The Beacon by USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19)

CONTENTS

-ON THE HORIZON-

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 4

SNOOPIE SPOTLIGHT MANILA, PHILIPPINES

6 6

BLUE RIDGE BARANGAY 10

CFL PROGRAM 14

TEAM MEDIA DEPARTMENT

LEADERSHIP

MEDIA SERVICES DIVO

COMMANDING OFFICER

LTJG ERIC UHDEN

CAPT ERIC J. ANDUZE

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

LEAD DESIGNER

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

MCC CHARLES L. LUDWIG

MC3 MAR’QUEON A. D. TRAMBLE

PRODUCERS

MC1 MARVIN E. THOMPSON JR. MC2 ADAM K. THOMAS MC2 PATRICK SEMALES MC3 DYLAN MCKAY MC3 ETHAN CARTER MC3 ANGELES A. MIRON

CDR BENJAMIN E. NEHRKE CMDCM JAMES W. GRANT

Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspections are a critical part of assessing a ship’s ability to maintain its material readiness and correct any discrepancies that may present themselves. For the U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), inspection rehearsals are an opportunity to make sure the ship is squared away before the actual event. Blue Ridge recently began conducting INSURV rehearsals to prepare for the approaching inspection. These rehearsals are the first chance for the ship’s crew to practice for the inspection and demonstrate the functionality of damage control, medical readiness and warfighting equipment. “INSURV is a congressionally mandated inspection,” said Lt. Rick Battle, Blue Ridge’s Communication Systems Engineer. “They’re looking at the material condition of the ship. It’s a report that goes back to congress. So, since we’re a 48 year old ship, there’s slightly more concern than there would be aboard a brand new vessel.” Despite the ship’s age, Blue Ridge Chief Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Cunanan emphasized the outstanding focus the crew has displayed thus far and her confidence that the ship will pass inspection with flying colors. “We’re in this together,” said Cunanan. “We’ll get through this and we’ll show the age of this ship doesn’t matter. We have a good plan of attack and from the captain down, we’re completely focused on the successful completion of INSURV.” Preparing the ship for inspection is an all hands event that requires coordination and teamwork from every department aboard, and Battle had no reservation with the crew’s ability to perform well and meet mission requirements. “I’m impressed with the level of participation from the Blue Ridge team,” said Battle. “We’ve been performing admirably. The CO and XO are absolutely behind the rehearsals and drills and are proud of the crew’s drive to get the job done right.” Blue Ridge recently completed a nearly 2-year extended dry-dock selected restricted availability period and numerous certifications, to ensure she remains ready to promote U.S. and allied interests in the Indo-Pacific region and INSURV is just one more way for the crew to make sure their warship stands ready to fight any battle or complete any mission she may be called upon to face.

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

EYE FLEET ON THE

USS Wasp arrives in the Philippines for Balikatan exercise STORY FROM USS WASP PUBLIC AFFAIRS // PHOTO BY MC1 DANIEL BARKER SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), with embarked Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 4, led by 4th Marine Regiment, arrived in Subic Bay, March 30, in preparation for exercise Balikatan. Balikatan is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and also features participation from Australia. Balikatan is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines. “We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet,” said Capt. Colby Howard, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.” During Balikatan 2019, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response. All events will take place in Luzon and Palawan.

Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to quickly forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur. Balikatan 2019 will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners; show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices; and showcase the joint and combined air, sea and ground operation of the AFPU.S. armed forces. This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges. Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond in unison to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. USS Wasp is the flagship for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to provide a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the Wasp with the embarked United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

STORY & PHOTOS BY MC2 PATRICK SEMALES

.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and its embarked Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet staff joined the nation in the honoring of Women’s History Month in a observance held March 22. The Navy encourages participation from its service members for all heritage celebrations and special observances. This year, Navy commands are encouraged to focus on the theme “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.”

demonstrate why diverse voices add value to the team.” The master of ceremonies, Musician 3rd Class Kathryn Whitbeck of the 7th Fleet band, conducted the schedule of events, as well as performing a rendition of the 1985 U.S.A. for Africa hit “We Are the World.” “I’m grateful to the women and men who, in the past, made it possible for me to serve,” said Whitbeck after the event. “The spirits of those who paved our way are alive and well, shown to us in the presence of women serving with the right to perform in any occupation in the Navy.”

With this theme in mind, the Blue Ridge Diversity Committee held a Logistics Specialist Seaman Zikeya Women’s History Month celebration Hammond-Douglas, who spoke to the U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) about and American following in the on the ship’s mess decks to pay tribute audience poet andfootsteps of those first women, and its embarked Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet staff joined I hope that we to exemplary female service members civil rights activist Maya Angeloucan continue to be the example they in the honoring of Women’s History set for“Who us while ofthe thenation past and to hear personal during aMonth segment titled Amcontinuing to push the ball forward,” in a observance held March 22. said Benjamin. “We will continue to demonstrate why accounts from current Blue Ridge I,” concluded her piece with a final diverse voices add value to the team.” crew members with hopes for an even remark. The Navy encourages participation from its service stronger future. members for all heritage celebrations and special Thebeen master of ceremonies, Musician 3rd Class Kathryn “Each year that I’ve in the observances. year, Navyfeatured commandsNavy are I have noticed Whitbeck of the Throughout theThis event, which the growth and7th Fleet band, conducted the encouraged to focus on the theme “Visionary Women: schedule of events, a specially-prepared meal for the improvement of women’s prominenceas well as performing a rendition of Champions of Peace and Nonviolence. ” in the military firstthe 1985said U.S.A. for Africa hit “We Are the World.” crew, a cake-cutting ceremony and hand,” live music, various speakers discussed Hammond-Douglas. “I believe whole With this theme mind, the Blue Ridgeheartedly Diversitythat our “I’m grateful to the women and men who, in the past, the significance of in women’s roles mission wouldn’t held a Women’s celebration madewithout it possible inCommittee Navy History and the pathsHistory they Month be nearly as successful a for me to serve,” said Whitbeck after on the ship’s mess decks to pay tribute to exemplary the event. “The paved for modern day Naval service strong representation of equality inspirits of those who paved our way are female service members of the past andthe to hear members. workforce.” alive and well, shown to us in the presence of women personal accounts from current Blue Ridge crew serving with the right to perform in any occupation in members with hopes for an even stronger future. the Navy.” The keynote speaker of the event, Blue Ridge 1st Lt. Colleen Benjamin Throughout the event, whichinfeatured a speciallydirectly addressed the women prepared meal for the crew, a cake-cutting ceremony the audience on their progressive and live music, various speakers discussed the involvement. significance in Navy History and “Today I look of at women’s all of theroles talented the paths theyfollowing paved forinmodern day Naval service female Sailors the members. footsteps of those first women, and I hope that we can continue to be The keynotethey speaker ofus thewhile event, Blue Ridge 1st Lt. the example set for Colleen Benjamin directly addressed continuing to push the ball forward,” the women in the audience on their involvement. said Benjamin. “Weprogressive will continue to “Today I look at all of the talented female Sailors

Logistics Specialist Seaman Zikeya HammondDouglas, who spoke to the audience about American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou during a segment titled “Who Am I,” concluded her piece with a final remark. “Each year that I’ve been in the Navy I have noticed the growth and improvement of women’s prominence in the military first hand,” said Hammond-Douglas. “I believe whole heartedly that our mission wouldn’t be nearly as successful without a strong representation of equality in the workforce.”

STORY BY MC3 DYLAN MCKAY / / PHOTOS BY MC2 PATRICK SEMALES

.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Manila, March 13, for the ship's first port visit to the Philippines in three years. The Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet team undertook a cooperative deployment with the Philippine Navy (PN) BRP Davao Del Sur LD602 shortly before arriving in Manila to reaffirm longstanding ties with the PN counterparts. The port visit offered an oppurtunity to reconnect after a few years away. Staff talks aboard Blue Ridge provided a venue for professional exchanges with PN counterparts. The crew continued the tradition of community service events and cultural exchange ashore, including multiple 7th Fleet band engagements and community relations events.

"Our nations are longstanding allies and our navies have worked together for generations," said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Our visit to Manila strengthens the bonds between our navies and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." Blue Ridge commanding officer, Capt. Eric Anduze, met with PN officials and distinguished visitors for a tour of the flagship to explain the ship's mission and goals. "We are very proud to be back in Manila after a long absence," Anduze said. "The Philippines has been an ally of our country for many years, and being able to show our appreciation for that friendship is something we always look forward to continuing to foster and maintain our deep relationships here are paramount to what we do in 7th Fleet."

During the visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge Sailors spent time playing a friendly basketball game with a local college, and reading to children in local neighborhoods around Manila. Chief Religious Program Specialist Ana Douglas is led these events for more than 30 Sailors from the 7th Fleet-Blue Ridge team. "It is always a great opportunity to participate in community events with children in other nations," said Douglas. "It gives our Sailors a chance to experience cultures outside of what we see in our homeport. I always leave events like these with a smile on my face."

Many Filipino-American Sailors had the chance to reconnect with their heritage during the port visit. One such Sailor, Seaman Charmaine Dalusung, saw the country she was born in for the first time since she was a child. "I was very excited to come back to my first home," said Dalusung. "It's been a very long time since I've seen the friends and family I grew up with, so I'm extremely grateful to the Navy for giving me the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and culture."

BLUE RIDGE OCEANS A PART STORY & PHOTOS BY MC3 MAR'QUEON TRAMBLE

.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff welcomed citizens from the Quezon City barangay of Blue Ridge ‘B,’ Mar. 17, for a ship tour while pier side in Manila, Philippines. This was a unique experience for Blue Ridge’s crew as well as the barangay members, with the two having a shared heritage through their namesake – the Blue Ridge Mountains. A barangay is the smallest local government unit in the Philippines, led by an elected captain and several councilors. Barangay Blue Ridge ‘B’ has a population of 1,701 (as of 2015) and is located in Quezon City, part of Metro Manila.

Barangay citizens and members of the local government toured the ship and experienced what a day in the life of U.S. Navy Sailor is like, with visits to the ship’s cafeteria, foc’sle, flight deck, and bridge.

A diverse group of Sailors escorted them around the ship, with Sailors from various ranks speaking on operations in each location.

welcome the crew just as we were welcomed today. We want to give the Sailors here a chance to see what our Blue Ridge is like as well.”

Sessan Castro-Lee, the barangay captain, wanted to give her fellow barangay residents a chance to meet a group of people they already consider to be family through their shared name.

For Chief Culinary Specialist Ron Lanuza, a Manila native and one of the USS Blue Ridge tour guides, the chance to give back to a local community was something that cannot be overstated.

“This is a big honor for us,” she said following the tour. “Not just getting the chance to see the ship but seeing all the crew and being welcomed so warmly. We really feel like we are part of the ship’s legacy.” Upon hearing USS Blue Ridge was visiting Manila, CastroLee was able to arrange the visit by working through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

“Being from the Philippines, I know how important the people here feel the U.S. Navy is to the region, so we always want to give back,” he said. “Finding out that we have a local community that shares our name made the opportunity even more important for us. I think they really enjoyed the tour, and hopefully we will be back soon so we can meet again.”

“I didn’t expect to get such a welcoming response on such short notice. This has been an amazing experience for us all,” said Castro-Lee. “Next time the Blue Ridge comes to Manila, we would love to

daily life around the

COMMAND FITNESS LEADERS STORY BY MC3 MAR'QUEON TRAMBLE

hysical fitness is an integral part of any military member’s career and can be the key to advancement or, the missing piece of the puzzle that might hold them back. The Navy strives for all Sailors to be healthy and mission ready so they assign Command Fitness Leaders (CFL) to help each command maintain a fit lifestyle. CFLs are responsible for providing exercise programs and guidance throughout the year and they also conduct the bi-annual Physical Fitness Assessment for their commands. “Being a Blue Ridge CFL gives me the chance to help people achieve their goals,” said Chief Culinary Specialist David Jackson, Blue Ridge Command Fitness Leader. “I have Sailors often ask for workout tips or about the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) program and it’s

NAVY PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM

the Command Fitness Leaders responsibility to help them.” FEP is a program instituted to help Sailors who are struggling with their physical readiness tests (PRT) but is also for those who just want a little more assistance during exercise sessions. “People need to know that FEP isn’t only for people who are having difficulties,” said Jackson. “If you’re worried or just want to get training you can always reach out to one of myself or one of my Assistant Command Fitness Leaders (ACFLs).” A single command can have over a thousand Sailors attached and a single CFL is not able to handle a crew of that size on their own, so they get assistance from the ACFLs. ACFLs have the same drive and passion that a CFL would have. “Not only are you helping your command you're helping your shipmates be happy and healthy,” said Culinary Specialist Second Class Kirk Unson, a Blue Ridge Assistant Command Fitness Specialist. “I love being an ACFL because I love working out and I want to help others enjoy the same feeling.” For every 25 Sailors in a command there should be at least one ACFL. However, sometimes, that’s just not possible due to a lack of personnel. That’s why Jackson is making a plea for other to join the fight! “We have a great team right now,” said Jackson. “But with a crew our size we're honestly shorthanded so, if anyone's looking to become an ACFL let me. Sailors considering to be come an ACFL must not smoke and must have scored an excellent on their last PRT. They must also route a request chit through their chain of command. Any Blue Ridge Sailor seeking extra help with workouts or motivation can reach out to Chief Jackson or one of the other ACFLs.

Assistant Command Fitness Leaders Command Fitness Leader CSC Jackson

ITC Youngblood CS1 Gallardo MR1 Gyan NC1 Thomas MM1 Litovtchenko FC1 Delgado CS2 Moore CS2 Unson

CS2 Abernathy MA2 Espinoza YN2 Vallair BM2 Marcinek HM3 Falcocchio HM3 Ibarra CS3 Ramirez

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