The Beacon by USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19)

CONTENTS

CAPTAIN’S CORNER Greetings Blue Ridge. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the hard work every Blue Ridge Sailor, Ship’s Repair Facility worker, family member, and friend has contributed over the past several weeks and months. You are all part of the team that makes us the Navy’s Flagship. PG 4

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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

MCSN ANGELES A. MIRON

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

PRODUCERS

CMDCM CHARLES F. ZIERVOGEL

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

We started 2018 with a lot to be proud of with the Family Day Dry-Dock event, getting water under the keel, and floating back at Berth 9 for the first time in more than 18 months. It feels good to be back on the waterfront with the rest of our shipmates, and boy does the ship look good. The rest of this year promises to be both challenging and rewarding. We have to complete the Ship’s Restricted Availability, certify in almost every warfare area, conduct our engineering light off assessment, assist with the Seventh Fleet staff move aboard, conduct Sea Trials, and sail for several weeks of work ups. Although it might seem overwhelming, like my grandmother always said, “You can only eat an elephant by taking one bite at a time.” Every one of these challenges brings an opportunity to excel, and I have no doubt the Blue Ridge team will tackle each challenge with enthusiasm and success. I ask that along the way you maintain the professionalism, integrity, and teamwork that I see onboard each and every day and never forget our priorities of Combat, Material, and Personal Readiness. By the end of the year we will all be proud of what we’ve accomplished and have plenty of sea stories to tell our friends and family. You are part of history, walking in the footsteps of those who served before us aboard this great ship. Take pride in what you’ve done, and be excited and ready for what’s to come. Respectfully, Capt. Brett E. Crozier

SAIL FIGHT WIN

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. Produced by Blue Ridge Media Services Ext. 4154 3

READY SET

SNOW

photos and story by mass communication specialist 2nd class jordan kirkjohnson

Every weekend is an incredible opportunity to get off base and explore Japan’s beauty. There are several sites in the surrounding city and multiple trips that take you past the hustle and bustle and into Japan’s quieter countryside. USS Blue Ridge Sailors often participate in such excursions, including a recent trip to Oze Iwakura resort in Gunma.

MWR Yokosuka offers skiing and snowboarding trips every weekend to different resorts across greater Tokyo and Nagano prefectures. Tickets are offered at a discounted price for E5 and below ranging from $20-40 and $40-75 for E6 and above. Lessons are available for beginners and equipment is available for rent.

“It was my first time snowboarding, and it just so happens I went X-Games mode,” said Fireman George Carter V. “It was cool to see Japanese snowboarding style and then to get down the slope and grab a bowl of ramen, made it such a unique experience.”

“It’s a great bonding experience because you get to see your coworkers in a different environment,” said

Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Stein. “Being able to laugh while you watch each other wipe out is always a good time and I’ll definitely go back.” To sign up for future trips visit the MWR Outdoor Recreation Center next to the Fleet Recreation Center. For additional information or to inquire about other tour options, talk to your departmental MWR representative.

The trips are several hours away, giving Sailors a chance to take in the views of the changing scenery. Towers and skyscrapers fade in the bus’s rearview mirror as snow-covered mountains appear, giving Sailors an opportunity to unwind with friends. “The resort looked like winter wonderland,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Mohammad Hasan. “You can be having a bad day or stressed about something, and then you’ll see one of your favorite friends eat it on the slope on suddenly, it becomes a great day.”

lens

through the Operations Specialist 2nd Class Chris Nash, left, from Kauai, Hawaii, attached to guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), holds safety line during Search and Rescue training with Afloat Training Group West Pac at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Photo by MC2 Jordan KirkJohnsion

Quartermaster 3rd Class Joshua Stroberger, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), uses an alidade navigational device to relay bearings from land readings to quartermasters inside the pilothouse as the ship exits dry dock. Photo by MC3 Patrick Semales 6

Seaman Brady Nowick, from Aberdeen, S.D., attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), repairs the ship’s safety lines on the main deck. Photo by MC3 Dylan McKay

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Anabell Vences, from Las Vegas, Nev., attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), polishes copper during maintenance in the ship’s fireroom. Photo by MCSN Angeles A. Miron

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) support Ronald Reagan by line handling as the ship pulls into port. Photo by MC3 Ethan M. Carter

PHOTO BY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES

UNDOCKED Story by ensign eric uhden

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) undocked and moored pierside at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after completing a scheduled extended dry-dock selected restricted availability (EDSRA) maintenance period on Jan. 21. During the 19-month EDSRA, the ship underwent major structural modifications and upgrades across a multitude of systems, extending her life by approximately 20-plus years. “Completing this dry dock period is a huge deal,” said Capt. Brett E. Crozier, Blue Ridge commanding officer. “It is an important part of a greater legacy for both the Blue Ridge and the U.S. Navy, and I would like to especially thank the crew, family members, ship’s repair force workers, and others who have had a hand in modernizing Blue Ridge.” During the EDSRA, Blue Ridge received numerous upgrades, including installation of the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) computer system, modernization of the ship’s engineering plant, and refurbishment of the main condenser and ventilation systems. American and Japanese civilian

PHOTO BY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES

PHOTO BY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES 9

PHOTO BY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES contractors performed these repairs at Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF JRMC) Yokosuka. Work completed totaled more than 120,000 man days from civilian workers. Augmenting that was approximately 110,000 man days from Blue Ridge Sailors since the availability began. However, the maintenance and repair work aboard Blue Ridge is not yet complete. While moored pierside, the ship’s Sailors and civilian workers will continue to work side-by-side for further engineering and electrical plant upgrades, as well as improvements to

living quarters. All improvements made will assist Blue Ridge in returning to its primary role of providing command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) support to the U.S. 7th Fleet commander and staff. “After about two years in the yards spent on crucial repairs and improvements, it’s the crew’s turn to get ready to get back on patrol and return to our mission once again,” Crozier said. Sailors will now also push through an extensive training and qualifications period, including search and rescue, navigation and seamanship, engineering proficiency, and damage control efforts.

The crew will complete all training evolutions before returning to a missionready status. Blue Ridge commissioned Nov. 14, 1970, making it the oldest operational ship in the Navy. Several weeks ago, the crew celebrated the ship’s 47th year in service. Plans are for the 7th Fleet Flagship to stay in active service for another 20-plus years. As command ship for U.S. Seventh Fleet, Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan, region for 38 years, patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.

EYE ON THE FLEET

WASP JOINS 7TH FLEET

Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived to Sasebo, Japan on Jan. 14, completing a 28,400-mile journey from Norfolk, Va. that began in late August.

total passengers along with 26,720 pounds of equipment and 1,718,200 pounds of various logistical support items, including 328,100 pounds of food and water.

Wasp, which has undergone significant upgrades to be able to land and launch the U.S. Marine Corp’s F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, will replace USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship in 7th Fleet.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the Navy, and an exciting time for Wasp and her crew, given the wide variety of missions we have the opportunity to support,” said Wasp Command Master Chief Gregory Carlson. “Over the last 18 months, this crew has not only performing their daily duties in an exemplary manner, but grown as individuals and well-represented the U.S. as ambassadors as we have served across the globe. While I’m proud of what they have accomplished, I’m also very proud of who they’ve become as a crew.”

The force structure change has been long-planned as part of a Department of Defense effort to position the most advanced and capable assets forward in support of partners and allies. Wasp’s arrival to Sasebo comes after nearly two months of humanitarian relief efforts following two major hurricanes in the Caribbean and more than two months transiting across the Atlantic and into the Pacific. “The arrival of USS Wasp represents an increase in military capability and a commitment to our partners and allies for security and stability in the region,” said Capt. Colby Howard, Wasp Commanding Officer. “Paired with the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, we remain ready to execute the full range of military operations from crisis response to disaster relief.”

Wasp and other amphibious ships assigned under Expeditionary Strike Group 7, the Navy’s only forwarddeployed expeditionary strike group, directly partner with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Pacific’s oncall crisis response force. The F-35B is scheduled to embark on Wasp when

the amphibious assault ship and MEU deploy in 2018 for regularly scheduled regional patrol. Bonhomme Richard has been forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan since April 2012 and will relocate to San Diego following a regularly scheduled patrol. Commissioned in July 1989, Wasp has served on numerous deployments throughout the world, including a 6-month deployment to the Middle East in 2016. Seventh Fleet, which celebrates its 75th year in 2018, spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South. Seventh Fleet’s area of operation encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world’s population with between 5070 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft and approximately 20,000 Sailors in the 7th Fleet.

Wasp departed Norfolk Aug. 30 and was diverted a few days later to the Caribbean to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The amphibious assault ship then provided assistance to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm regarded as the worst natural disaster in the history of the American commonwealth island. In support of relief efforts, Wasp aircraft flew 108 missions on the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico totaling 385 hours of flight time moving 1,129

photo provided by navy.mil 11

SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

1,000 WORDS A PHOTOGRAPHER’S STORY by mass communication specialist 3RD CLASS DYLAN MCKAY

And the desire to be more creative didn’t end with childhood. So after high school, Evans thought about attending the Illinois Institute of Technology for Architecture; however, his artistic impulses took over and led him to enroll at Columbia College Chicago to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. However, Evans would be forced to change his plans again. “I had to drop out of college and decided to pursue an internship,” said Evans. “But when that didn’t work out either, I decided to join the Navy.” Now a 3rd Class Petty Officer, Evans has found many ways to express his strong creative impulses while serving.

PHOTO BY cs3 don evans 111 Photography: an art form that serves to capture significant moments, forever immortalizing sentimental memories for people. For one U.S Navy Sailor, this art form has evolved from childhood. Since young, Don Evans III was very creative. Whether it was building

or drawing, he would always try to find ways of expressing himself. “I have always been creative,” said Evans. “Whether it was building with Legos and K’Nex, or teaching myself how to draw by sketching characters from Peanuts.”

“From the moment I stepped off the plane into Japan, I wanted to share my experiences with those back home,” said Evans. “The easiest way to do that was by taking photographs.” Evans says what started off as a hobby has now led him to a place in his life he never expected to be. “My photography experience has led

“From the moment I stepped off the plane into Japan, I wanted to share my experiences with those back home.” CS3 DON EVANS III PHOTO BY MC3 dylan mckay

PHOTO BY cs3 don evans 111

me to some interesting places where I’ve met some interesting people,” said Evans. “And the work I’ve done has given me the opportunity to pursue my art professionally. Most notably by taking part in the development of a sports non-profit for military members and their families.” While working on the non-profit, “USA Military Baseball Inc.,” Evans quickly became the project media director and was responsible for creating the organization’s brand identity through self-made logos. He also helped introduce the Japanese community to the organization. Since then, it has gone on to host children’s camps, and two Japanese tournaments for those with special needs, during which Evans was responsible for all media coverage. This work helped to earn him the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Now, no longer affiliated with the non-profit, he is extremely thankful for the opportunities the experience gave him. Not one to shy away from new or difficult obstacles, Evans has started his own photography business. However, finding time for both his business and the Navy has proven difficult. “It’s definitely been a struggle finding a balance between my personal and professional interests,” said Evans. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep, but I think I’ve found a good balance, and it’s absolutely been worth it.” As with any good Sailor, the Navy commitment must come first. So with that in mind, Evans has set his sights on one day becoming a PAO, a job he believes would put him in the perfect position to express his creativity.

PHOTO BY cs3 don evans 111 took the time to teach and encourage someone else so they will be able to deal with and overcome any challenge.” Eventually, Evans would like to photograph well-known and powerful people so they can be seen in their own unique light. “My ultimate goal is to photograph world leaders and influential people throughout the world,” said Evans. “I want to portray them in a light that’s uniquely theirs, and not as the elite position they hold. My business slogan special to me – You Are Unique, You Are A Masterpiece. We are all humans who shouldn’t need a status or title to define us.”

Evans works onboard USS Blue Ridge as a Culinary Specialist 3rd Class, responsible for preparing menus and ordering quantities and types of food items, operating kitchen and dining facilities, and keeping records for food supplies and financial budgets. In addition to these duties, Evans is responsible for the divisional maintenance of three work centers while overseeing and training four personnel.

“I’d like to become a PAO because I like telling stories,” said Evans. “The Navy has a great story to tell, and being a PAO would give me the chance to tell it.” Although Evans has already accomplished a great deal with his life, his motivation for doing more remains clear. “My life motto is simple - Live Life to the Fullest,” said Evans. So, at the end of the day, I want to make sure I’ve learned something that betters my life and leaves me looking forward to tomorrow. I’d also like to make sure I

PHOTO BY cs3 don evans 111 15