December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

Watching Over YOKOSUKA, Japan – Standing a watch in today’s Navy may very well be one of the most important jobs a Sailor will ever do. Everyday, just like on all other U.S. navy vessels, Sailors aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) stand guard, protecting the safety and security of their ship.

Alert on their post, these young men and women

Commanding Officer Kyle P. Higgins co@lcc19.navy.mil

Executive Officer Jason Eckhardt xo@lcc19.navy.mil

BLR Ombudsman

Samantha Knepper

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BLR Ombudman Donesha Scott

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BLUE RIDGE IN REVIEW

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st

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shoulder the responsibility to serve as frontline defenders for each and every person onboard.

new visitors that increase the demand for watch standing vigilance.

“I’m expected to stand my watch proudly and never let enemies harm this ship,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Donovan Soto after his watch as a cover sentry. As a stern look came over his face he focused his eyes on the gate and said, “I won’t give the enemy an inch.”

“There’s definitely a lot more traffic when we’re in SRA which makes it harder,” said Kemper.

“It’s my job to slow traffic down and check every person thoroughly.”

Recent terrorist attacks, such as the Paris bombings and last year’s incident in Norfolk, Virginia, where a young Sailor lost his life, are a chilling reminder of the threats watch standers may face at any time.

“I think this watch is one of our most important watches, because this is the main access to our ship,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Matthew Kemper, after standing watch at the ship’s entry control point. “We are the ship’s first line of defense, which is why I treat this watch very seriously. I’ll do my best and if needed, I’ll put my life on the line.”

In addition to watch standers being exposed to the harsh elements and standing for long periods of time, the ship’s Selective Restricted Availability (SRA) maintenance period also brings in a lot of

Blue Ridge Family and Friends,

As we near the end of this year, many of our Sailors are taking the advantage and enjoying some much deserved leave. I know a large portion of the crew will travel back to the United States this season to spend time with their loved ones. They can look back on all we accomplished this year and reminisce about our ports of call with you. The men and women of BLUE RIDGE unselfishly gave their time and energy to many peoples across the Pacific. From China to Australia and everywhere in between, they represented the spirit of this holiday season year round and demonstrated nothing but excellence for our Pacific partners.

No matter a Sailor’s rating or background, everyday they pull together and work as a team with the common goal of maintaining and ensuring safety and security.

“Our days aren’t mundane,” said Lt. j.g. Melissa Avidano, ship’s Navigator and qualified AntiTerrorism Tactical Watch Officer. “There’s nothing about being in the Navy that is cut and dry, where you can put on your blinders and go about your day. Not one second in the Navy is the same.”

“The end goal is to keep everyone safe, and that’s the ultimate responsibility of the watch standers,” said Ensign Geoffrey Block, Deck Department Divisional Officer and qualified Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer.

“Knowing everyday, our Sailors stand the watch that keeps the ship safe, that’s something we can all take pride in.”

repair facility in Yokosuka and contractors, are keeping the press on so we make it on time. Though we are challenged by a few technically difficult jobs, I believe we will succeed. Your continued support is why we are able to achieve our goals. I greatly appreciate your encouragement and motivation.

And remember, please be safe! However you choose celebrate, think it through, have a plan and follow through. We need our entire team to return rested, energized and ready to go.

I wish all of you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Looking forward to 2016!

Capt. K. P. Higgins

While half of the crew is enjoying the first leave period, those that are staying behind are working hard to complete maintenance production and get the ship back together for our operations next year. Most of our major jobs finish at the end of December, and our Sailors, along with the

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the CAPTAIN’S CAPTAIN’S corner

Happy Holidays! I hope all of you have a joyous holiday season. Thank you for your dedicated service and tireless support of the Blue Ridge Team.

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CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE

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Former Executive Officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Cdr. Nathan Fugate, right, is saluted ashore by Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Kyle Higgins, left, during a farewell ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), remove rust from the ship’s starboard sponson. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale)

Seaman Jaylien Washington, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), removes rust from the ship’s starboard sponson. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale)

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Justus Anderson, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), sands a door on the starboard sponson. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Waldrop)

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Integrity and Basketball >>

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale

With a schedule consisting of handling the responsibilities of managing and operating all shipboard retail and service activities aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), including the ship’s store, vending machines, barber shops and laundry operations, Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Jaquan Hartford, finds time for one of his loves, basketball.

Growing up in Inglewood, California, Hartford attended Inglewood High School, and played basketball 3 of the 4 years there.

“I play basketball because I simply enjoy playing,” said Hartford.

“I enjoy the connections I get to make with people as well as being able to compete with my peers. It builds good camaraderie, but also you get to see the competitive side of people that you don’t normally see.”

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Alexander Martinez, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), pours out expired soda in the port-side storeroom during inventory. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)

Hartford admitted that growing up in Inglewood can be kind of rough. It’s a neighborhood where there is lots of crime. But nevertheless, Hartford affirmed there was a lot of competition in basketball there and his love for the game is what kept him out of harm’s way.

“A man’s word is his bond and the only thing he really has.”

During port visits while on patrol, Blue Ridge’s basketball team, the Vice Admirals, play with and against many teams from across the Western Pacific, not only as a way to compete, but also as a way to strengthen and foster relationships.

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), remove rust from the starboard sponson. Blue Ridge is currently moored in Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale)

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“Playing teams from other countries, is a great way to do what I love,” said Hartford. “It also gives me a chance to represent America and gain networking

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skills.”

Sports teach plenty of skills, such as discipline, perseverance and networking, however one other thing that Hartford says basketball helps him with is his integrity. He often mentions that his integrity is a place where he invests a lot of his pride.

Integrity can take on many different forms, from the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles to moral uprightness or the state of being whole and undivided.

“A man’s word is bond and the only thing he really has,” said Hartford. “Your word is all you have at the end of the day and people have to trust what you say and do when you’re not around.”

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Advancement Breakdown

Performance Mark Average (Eval Average)

Exam Standard Score Awards Points

Individual Augmentee Pass but Not Advance Points

Service in Paygrade Education Points

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

CHAPLAIN’S message

Warmest greetings to all Blue Ridge Sailors and Family Members, I hope and pray that each one of you and your families have a peaceful and joyous Christmas/ holiday season. Thank you so much for your hard work and your family’s invaluable support during this SRA period for America’s Finest Flagship!

For most of us, the December holiday season is the happiest and most joyous time of the year.

However, for some Sailors, it can also be a very stressful time because negative emotions from relationships, financial hardships, and health issues can be more intensified during this season.

I would like to suggest three important tips from a Chaplain’s perspective that may help you reduce holiday season stress and tension.

First, please acknowledge that we cannot get happiness and joy simply from buying material goods. Sometimes it’s our tendency to buy many unnecessary things as we are seeking to get rid of stress or to boost up our emotions. Retail therapy may work for a very short term, but it doesn’t

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have a long term gratifying effect on us.

Rather, you may feel even more stressed out because of the increased financial burden that holiday spending puts on you.

Fortunately, happiness and joy can come to us when we connect to the people who need our love or whom we love. As we all know, loving is a free act. It doesn’t cost much to do that.

For example, you can spend time hanging out with a close friend or your family, or just buy a simple, small gift for someone whom you care about. Even better yet, donate a small gift to someone who really needs your compassion and love.

Second, be meaningful and have purpose in your life. When you become meaningful to someone or something, your life will be greatly enhanced and enriched.

When you find purpose and talents in your life, your life will be more focused, and consequently,

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your peaceful mind will not be disrupted by unimportant things.

For example, volunteer your time and special talents for a special event or on a regular basis. It will help you to be non-reactive to daily stresses and tension.

Third, be humble enough to get support when your emotions are down. Sometimes just talking to someone you trust will help you acknowledge your feelings, release your anger, and get a new perspective. As a Chaplain, I have seen many Sailors’ lives completely changed for the better because a trusted person simply spent a time to listen to their stories and struggles. When we connect with each other, we can be inspired, become stronger and happier in the process.

I hope and pray that these three small, but important, tips help you in coping with any stress you may be feeling, so that you have the most peaceful and joyous Christmas/holiday season with America’s Finest Flagship family in 2015 and into the New Year!

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