CONTENTS
-ON THE HORIZONSTORY BY MC3 ETHAN CARTER
USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is scheduled for a Command Readiness Assessment Visit (CRAV) in August this year.
TIP OF THE SPEAR 4
MANAGING MONEY 10
EYE ON THE FLEET 15
TEAM BEACON MEDIA DEPARTMENT
LEADERSHIP
MEDIA SERVICES DIVO
COMMANDING OFFICER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LEAD DESIGNER
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
LTJG ERIC UHDEN
MCC CHARLES L. LUDWIG
MC3 MAR’QUEON A. D. TRAMBLE
CAPT ERIC J. ANDUZE
CDR BENJAMIN E. NEHRKE
CRAV is meant to locate any material that may need more attention and learn what can be improved to support the readiness of the ship’s personnel program. “Like in any inspection or visit from our ISIC or TYCOM, we need to conduct a self-assessment of our programs to ensure we aren’t missing anything vital or lacking in our functional areas,” said Maytorena. The assessment evaluates programs ranging from suicide awareness to personnel security, to guarantee the ship is fully prepared when it comes to helping its Sailors.
COVER PHOTO
SPICING UP THE MESS 7
“CRAV is an assessment visit conducted by the immediate superior in command (ISIC) or type commander (TYCOM) to ensure the readiness of personnel programs in place are within guidelines,” said Senior Chief Navy Counselor Mario Maytorena, Blue Ridge command career counselor.
CMDCM JAMES W. GRANT
PRODUCERS
MC1 MARVIN E. THOMPSON JR. MC2 ADAM K. THOMAS MC2 PATRICK SEMALES MC3 DYLAN MCKAY MC3 ETHAN CARTER MC3 ANGELES A. MIRON
Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Razi S. Nil, from Columbus, Ohio, attached to U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), watches videos with children of the Child Protection and Development Center in Pattaya, Thailand, during a community relations event.
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
g n i m a e r c e s l g ea
THE EAGLE SCREAMS WHEN YOU: - USE FACEBOOK ALL DAY
(Switch to mobile Facebook @ m.facebook.com)
- WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS
(Don’t use YouTube or any other video streaming websites.)
DON’T MAKE THE EAGLE SCREAM!!
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TIP SPEAR OF THE
STORY BY MC3 DYLAN MCKAY / / PHOTO BY MC2 ADAM THOMAS
U
.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge’s mission statement is: “As the Navy's Flagship, we provide superior and protected C5I to Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, and work with our partners to promote American interests in the region.” But what does that really mean? What kind of impact does a ship like Blue Ridge make on the Navy and the world at large? C5I stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber and Intelligence. These are the services the Blue Ridge team provides to 7th Fleet, ensuring the seas remain free while helping to maintain peace. “With communications systems from bow-to-stern, port-to-starboard and top-tobottom, it is inconceivable that any one person, division or department would imagine doing it alone,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jimmie Nelson, C5I Officer. “It takes a team, one comprised of each member of the crew and staff. Only by working together can we achieve the mission.”
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"It’s our job to cultivate positive relationships with foreign nations." -Chief Religious Specialist Ana Douglas
While providing 7th Fleet with such important information is a vital part of the Blue Ridge mission, it is not the only one. The ship makes frequent port visits to the United States’ allies, further promoting friendly interactions and a stronger alliance. Blue Ridge recently completed a three-year extended drydocked selective restricted availability (EDSRA) period, during which the ship was unable to make any port visits. Now that Blue Ridge is back operational, we are once again showing presence by visiting these ports once more. "There’s an interesting dynamic to these port visits,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Ana Douglas. “It’s our job to cultivate positive relationships with foreign nations through community relations events, while at the same time making sure America’s rivals are aware of just how strong those same relationships are.” With the ship fully repaired, Blue Ridge is ready to promote America’s interests at sea with more dedication and efficiency than ever before.
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SAILOR FEATURE
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SPICING UP THE
A
MESS
STORY & PHOTOS BY MC2 PATRICK SEMALES
group of culinary specialists aboard U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) learned a little bit about Thai culture April 6, participating in a joint cooking seminar held with professional Thai chefs during a port call to Laem Chabang, Thailand. Avani Hotel Pattaya Executive Chef Pongpisit Ungsuchaikij and Sous-chef Watchara Plangsorn came aboard Blue Ridge to teach 12 members of the ship’s food service team how to prepare a variety of traditional Thai dishes, all from the comfort of the ship's main galley. "I was immediately excited the moment I heard we were going to get this opportunity," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Ahmod Phillips, from Las Vegas.
"I've always loved Thai food (because of) the complex flavors and aromas, as well as the varying levels of heat each dish brings to the table. It's a difficult challenge to try to learn how to cook like that on your own, so getting an authentic Thai hands-on lessons in the galley was an awesome experience." The U.S. Navy League Council of Siam, Thailand, organized the event. They have done similar events over the last 20 years, bringing more than 2,000 cooking lessons to Sailors visiting the area.
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"The Navy league works hard to bring unique experiences to Sailors while they visit the beautiful country of Thailand," said Peter Thorand, president of the Navy League Council of Siam, during the event. "With Thai cuisine being so paramount to the culture of this country, we all unanimously agreed this would be the best way to get Sailors interacting with the local community while they're here." The Thai chefs came aboard with an array of ingredients in order to prepare Tom Yom Gung Spicy Shrimp Soup and Chicken Massaman Curry for more than 200 Sailors. "The food they prepared for us was easily the best food I've had on the ship so far, and definitely the hottest," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Cassie Tabladillo, from Oahu, Hawaii. "Thai spice is no joke, but I loved it." The event came to a conclusion with the presentation of training certificates and Blue Ridge chef coats for each of the Thai chefs, with Thai cookbooks being given in exchange to the culinary specialists who participated in the preparation of the Thai entrees. "It was fantastic to see how well the crew and the Thai chefs worked together, even with a language barrier," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Steven Cholewka, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. "Cooking is kind of like a universal language that can really bring people together. I hope we can bring some of the lessons we learned today into future meals on the ship, if people can handle the heat."
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managing
MONEÂĽ STORY BY MC3 MAR'QUEON A. D. TRAMBLE
B
eing financially literate is something all Sailors can benefit from throughout their career and a trait necessary going into life after military service. But with so many programs and financial needs to learn about, many people live with financial anxiety and are looking for solutions. Unfortunately, many Sailors are susceptible money traps due to being unfamiliar with the basics of making thoughtful financial and investment decisions.
One benefit of being in the military is getting a consistent paycheck every two weeks. However, this can lead to Sailors falling into debt if they do not manage their money correctly.
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Knowing the effect mismanaged money can have on a Sailor's career, the Navy has Command Financial Specialists (CFS) in place to assist any Sailor in need. These Sailors serve as principal advisors on personal financial management both before and after a financial crisis, or when there is a need such as financial planning and car buying. “A lot of junior Sailors won’t think about saving for their future. Sadly, they are only thinking about enjoying the next port or buying the coolest gadget,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Timothy N. Taylor, Blue Ridge command financial specialist. “That’s why I like being a financial specialist. I’m able to help our Sailors make the right choices with their money.” Thinking of personal savings as the first bill you pay is an easy way to help start managing money wisely. Any consistent amount, even as low as $5 will start making a difference, Taylor said.
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“I believe the most important thing any Sailor can do is be honest with themselves when it comes to their financial habits,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Adrienne Ramirez, assistant command financial specialist. “We have to be able to realize when we are being irresponsible with our money before we get in a bind, or at least early enough into an undesirable financial situation.” Any Blue Ridge Sailor who has questions or is concerned about their finances are encouraged to get in contact with Taylor or Ramirez for financial counseling.
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daily life around the
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ALCOHOL AWARENESS The intent of a self-referral is to provide you with a means of intervening in the progression of alcohol abuse early enough for you to get help before a problem becomes more advanced and more difficult to resolve without the risk of disciplinary action. The following list answers some frequently asked questions about self-referral. 1. What exactly constitutes a self-referral?
A self-referral is an event that is personally initiated by the member. A member may initiate the process by disclosing the nature and extent of their problem to one of the following personnel who is actively employed in their capacity as a qualified self-referral agent: (1) Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisor (DAPA) (2) Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Officer- in-Charge, or Command Master Chief (CMDCM)/Chief of the Boat (COB) (3) Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor (or intern) (4) Department of Defense medical personnel, including Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) (5) Chaplain (6) Fleet and Family Support Center Counselor
2. When should someone consider self-referring?
A member should consider self-referring if they desire counseling and treatment to address potential, suspected, or actual alcohol abuse or misuse.
3. Is there anything that could make a self-referral invalid, in which case the member would not be shielded from disciplinary action?
To be valid, the self-referral must be made only to one of the qualified self-referral agents listed above; it must be made with the intent of acquiring treatment, should treatment be recommended as a result of the screening process; and there can be no credible evidence of the member's involvement in an alcohol-related incident (ARI).
4. What do we mean by “non-disciplinary�?
This means that a member may not be disciplined merely for self-referring and participating in the resulting process of screening and treatment, if recommended. It does not mean that a member is necessarily shielded from the possible administrative consequences of treatment failure or the administrative or disciplinary consequences of refusing to participate in treatment recommended by the post-referral screening process.
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ARTICLE FROM ALL HANDS MAGAZINE
5. Does making a self-referral count as an alcohol-related incident (ARI)?
No. Self-referral provides the means of early intervention in the progression of alcohol abuse by which members can obtain help before a problem becomes more advanced and more difficult to resolve without risk of disciplinary action.
6. What happens after someone makes a self-referral?
* Command will complete DAPA screening package and OPNAV 5350/7 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report (DAR). * Self-referrals shall be directed to the appropriate Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) for screening. Following screening, a medical officer or LIP will provide the member's command with a written screening summary and treatment recommendation. * If treatment is recommend, the command will coordinate with the appropriate SARP facility based on availability, locality, and type of treatment needed.
7. Will other people know if I self-refer?
Yes. The member's chain of command, and others on a need-to-know basis, will be informed.
8. Will a self-referral mean that the Navy looks at other parts of my life/job performance? Alcohol use issues are complex, and evaluation and treatment require a holistic view. Relevant information on the member's work and personal life may be required as part of the screening and treatment processes.
9. Can I re-enlist if I've self-referred? Yes.
10. What are the levels of alcohol treatment?
* Level 0.5 Early Intervention/Education Program * Level I Outpatient Treatment * Level II Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization (lOP) * Level III Inpatient Treatment
11. Will I lose my security clearance for self-referring?
No. Your security clearance may be jeopardized if your post-referral screening recommends treatment and you subsequently refuse that treatment.
12. Where can I get further information on the self-referral policy?
Refer to OPNAVINST 5350.4D for details and official policies. Questions may directed to the 21st Century Sailor Office, NAAP staff. Contact information is available at the NAAP website here.
EYE FLEET ON THE
USS Stethem, USS Wasp to Leave 7th Fleet STORY FROM COMMANDER, NAVAL FORCES JAPAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS // PHOTO BY MC2 TYLER R. FRASER SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy announced today that the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and landing platform dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) will become part of the U.S. 7th Fleet forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) in Sasebo, Japan. The guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) will shift its homeport to San Diego for its midlife modernization and the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) will shift its homeport to Norfolk to undergo scheduled maintenance. America is capable of supporting the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35B) as part of an embarked U.S. Marine Corps Air Combat Element (ACE). The United States values Japan's contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives.
The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times possible for maritime and joint forces, and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner. Maintaining an FDNF capability supports the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Pacific region. America will provide the Marine Corps with a means of combat operations utilizing the newest technologically advanced aircraft Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35B Lightning II. New Orleans is capable of ship-to-shore movement by tilt-rotor and helicopter. In addition to combat operations, both ships can conduct humanitarian-assistance operations. Maintaining the most advanced ships is vital to support the United States' commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
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