital to every officer’s job, but it’s especially crucial for a new junior officer.

“Knowing how to treat your junior enlisted and how to respectfully work with your division chief is very important,” said Ensign Paulanthony Sujka. “If you can’t work well with your division, it becomes extremely difficult to run an effective work center.”

After reporting aboard, each midshipman has the opportunity to shadow in the areas specific to their career goals.

Damage Controlman Fireman Marvin Rivero (left), Midshipman Theodore Miller, and Damage Controlman Fireman Quinn Jones demonstrate how to properly don firefighting equipment during the Midshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop)

“This option really stimulates the program,” said Lt.j.g. Ronald Ceballos, the other Blue Ridge midshipmen co-coordinator. “It keeps everything fresh and the midshipmen interested. They choose what they want to learn and their focus remains high.”

Midshipman 3rd Class Alexis Brown was interested in the medical field, so took the time to visit Blue Ridge’s medical department.

“I was surprised to see how Navy medicine is operates, and how much there is to learn,” said Brown. “I had no idea that the hospital corpsmen saw so many patients. I just expected it to be like a normal doctor’s office.”

The program embraces each midshipman’s individual thirst for knowledge by allowing them to reach out and make each cruise as beneficial to their personal education as they can.

“This program is the building block for successful junior officers,” said Schimmelman. “The training they receive here is the foundation that they will build on for the rest of their naval careers.”

Midshipman 1st Class Gabe Veloria scans the horizon with binoculars while standing watch under instruction on the bridge during a MIdshipmen Summer Cruise aboard Blue Ridge.

(Photo by MC3(SW) Michael Hendricks)

August 12, 2014 |

Blue Ridge Magazine |

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The

Electronics TECHNICIANS Helping Keep Blue Ridge Mission Ready

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Troutman

On land and at sea, from the basements of communications installations to the highest mast aboard a vessel, perhaps no other rating in the U.S. Navy provides as diverse a job description as that of an Electronics Technician (ET).

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Blue Ridge Magazine | August 12, 2014

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or ETs stationed aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the scope of the Electronics Technician rate is to perform, manage, and supervise preventive and corrective maintenance on electronic equipment.

“In a broad sense, the ETs aboard Blue Ridge are responsible for the upkeep of the ship’s combat systems, navigational and 7th Fleet support equipment,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Jeff Hogan. “There is a lot of electronic equipment aboard Blue Ridge that requires the technical expertise of ETs, so we can maintain the ship’s communication systems essential for deployment.

If we don’t do our job correctly, there are a lot of other people in other divisions that won’t be able to do their job.”

The ET rating was originally established as “radio technician” in 1942 during World War II, was modified to “electronics technician’s mate” in 1945, and then changed to “electronics technician” in 1948. From the rating’s inception and introduction, the hard work and dedication of the ET has been crucial to the deployment and sustainment of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat systems and Intelligence (C5I) capability in the U.S. Navy.

“Since coming to the Blue Ridge, I’ve learned more about this job, and electronics in general, than I ever thought possible,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Rusty Ruble. “ETs spend a lot of time responding to trouble calls and performing corrective maintenance on the ship’s communication systems, and the majority of the calls we get require immediate attention. It’s important that we do our job efficiently and correctly every time.”

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“The training I received in A school taught me the basic fundamentals of the ET rate, but it was by actually working on the ship’s equipment firsthand that made me much better at my job,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Cody Lane. “I spent the first year I was on Blue Ridge learning everything I could about the equipment I work with, and in doing so, I became a much more proficient ET.” In addition to its lengthy A and C school training, the ET rating offers more Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) designators – specialized qualifications that emphasize skills and abilities beyond the standard rating designator – than any other rate in the Navy, thereby maximizing an ET’s potential for understanding the many different types of equipment encountered within the ET rate.

Troubleshooting something and getting it up and operational is one of the best feelings in the world to me.”

(Above) ET2(SW) Page Gibson performs a test on a thru-line watt meter in the ET test equipment storeroom.

(Photo by MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman) (Bottom Left) ET2(SW) Rusty Ruble measures then performs a search for faulty components on a circuit card with the help of a multimeter device.

(Photo by MC2(SW) Jeff Troutman)

ETs aboard Blue Ridge are comprised of five different workcenters that specialize in certain areas of electronic equipment used to power the ship and keep it underway. Radar systems, navigational equipment, internet, weather-viewing equipment and electronic circuit boards are just a few of the everyday electronics Blue Ridge ETs are depended upon to keep in consistent working order everyday.

ETs begin their A school training at Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL, which can last up to nine months be-ET2(SW) Page Gibson tween an advanced electronics course and a specialized training class focusing on either a radar or A substantial portion of an ET’s day aboard Blue Ridge is communication specialty. From there, an additional C spent doing preventative maintenance on the equipment school for the ET can include up to six more months of specific to his or her workcenter. Often times, that maintraining, totaling more than a year of schooling before tenance can only be performed when the ship is in port the ET begins to apply their trade in the fleet. and the system needing attention can be powered down, meaning liberty for ETs seldom comes early when pierside.

“The days of this job can be long and tedious sometimes, but I still enjoy the job we do,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Page Gibson. “Getting a trouble call saying something is down can be taxing, because often its simple issues like an operator error or just a quick configuration hiccup. But when it’s a real issue, I get happy. I roll up my sleeves and dive on in. I absolutely love the process of understanding how our equipment works.

Troubleshooting something and getting it up and operational is one of the best feelings in the world to me.”

August 12, 2014 |

Blue Ridge Magazine |

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Know Your Shipmates: LS3(SW) Jen Thai

SUPPLYING the team with

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VICTORY

Blue Ridge Sailor Earns Spot on the All-Navy Volleyball Team

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ivana Campbell

he score is tied and the volleyball is still in play. Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Jennifer Thai waits patiently to make her move. She tunes out all outside noise, focusing on only the ball in front of her.

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) wins! Another victory is marked for the command volleyball team! Thai’s role, on and off the court, is to give her shipmates the tools they need to accomplish the mission.

Leaping into the air, she hits the ball up with her fingertips, sending it toward her teammates. Her role is finished, for now. The ball lands on the other side, but the other team was too slow to return the serve and it hits the ground. The game is over and

Everyone needs something special to relieve stress, and for Thai, that thing is volleyball. She has played the game since childhood, and since the beginning, her focus has always been on teamwork and communication. She was chosen as one of 12 women to play on the All-Navy Team in a tournament against other services and teams nationwide. Thai says her experiences during matches have helped her become a better player and Sailor.

“Volleyball has taught me a lot about being patient and how to adapt to get the job done,” she said.

“What I love most about the game though, is just being able to share the same passion I have with other people.”

Off the court, Thai’s drive and positive personality also shines in her work as a Sailor.

“To say she hits the ground running would be an understatement,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Nathan Grant, Thai’s divisional leading petty officer. “She’s the type of Sailor who doesn’t need

“I love striving for my best, and motivating my teammates to do the same.”

-LS3(SW) Jennifer Thai

supervision. She is a hard worker who trains herself before you even tell her to. She is very determined to set herself up for success and has all of the qualities that make someone a good leader. She is the Sailor you would want in any division.”

Traveling from her hometown of San Jose, Calif. to her duty station on Blue Ridge, Thai said although joining the military was an easy decision for her to make, her family hasn’t had good experiences with militaries in the past.

“Two of my uncles served during the Vietnam War,” She said. “Both of them were forced to enlist and ended up becoming imprisoned for about five years because they didn’t want to fight for the Vietnamese army. A few family members got sponsorship to America afterwards and we were able to get my uncles sent over. My mom wasn’t happy to hear I decided to enlist, but I was able to get her support in the end.”

Thai says even though winning games gives her a rush of excitement and pride, in her eyes, just being with her shipmates on the same team, and working hard together, is enough.

“I love striving for my best, and motivating my teammates to do the same,” she said. “I’m always joking around on the court and making my teammates laugh and have fun while we play. Going out there and being with them is the best feeling ever. ” For Thai the biggest similarities for being a good teammate and shipmate is communication, putting in effort and most importantly, teamwork.