AUGUST 2016
Blue Ridge
ESWS
In Review Crossword Page 2-3
CAPTAIN’S CORNER Page 4
The Flagship Logs: Lay Huey Down in the South China Sea By: Mass Comunication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn
In the tumultuous, lawless morning air in the bays of the southeast Vietnam during the fall of Saigon on April 29, 1975, the crew aboard USS Blue Ridge laid along Vietnamese shores waiting for direction to begin their mission. At 10:51, directions were given: L-hour (landing hour) would be 1500. What followed ended up being the largest helicopter evacuation ship in history, Operation Frequent Wind, with Blue Ridge serving as the command ship for the more than 40 ships involved.
Ret. Gen. David J. Baratto , an icon in the US Army, and the Army’s Special Operations community in particular, famously said “humans are more important than hardware.” In Operation Frequent Wind, this was demonstrated a massive scale. Over $10 million in Hueys were jettisoned off the sides of US naval vessels to make room for all incoming aircraft carrying evacuees. At one point, all the helos that couldn’t be quickly relocated off the
“Humans are more important than hardware.”
Around noon, about six to seven Bell UH-1 Iroquois heliocopters, commonly known as “Hueys,” or “a Huey,” for its original designation (HU-1), were circling Blue Ridge. One pilot that was directed to ditch his helicopter, allowed the helo to hit the side of the ship after his fearful escape. Still, one of the most iconic visuals for Blue Ridge in the ship’s history is the long rememberd image of the Blue Ridge crew pushing a Huey off the side of the flagship to sink to the bottom of the South China Sea. Hueys were the primary heliocopter used throughout the Vietnam War, with approximately 7,000 seeing service during throughout the war. Whether they were American or Vietnamese, Hueys flounded around around US naval ships, waiting for a clearing on any flight deck to land. While some Hueys eventually found a desired landing zone, many others had their pilots drop off passengers, including Sailors catching babies off the fantail of USS Kirk “like basketballs,” according to Kirk’s chief engineer at the time, Hugh Doyle. After completing their missions, and safely dropping off evacuees, many of these helos were directed to crash into the ocean, abandoning the aircraft just before impact, where they would be rescued thereafter.
Photo Courtesy AP Archive
flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Midway were jettisoned to make room for an SVN Air Force Maj., his wife and children, carried by a pilot struggling to land with less than an hour left of fuel. Although Baratto’s famous quote rings true for servicemembers, whether looked upon as a sacrificial instrumental for saving human life or for their operational utility, it’s still impossible to think of some rusted Huey on bottom of the ocean floor without a bit reverence.
Chief Navy Counselor Jason Caldera, left, dodges an attack from Information Systems Technician Seaman Daniel Alvarez, after he received level 1 OC spray during Security Reaction Force Bravo qualification. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan/
BLUE RIDGE
Damage Controlman Fireman Mohmmad Hasan listens to directions from his coach during a soccer game against a local Japanese soccer team at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka base soccer field. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ruby Harrington, right, throws a softball to Operations Specialist 3rd Class Said Qatami, left, at a command picnic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)
Capt. Matthew Paradise gets dropped into a dunk tank at a command picnic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)
Capt. Matt Paradise discusses scheduled maintenance with Commander, Task Force 76, Rear Adm. John Nowell during a ship tour. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/RELEASED)
Commander, Task Force 76, Rear Adm. John Nowell walks with leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a ship tour. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/RELEASED)
IN REVIEW Damage Controlman Fireman Mohmmad Hassan, left, and Chief Warrant Officer Two Christopher Atwater, right, run toward a soccer ball during a soccer game against a local Japanese soccer team at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka base soccer field. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/RELEASED)
Fireman Charlie Worker kicks the ball down the field during a soccer game against a local Japanese soccer team at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka base soccer field. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/RELEASED)
Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Shannel Broadus demonstrates proper use of a baton after receiving level 1 OC spray during Security Reaction Force Bravo qualification. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan/ RELEASED) Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Marciano Perez observes a high risk maintenance evolution in the engine room of the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan/ RELEASED)
Seaman Jaylien Washington, right, paints on the face of Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Sydni Arnett, left, at a command picnic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)
CAPTAIN’S
ESWSCROSSWORD
CORNER
Greetings once again from USS BLUE RIDGE! It’s hard to believe another month has gone by already and hopefully you’re all out enjoying the start of the Japanese summer despite the heat and humidity. There is so much to see outside the gate and I encourage you to explore all that Japan has to offer with your family and loved ones. Things are certainly heating up for the availability as well and we are continuing to stay focused, on track and on time. We encounter challenges on a daily basis and your sailors are successfully working through everything that is thrown at them. There is still very much to do in the next several months of our maintenance period, however we will continue to press foward with a laser focus on getting back to sea on time. We have some terrific Sailors as part of our crew. Each one brings a different variety of awesomeness that enables us to succeed as only Blue Ridge can. They come from various backgrounds, creeds, denominations and ideologies, all joined under the umbrella of
the United States Navy. It is this diversity that powers our force, and allows our Navy its success. I ask that you continue to look out for and care for one another, we have some hard work ahead of us and we’ll be stronger if we stand together uring the months ahead. As I hope you’re already aware, our command picnic is rapidly approaching and I would like to personally invite one and all to join us, details below: Blue Ridge BBQ Bash 29 July from 100-1600 Gazebo #1 near Berkey Field. Our team of Sailors has been working hard in preparration for this upcoming event, including a Bouncy House, Sumo Suit wrestling and kick ball tournament. I would love to be able to meet you all there. Your continued support of our Sailors can not be over emphasized! You and your efforts at home are just as important as the dedication your loved ones show on the deckplates from day-today. We appreciate you. Best regards, Capt. Matt Paradise
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1) How many HF receivers does BLR have? 5 2) No sediment indicated 6 4) Click no boom! 5) Click-Pause-Boom! 8) What condition is 7 set during MOPP 4? 7) What Circle ____. happened on ACROSS Dec. 17, 1907? 3) No water indicated 9)Reutilizing 9 Marketing Office 3 6) What is the AOR (DRMO) of the 3rd Fleet? ___ 10) Turning point Pacfic ocean. of WWII.
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DO’s
Social Media Awareness Things to Consider
You’re in the Navy 24/7/365, even on Internet or Social Media - UCMJ articles apply in the real world AND virtual world. Photos and Posts are EVIDENCE! - Whether it’s civilian laws or UCMJ, posts or photos about underage drinking, infidelity, fraternization, etc. Determining how to punish or reprimand Sailors for sociAl media misuse is ultimately up to command leadership - the UCMJ should be one of many resources used when evaluating the how social media misuse should be handled.
YOU CANNOT:
YOU CAN:
Register and Vote Sign Petition Make Donations Join partisan/nonpatisan groups and attend meetings as a citizen Express personal views as a citizen, separate from your military service Follow political parties, candidates, campaigns, groups or causes on social media
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
We your uniform to political events Campaign for or on behalf of political campaigns, candidates or causes Make public commentary for political campaigns, candidates or causes Post to, comment on, link to, recommend, or forward from the social media accounts of political parties, candidates, campaigns, or causes.
Article 88 - Contempt Toward Officials contemptuous social media post falls under this article. Article 92 - Failure to Obey Order or Regulation - applicable to when Sailors post evidence of underage drinking, fraternization, adultery, etc. on social media Article 134 - General Article - included an extensive list of additional offenses that can lead to punishment under UCMJ. Article 134-12 covers disloyal statement and Sailors posts can potentially fall under ths article.
Articles to Know
DON’Ts
DoD Directive 1344.10
ACROSS (3) Bright (6) Eastern (7) GreatWhiteFleet (9) Defense (10) Midway DOWN (1) FourtyOne (2) Clear (4) Misfire (5) Hangfire
Family and Friends,
DOWN
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