August 2015 [revised] 2

AUGUST 2015

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

B

CHAP’S FAREWELL

LUE RIDGE IN RISBANE

Blue Ridge Engages with Aboriginal Nonprofit Blue Ridge Sailors Aid Koala Sanctuary

ISSUE NO. 4

Blue Ridge Engages with Aboriginal Nonprofit Blue Ridge Sailors shared in a cultural exchange with the Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation

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Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ruby Harrington holds a reptile to show students during a community service event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn)

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

Third Time’s a Charm Sailor of the Quarter

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COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (SW/AW/IDW) Mark Tomlinson PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC (SW/EXW/FMF/SCW) Ja’lon A. Rhinehart EDITOR MC1 (SW) Phillip Pavlovich LEAD DESIGNER MC3 (SW) Kevin A. Flinn

Chief (Select) Operarions Specialist Nestor Cuevassoto stands watch. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

MEDIA TEAM MC1 (SW/AW) Mike Story MC2 (SW) Michael Hendricks MC3 (SW) Jacob Waldrop MC3 (SW) Liz Dunagan MC3 (SW) Jordan KirkJohnson MC3 Don Patton MCSA (SW) Timothy Hale

Brisbane Photo Review Photos from Brisbane, Australia

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Engineman 1st Class Daryl Wilcher talks to a volunteer at Blue Care Nursing Home. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bobby Northnagle)

MCPON Speaks at Naval Academy, Makes History

A Rope Let Down

Contents

Prose from the Deck

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Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Nathan Cervantes poses for a photo in the ship’s library. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn)

Words from the Commanding Officer 01 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

Positive Mood, Positive YOU Pg. 2

Chattanoga Hosts Final Memorial for Fallen Richardson Confirmed as Next CNO Maternity Leave Guidance Released

also in this issue Captain’s Corner

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

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Antonio Scott facebook.com/ussblueridge

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CAPTAIN’S BLUE RIDGE ENGAGES WITH ABORIGINAL NONPROFIT CORNER Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn

BRISBANE, Australia -- Sailors from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th Fleet staff and associated members of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), shared in a cultural exchange with the Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation during a community service event July 21.

Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation is a nonprofit organization ran for the benefit of older and disabled individuals and their carers, among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of South Brisbane.

Greetings Blue Ridge Family and Friends,

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ruby Harrington holds a reptile to show students from the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School during a community service event at Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)

“I just want to say ‘thank you very much’ to all the Sailors for the lovely day because I know all the elders liked talking with them,” said Christine Fewquandie, manager of Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation. “We love to share our culture with our visitors, and likewise enjoy hearing about theirs.

It’s fascinating to learn about where everyone has come from.”

Fewquandie shared that Burringilly means coming together, regardless of race, age or physical capability.

At the event, Aboriginal elderly, disabled and youth, interacted with the Sailors, exchanging remarks over food, observing traditional Aboriginal dances and participating in a reptile show.

“I think that we’re lucky to go to different places, experience different cultures and traditions and meet amazing people,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Dearra Horton, CSADD president. “And, I’m pretty sure that both sides have made lasting impressions. I know I’ll never forget them or the snakes.”

The U.S. 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge CSADD provided the majority of the personnel support and had a great showing among the Sailors who volunteered for the event. twitter.com/ussblueridge

“The importance of CSADD’s presence at these events is the ability to show that CSADD isn’t just about having fun, entertaining and so on,” Horton later continued. “We’re also about being in the community and helping out those around us, whoever they are.”

Children from the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School,/ demonstrated traditional Aboriginal dances for the Sailors during the event. A few Sailors were even able to join in for a dance.

“The dances were great because we got a little taste of different dances from different tribes,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ruby Harrington.

“Most of the children were from the local tribe, but there were a few from tribes all over the country. They were really sweet children who were very proud of their culture and were excited about sharing that with us.”

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 36 years, recently conducted a port visit in Brisbane and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationships within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

I am sure most of you are looking forward to our return and the end of our successful patrol season.

Looking back, We accomplished quite a bit and your Sailors did it with style. We visited places from Hong Kong to Brisbane, and established new relationships ad strengthened old friendships.

We supported SEVENTH Fleet and their mission to engage with our regional partners and allies, along with taking the opportunity to volunteer personal time, aiding various community service projects and leaving lasting impressions from our young Sailors. We upheld BLUE RIDGE’s standard of excellence as we passed all of our inspections and maintained the day to day operations of the ship.

We enjoyed our travels and the opportunities of service our great Navy provides. We also took time to have fun and participate in old traditions of the sea. On our way north from Australia, we cleansed our decks of those who had not previously crossed the equator, welcoming new Shellbacks to King Neptune’s ‘Order of the Deep.’

Afterward, many of us went for a swim at the equator, finally following up with some music and a steel beach picnic on the main deck. It was a great day, and I’m sure your Sailor will tell you all about it.

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

THIRD TIM

CHA

Story by Mass Communication Specialist “It has been a long journey,” said Cuevassoto. “Coming from where I started, to winning Sailor of the Quarter, is an accomplishment I can look back on and be proud of.

“I am the product of great mentorship. I wasn’t always a great Sailor or necessarily proud of being here, and I used to be the guy that was just in the line.

“However, I think the Navy, its mentorship programs and the chains of command throughout my Naval career have really helped me grow as a leader.”

“I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America…” said Chief (Select) Operations Specialist Nestor Cuevassoto while standing at attention proudly. Cuevassoto opens his Sailor of the Quarter board with the Sailors Creed for board members who will ultimately select him as the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Sailor of the Quarter, third quarter fiscal year 2015.

At 19, Cuevassoto, a native of Lares, Puerto Rico, enlisted in the U.S. Navy out of Mayport, FL, and since checking onboard Blue Ridge in 2012 has been nominated for Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ) three times.

Through excellent performance within primary duties and collaterals an SOQ package is put together primarily highlighting a Sailor’s accomplishments and any other significant achievements during the months of that specific quarter.

At the end of the process the board members use a grading sheet to total up all the points awarded for the package and combine them with the Sailors board performance score to determine a winner.

“The first time I was nominated, I thought I was better than I actually was,” said Cuevassoto. “I was still new to the command and didn’t fully realize the high standards this

“I DON’T DO THINGS FOR RECOGNITION AND A PRIZE. HELPING SAILORS IS THE TRUE REWARD.”

“Third time’s a charm,” smiled Cuevassoto. “After the winners were announced all I felt was joy when I heard my name called. It is a culmination of my success, the success of my leadership and all those around me.”

“After I graduated high school, I was looking for options,” said Cuevassoto. “I always wanted to be successful in life, but because of my background and where I grew up, I was making poor decisions and going down a negative path. The Navy offered me an option and was ultimately the adjustment that I needed to achieve my lifelong goal.”

Blue Ridge is Cuevassoto’s fourth duty station and his third sea tour. Before striking operations specialist (OS) and switching platforms to USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) he started out as an undesignated deck seaman aboard USS Vicksburg (CG 69).

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

command places on its top qualified Sailors.”

“It definitely hurts to be selected and feel like you are not being recognized for your hard work by winning,” Cuevassoto also said. “But, to be honest, I don’t do things for recognition and a prize. Helping Sailors is the true reward.

“Yes, I always want to win, but my daily victories come through helping Sailors achieve their goals.”

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ME’S A

ARM

2nd Class Michael Hendricks Cuevassoto is the leading petty officer for the operations intelligence division, overseeing 24 OS’s, and also contributes to the command as a leader on two training teams, and as the 1st Class Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) coordinator.

“I want to continue to pay it forward. The Navy has given me a lifetime opportunity and if there is anything I can do to help someone I will.

“I know where I am in my life and where I am going next,” remarked Cuevassoto. “This is my time to bring that Sailor who is lost and needs help to a better path, and that is why I do what I do every day.”

POSITIVE MOOD, POSITIVE YOU Story By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Timothy Hale Happiness, gladness or joy is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to exceptional satisfaction.

Happiness can also be recognized in many different forms, from the simple whistling of a pleasant tune to the most familiar way, a smile.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Antonio Scott says he keeps a smile on his face because being happy makes work easier. From preparing meals in the morning for more than 300 Sailors to late nights making sure everything that was used that day has been accounted for, Scott keeps a smile on his face displaying genuine happiness.

But the smile he displays is not just for personal enjoyment however, he also does it for his fellow culinary creators.

Scott likes to give credit to many things for his good mood. The number one thing however, is having close friends on the ship. Like many Sailors, Scott says he considers his friends his second family and the primary reason why he enjoys his job.

“Friendship is vital to maintaining sanity during the nerve-racking times at work,” said Scott.

“The temperature gets high in the galley at times, from the personalities to the literal sense.

It’s essential for me to communicate with my friends daily because they give me that boost to make the day even better. Whether it’s seeing them or telling them my problems, they know what to say and when to say it.”

As a watch captain in the Chief’s Mess, Scott manages the meal preparations for his shift and assigns tasks as needed. He says that he likes to maintain an upbeat environment through music and offering people a good laugh, but demands a high level of maturity and respect, providing him a smooth transition in his development from a good peer to a successful leader.

(Continued on page 10) twitter.com/ussblueridge

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

BRISBANE “We were able to show the Australian community the good the U.S. Navy can provide.”

- Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Caitlin Clarke

Blue Ridge Sailors pitch in at Koala Sanctuarty

From school games to hospital visits, Blue Ridge Sailors foster partnerships with Australia.

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Quartermaster 3rd Class Anthony Galli checks the ship’s bearing as it arrives in Brisbane. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton/ RELEASED)

Sailors man the rails as the ship pulls into port. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story/ RELEASED)

Blue Ridge Sailors visit a school in Brisbane.

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

A ROPE LET DO PROSE FROM THE Story by Mass Communication Specialist “[T]he memory, not yet of the place in which I was, but of various other places where I lived, and might now very possibly be, would come like a rope let down from heaven to draw me up out of the abyss of not-being, from which I could never have escaped by myself[.]”

—Marcel Proust Upon reading Hemingway, Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Nathan Cervantes had read about a life he wanted to touch and feel. And so, Hemingway’s words drew the book-bosomed California native up out his own unfulfilled abyss of dreams—out of the same place and same city he’d known for 19 years, in hopes of sailing seas, traveling to many countries and eventually, a life loved on the deck plates of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

“I started looking at one of those maps on the walls of a naval recruiting office and seeing all the places that I’ve never been before and no one else in my family had either,” said Cervantes. “Everyone I knew stayed in these remote places all their lives. I decided that I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to go out and see everything I could possibly see in my lifetime.”

Coming in undesignated, Cervantes was told it would be a little rougher on the deck, something with a bit more grit, like him. When he reported aboard, he really came to enjoy the way deck department worked, and from there he decided to strike boatswain’s mate.

Cervantes grew up reading mystery novels, though he was never really too serious about them. Upon entering high school, his English teacher would give him books to read in his off time, like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Stranger by Albert Camus and even other books by his hero, Ernest Hemingway.

“I joined because of the admiration I had for Hemingway’s writings,” said Cervantes. “I envisioned those emotions that he tapped into through his work, and I felt that I could experience the same 07 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

emotions through my military service, and would be better able to relate to what Hemingway talked about, if I could share in some of the same experiences he did.”

Hemingway served as an ambulance driver for the Italian Army during World War I. His first love, who he also soon became engaged to, was a Red Cross nurse he met in Milan while recuperating from shrapnel wounds he suffered from mortar fire on the battlefield.

Hemingway was later awarded the Italian Silver Medal of Bravery.

Cervantes scoured many of Hemingway’s novels in his long, literary highway

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OWN: E DECK

“And for me, literature is there when I don’t want to ask for help,” said Cervantes. “I just read, take it in and learn.”

Cervantes said he carries himself with much of the bravado that has been passed on to him from literature. From the memories of the place he was before the Navy to today, he said he would be lost without it; it’s like a rope let down to him every day on the deck plates.

3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn toward the flagship.

Hemingway won the Nobel Prize in 1954, largely for “Old Man and the Sea,” a book written about an aging fisherman fighting a large fish in the sea.

“A Farewell to Arms” was a book Hemingway wrote based on his experiences in World War I, from taking fire to falling in love, one of Cervantes’ favorites.

“Ernest Hemingway is the man I consider to be the master of the war novel because he drew from his personal experiences in the military when he described everything he wrote down,” said Cervantes. “I felt like he planted joining in my head. I never thought about the military until I read his novels.”

“I like the way it affects me and it makes me feel things that nothing else can make me feel,” he said. “Literature can make me happy. It can make me sad. It can make me laugh. It can make me cry. Every emotion that I posses has been tapped into by literature and I can’t say that about anything else in my life.

“There was and still is an appeal to it. Back then, I wanted to feel what he felt about serving. Then, I would understand the words and emotions he invoked if I went out there and lived it myself.”

Cervantes felt, while growing up and even today, riding 7th Fleet seas, literature is the one constant thing that has changed with him. There’s always some piece of literature that he can go to that he can relate with.

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BLUE AID RIDGE SAILORS KOALA SANCTUARY Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton

BRISBANE, Australia -- Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff participated in a community service event at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary July 20.

At the sanctuary, Sailors volunteered to work with members of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuarys’ staff as they cleared vines and other foliage that had grown all over a trail.

“The Sailors were a great help,” said Terry Arnold, a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary staff member. “The path was overgrown with natural weeds and all sorts of vegetation. They helped us to reclaim the original pathway.”

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was established in 1927 and is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas along with various other native Australian animals.

In 2011, the Brisbane River became flooded due to a series of flash floods that occurred across Queensland, resulting in the sanctuary’s river walk area being destroyed.

“The 2011 flooding was a major catastrophe in this area,” said Arnold. “Many homes throughout Brisbane were flooded and our river walk, our trail way, went completely underwater.”

“Everyone involved worked hard and accomplished more than was expected from us,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Caitlin Clarke. “I feel like the Sailors left a lasting impression at Lone Pine.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Caitlin Clarke feeds a kangaroo while participating in a community service event at Lone Pine Koala Sancuary. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton/RELEASED)

the U.S. Navy can provide, and I know the Blue Ridge crew will be invited back if ever the ship makes another visit to Brisbane.”

After the trail was finally cleared, the Sailors were treated to some of the shows at the sanctuary courtesy of Lone Pine’s staff, including a sheep herding and shearing demonstration and a birds of prey flight demonstration.

“The experience was definitely worthwhile,” said Seaman Laurel Goodwin. “Coming here gave me an opportunity to experience a bit of the culture.”

“We were able to show the Australian community the good

M500 GUN SHOOT Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton

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POSITIVE MOOD, POSITIVE YOU (C ) ONTINUED “I like to keep the work environment positive because that in return leads to better product,” said the 20-yearold Scott, on board less than a year when he achieved the position of watch captain. “When the environment is positive, the Sailors are in a better mood. When they are in a better mood, the final product is exceptional.”

“I’ve picked up so many skills in my short time being in the Navy, that I look forward to seeing what else there is to learn about the this service and about myself.”

“No matter what’s put in front of me, if I stay positive, I can do it.”

With a serious passion for cooking, Scott added that because he’s constantly doing something that he loves, he’s just genuinely enthused when he’s in the kitchen.

According to Scott, he has also picked up a better knowledge of the kitchen. He memorizes recipes a lot easier and has gained a newfound passion for baking.

“Cooking has been a passion of mine since I was little,” said Scott, who remembers cooking with his mom back home in Gurnee, Illinois. “What I most enjoy is the happiness food gives people, and it’s great to provide that joy.

He added that gaining more knowledge about his rating and the Navy excites him. Scott is now in the process of becoming one of the damage control petty officers (DCPO) for his department.

“Now that I’m getting paid to do something I’m passionate about, I’m naturally just happy.”

“I’m not going to lie, at first I was a little nervous about becoming a DCPO because I wouldn’t be doing what I love as much, which is cooking” explained Scott. “But learning more about the ship and the administration side of my rating, I’m encouraged to know, there is more knowledge for me down the road.”

In addition, Scott believes his persistent good mood comes from his enthusiasm about being new to leadership and the learning experiences that the Navy provides him. In high school, he was never the first one to volunteer for the leadership roles, even with being very involved with many school activities.

Scott further explained that while growing up, he maintained involvement within school and his local community, but he was always afraid that he would disappoint if he was to ever be the person in charge.

“I wish at a younger age I would’ve done more leading, now having learned not to doubt my own abilities,” said Scott.

With a smile on his face and keeping his mind on the positive side of things, Scott makes it through his stressful workday. With head held high, he is motivated by his future and everything the Navy can offer him next.

“As I look to my future I see that it is bright and I must stay optimistic for the road ahead” said Scott. “I will always remember one thing in life, ‘Positive mood, positive you’.”

CHAPLAIN’S message

In John 14:27, Jesus says “peace I leave with you.”

As I PCS to a new command, I wish I could grant people peace as Jesus did and does. However, I’m just me and I don’t possess the power to do so. I know he “leaves” peace here with us and that he “gives” it to us, but I believe he leads us to it in our own individual way and time.

In the context of this particular passage, Jesus is guaranteeing a few different things and assuring us that we can have true peace in the utter certainty of his word.

He guarantees his return. He guarantees that there will be a place for us prepared by him and that he will take us there. And, he guarantees that we need not worry, that we can truly have everlasting peace.

So, as I leave you, I pray that you are able to find peace in your lives. “Not as the world gives” temporary peace or joy through money, fame, power, glory, etc., but a lasting peace.

I believe there is an innate void in our souls, an emptiness designed by our creator to spur us to seek him out, an emptiness that can only be truly filled by the right thing that fits there – Him – just like a puzzle piece.

The more we attempt to fill that void with the temporariness of the world, the more we become disheartened and distressed with the world around us. However, when we are able to find the right piece of the puzzle that fills the emptiness completely and perpetually, we also find an awesome peace that thrives no matter what the circumstances we find ourselves facing.

We’re the ones that tend to forget this, ignore it or break the peace with our temporal worldly concerns.

So, in parting, peace I pray for you.

Blessings, Chaps

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 10

CAPTAIN’S

CORNER

(CONTINUED)

We are looking forward to being home again soon and sharing the many new sea stories with you face-to-face. We still have hard work ahead of us, one major exercise and three inspections certifications. Know that we think of you often and are excited about our reunion. It is because of your sacrifice and support that we are able to complete the mission.

Take care and we will be home soon!

Capt. Higgins