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CONTENTS
CMC’S CORNER Family and Friends, Just a note about some of the things on my mind for you to read and think about.
PG 6
PG 10
PG 12
TEAM LEADERSHIP
MEDIA DEPARTMENT
COMMANDING OFFICER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
CAPT. BRETT E. CROZIER
MCC CHARLES L. LUDWIG
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LEAD DESIGNER
CMDR. RICHARD J. ZAMBERLAN
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
CMDCM CHARLES F. ZIERVOGEL
COVER PHOTO BY MC3 DYLAN MCKAY
MCSN ANGELES A. MIRON
PRODUCERS
ENS ERIC J. UHDEN MC1 MARVIN E. THOMPSON JR. MC2 ADAM K. THOMAS MC2 JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON MC3 DYLAN MCKAY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES MC3 ETHAN M. CARTER
As I walk the ship each day, I continue to be impressed and amazed by the teamwork and dedication of the Blue Ridge crew. In the time since the ship has left the drydock at the beginning of the year, there have been tremendous strides in all areas, and there is renewed and focused dedication in the air as we ready the ship for sea. Whether it is an inspection workup, improving cleanliness, watchstanding, or training for future evolutions, the positive attitude you keep and the hard work you put in each day is evident and producing outstanding results. It takes more than just a few good people to make a Navy ship run and the team we have aboard is an example of one that makes a ship run well, and not just operate at the status quo accepted by other ships. These feelings and positive attitudes extend to our families, who work together to make Blue Ridge the best ship in the Navy. We have an outstanding ombudsman team and most recently have welcomed a Family Readiness Group poised to provide a support network on the home front which will only further the efforts in making a cohesive team and great ship. My time here on Blue Ridge is drawing to a close, and I am always ever grateful in having the privilege and distinct honor in serving aboard the Navy’s flagship. I have served in many commands, and I can honestly say this has been one of the best experiences I have had during my Naval career. Not only did I get to live and work aboard in Japan, but I had the opportunity to interact and serve alongside some of the best men and women the United States has to offer. I have learned something from each and every one of you in the process. I don’t normally like fanfare about myself as I think the credit does not ever lie with me but in those around me. To that end, I will leave you with the hope that you will continue to press forward with the mission. working hard at making the ship and yourselves, both personally and professionally, successful, to continue to care for one another like family, and to care for Blue Ridge like she is home. Lastly, because I don’t think I say it enough:
Thanks for what you do and keep on doin’ it!
The Beacon 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 The Beacon must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer. 3 Produced by Blue Ridge Media Services Ext. 4154
SAR PHOTO BY MC3 dylan mckay 4
U.S. Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmers are Sailors who take on treacherous conditions to rescue victims from the ocean’s brutal waves. To be a SAR swimmer, one must complete a grueling 4-week long aircrew school, followed immediately by more intensive and specific training at a 5-week Aviation Rescue Swimmer School. They must also undergo training to administer first aid in these challenging conditions. SAR swimmers endure some of the toughest training the Navy has to offer.
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EXPLORE JAPAN
RAMEN
THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO JAPAN PHOTOS AND STORY by mass communication specialist 3RD CLASS PATRICK SEMALES
From the moment a Sailor receives orders to Japan, their future is bound to include experiences and memories that will not soon be forgotten. For the majority of us, our arrival took us further from the comfort and familiarity of home than we’ve ever gone before, so the cultural opportunities located just outside the base gates are both eyeopening and overwhelming. However, one aspect should not simply be overlooked. Ramen. Yes, delightful, mouthwatering ramen... but not the instant ramen you probably bought at the Commissary back home.
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Your first taste of traditional ramen is
the perfect introduction to Japanese culture. Having been a national staple food since the beginning of the 20th century, these noodles are soaked in history as well as delicious broth. Simply put, there’s no better way of getting to know your host nation than through a big bowl of ramen. Historians have long debated the dish’s origins, but the general consensus is simple ramen recipes originated in China as early as the 17th century. Ramen as we know it today didn’t become a Japanese sensation until 1910 when the very first ramen restaurant opened in Yokohama’s Chinatown. That restaurant, Rairaiken a ramen-exclusive eatery, brought about the realization this wasn’t merely a dish
for the poor working class. In fact, it sparked an immediate demand for more varieties of the meal, and it wasn’t long before ramen restaurants spread throughout Japan. That means that today, you literally have a myriad of options when it comes to trying the meal, with more than 50,000 ramen haunts in Japan. Two of them – Tsuta and Nakiryu in Tokyo have even earned a Michelin Star, one of the highest honors of the food service world. For those who are economically conscious, picking up a meal from these high-end, award-winning shops provide you a place to eat award-winning food for less than $10. But if you don’t want to head to Tokyo for ramen, there are two enormous
ramen museums nearby in Yokohama. The Shin-Ramen Yokohama Museum is must see for the traditional ramen enthusiast. It is the world’s first foodfocused theme park, featuring an underground food court designed to transport you back to the 1950’s. Alternatively, if instant ramen is your passion, the Cupnoodles Museum features a build your own ramen attraction that has 5,460 possible flavor combinations. Locally, options can still seem fairly endless. To mention only a few, Kagetsu Arashi, known to most Sailors as “Black Door,” features extensive regional flavor variety along with other foods on the menu for those who are not big ramen fans, making it a good spot for a group
with widely varying tastes. Honmokuya, known as “Old Man Ramen,” gives you three choices – light or thick soup, more or less oil, and soft or firm noodles. Finally, Kurume Ramen Tetsugama, features spicy ramen. Don’t take our word for it, though, get out and explore. You won’t be disappointed with what you find. The time we have in Japan will be briefer than most think. Use this opportunity to get out there and know your host nation through a signature cuisine. Grab a great bowl of ramen, you’ll miss it when it’s gone.
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Master Chief,
CMC,
Thank you for the time you invested in each of us, whether it be the “talking to” we needed at DRB or the extra training for ESWS boards. Your approachablitity affected the attitude of the entire command and improved communication across the ranks. Good luck in your future adventures. -- IT2 Paris
Thanks for being a positive role model and deckplate leader to all Sailors during your time here on board. I will miss you wishing me a Happy Monday every week at Khaki Sync! Best of luck to you on your next tour, I know they will benefit greatly from you! -- ENS Guo
Master Chief, You’ve always been a nice guy and you have the greatest mustache I’ve ever seen on a Master Chief. -- CSSN Loury
CMC, You were definitely a leader within the CPO Mess. Your dedication to the crew’s morale and physical wellness will be felt at all levels within the command. -- CDR Luckie
Master Chief Ziervogel, To me, you really embody what it means to be a Chief. You are someone who doesn’t mind sitting down with Sailors and talking through issues with them, and at the same time you constantly got things done. -- MAC McDonald
CMC, You’re a man with a killer mustache that always has a greeting for us in the passageways. Good luck in your future adventures! -- CS2 Lisser
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWIN PHOTO BY MC3 timothy hale
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NG SEAS 9
LIFE BACK ON BOARD
USS BLUE RIDGE COMPLETES BERTHING RENOVATION
STORY by mass communication specialist 2nd class adam k. thomas
Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) return to refurbished berthings and amenities after an extended dry dock renovation period. During the 18-month extended dry dock selective restrictive availability (EDSRA), nearly every rack aboard the ship received new mattresses, linens and rack curtains. Major berthing equipment, such as washing machines, potable hot water systems, shower fixtures and toilets, were also replaced or repaired. “The renovation was necessary to ensure all berthings are up to shipboard habitability standards,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Iandave Jordan. “It took a great effort from everyone onboard. Each department was responsible for their respective spaces, and the Blue Ridge crew worked well with the Japanese Ship Repair Force (SRF) workers to successfully complete the renovation.” While the repairs and upgrades were being completed, the crew relocated to a berthing barge due to a loss of continuous electrical power, ventilation, water, and sewage collection and transfer services. “Throughout this long maintenance period, the crew had to be displaced because we could no longer maintain habitability standards, said Blue Ridge Commanding Officer, Capt. Brett Crozier. “We used the down services as an opportunity to upgrade our berthings with new decking, paint, head repairs, and the replacement of over 1,300 new rack mattresses.” Crozier said while the Yokosuka SRF workers and sub-contractors took on many of the larger technical tasks, Blue Ridge Sailors were working alongside them every step of the way. “It’s a great feeling knowing we all teamed up to get the job done, said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ethan Carter. “Now that we’re all moving back aboard, having a clean, new place to lay our heads makes all the difference. It just goes a long way toward keeping morale high so the crew can concentrate the mission at hand.” Even though the crew has finished the extended dry dock period and the ship has returned to her home at Pier 9, many tasks are still awaiting completion. However, Capt. Crozier is confident the crew will meet the coming challenges head on. “Every day I am reminded what a privilege it is to serve alongside such a talented and dedicated group of warriors,” said Crozier. “Despite the ship being over 47 years old, the crew and SRF workers have done an amazing job modernizing and getting her ready to go back to sea. While there is still plenty of work left to do, I have no doubt that come August, this ship and her crew will be ready to return to sea and continue serving as Seventh Fleet’s Flagship.”
PHOTO BY MC3 patrick semales 10
EYE ON THE FLEET
NAVY UPDATES SRB PLAN STORY BY CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Navy updated the Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) award plan for active component (AC) and full time support (FTS) Sailors in NAVADMIN 032/18 released Feb. 15. This NAVADMIN updates NAVADMIN 311/17, adding award levels for 39 skills in 24 ratings and increasing one award level. There are no decreases or deletions of skills in this update. In addition, this NAVADMIN provides Sailors more flexibility, by expanding the eligibility window to reenlist for SRB from 90 days to 180 days before a Sailor’s EAOS. However, Sailors who are nuclear qualified, have an early promote on their most recent regular periodic evaluation or are eligible for combat zone tax exclusion are authorized to reenlist any time during the fiscal year of their EAOS, per this NAVADMIN. Eligible Sailors desiring SRB reenlistment are encouraged to work with their command career counselors, command master chiefs and chains of command to discuss timing of reenlistment and procedures well before their EAOS. Requests are required to be submitted a minimum of 35 days prior to the requested reenlistment date. SRB serves as an incentive for those Sailors with critical skills and experience to remain in the Navy. Enlisted community managers continuously monitor the health of their communities to maintain acceptable manning levels in critical skills, and recommend adjustments to SRBs when necessary. Sailors can stay informed of award changes through the Navy’s SRB webpage at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/ enlistedcareeradmin/Pages/SRB.aspx/ and review the NAVADMIN for a complete listing of changes to skills award levels eligible for SRBs. NAVADMIN 032/18 can be read at www.npc.navy.mil/. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
PHOTO BY MC1 marvin e. thompson jr. 11
SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A BEAUTIFUL GAME HOW SOCCER MOLDED A LEADER story by mass communication specialist SEAMAN ANGELES A. MIRON
another day’s hard work. Every team needs a leader. A coach, an instructor or even a petty officer – someone to take charge. But there’s more to being a great leader than the ability to bark out orders. Being a leader means being able to inspire, train and encourage others to hone their skills and prove they are capable of accomplishing any objective. However, while some may learn the necessary skills during their time in the Navy, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Martin Ohene Gyan was introduced to these lessons through the game of soccer.
PHOTO BY mc1 mike story Amidst sounds of thundering foot falls and heavy breathing, a lone figure sits upon a rusted bench quietly following the exercises of players on an artificial grass field. His eyes are narrowed as he tracks each movement, periodically shifting his gaze to a writing
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pad where he sketches the plays and formations happening on the field for future reference. He mumbles to himself when he sees something odd, but stays relatively quiet for most of it before finally standing to applaud the players of Blue Ridge Football Club (FC) on
A native of the Republic of Ghana, 36-year-old Gyan has been living, breathing and enjoying soccer since the first time he held a ball. “Soccer is the most common and probably the most popular sport in Ghana,” said Gyan. “If you wanted to be able to communicate with someone without knowing their language – we would play soccer. That’s the language
“If you speak the language of soccer, you’ll have made a friend.” MR2 MARTIN OHENE GYAN
PHOTO BY MC2 KEVIN a. FLINN
PHOTO BY MC1 MIKE STORY
we all speak in Ghana.” And though he definitely enjoys playing the game itself, Gyan would much rather train and teach a team. “When you’re inside the game, you can only see so much,” he said. “But from the outside, you can see the formation. When I’m sitting on the bench, I’ll start mapping positions and plays. I’ll use this to show the players their progress and where they still need training. Once I’ve trained them, I know they can win.” Gyan wasn’t always affiliated with the Blue Ridge FC. In fact, his first impression of the 7th Fleet Flagship team wasn’t very pleasant. “It was a game between us and the Australian Navy,” said Gyan. “Their uniforms didn’t match and the team itself was pretty unorganized. They needed a leader. So I thought to myself, I can definitely manage this and make it better.” As soon as Gyan could, he spoke with then-Command Master Chief Mark Tomlinson about his vision of building a legit team. He pushed his idea everywhere he could and refused to give up. However, the playing field isn’t the only place he enjoys refining Sailors. As assistant command fitness leader, he is constantly working to ensure Sailors can pass the physical fitness assessment. On top of that, he is his division’s work center supervisor.
PHOTO BY MC2 KEvIN a. FLINN Not only does Gyan train Sailors on and off the ship, he also trains many of their children through the MWR Youth Program. Through this, he hopes to not only establish a strong foundation of discipline and perseverance in the minds of small children, but to spread the beauty and joy of playing or simply watching a soccer game. “You can see the chemistry between the people playing together,” Gyan said. “It’s beautiful. When you watch a game,
everyone on the bleachers is singing and dancing. When someone scores, people will jump to hug each other. They may not know each other and they may not even speak the same language, but if you speak the language of soccer, you’ll have made a friend.” At 10 a.m every Saturday, Gyan and his team can be found training at Purdy Field. Anyone with an interest in joining only needs to show up, and perhaps they too can make a friend.
“I love playing soccer, but I think I love giving training more,” Gyan said. “Whether it’s damage control, engineering or soccer -- if I know it, I can teach it. I train people all the time, and I love doing it.” Damage Controlman 3rd Class Mohammad Hasan, a member of Blue Ridge FC, sees this every day on and off the field. “He’s always helping people out,” said Hasan. “You can ask him about ship stuff, soccer moves or even your taxes, and he’ll say ‘I got you.’ That’s one thing you’ll always hear when you go to him for help. I got you.”
PHOTO BY MCSN ANGELES A. MIRON 15
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