Blue Ridge Issue 11

July 8, 2011

vol. 1 i. 11

BRISBANE

A big city with a small town attitude

Navigation

SNoumea

Keeping Blue Ridge on Course

ummer afety

COMSERV

RECENT EVENTS

Community Service Project: Noumea Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr

Little Sisters of the Poor

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Yeoman 2nd Class Kimhong Sar removes a dead branch from a bush during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Quinton Lewis washes wheel chairs during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corspman 3rd Class Paul Amores cleans a wheel chair during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Justin Cayetano cuts away dead branches during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ernesto Edeza (left) and Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Legaspi (right) watch Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Florencio Stamberger peel a local fruit during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors pose for a group photograph with nurses during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Commanding Officer: Capt. Daniel Grieco Executive Officer: Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Ralston Command Master Chief: CMDCM(SW/SS)

David Unnone Public Affairs Officer: Lt. j.g. Clinton Beaird Editor: MCC(SW) Katherine Strom Assistant Editor: MC1(SW) Todd Macdonald Newsletter Staff: MC1(SW/AW) Jerry Foltz MC2(SW) Brian Dietrick MC2 Aaron Pineda MC3(SW) Alexandra Arroyo MC3 Mel Orr MCSN James Norman

Produced by Media Services division, Ext. 4155 Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ussblueridge View this issue online: www.issuu.com/ussblueridge

July 8, 201 1

Blue Ridge is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridge. All news releases, photos or information for publication in Blue Ridge must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.

On the cover: Quartermaster 3rd Class Louis Gonzales takes a navigation reading as the ship pulls into Noumea, New Caledonia.

Photo by MC3 Mel Orr

vol. 1 i. 11

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Navigating the Way

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman

Navigation is a fundamental skillof tools including everything from also in charge of the many flags for set in the Navy. The technical craft charts to sextants to measure and track the ship. On Sept. 1, 2004, QMs dates back thousands of years to a time the ship’s correct took on the when humans first began exploring the course of passage. responsibilities open seas. Aboard USS Blue Ridge Quartermaster of the phased(LCC 19), there are a group of Sailors 3rd Class Albert out rating of who continue this time tested skill as Francisco signalman, the ship carries out its mission. said that as a which added the Made-up of seven enlisted Sailors, quartermaster, task of sending and one officer, the operations charts are the and receiving department navigation division is in bread and butter messages via charge of keeping Blue Ridge on track of their rate. flashing lights and on time.

During sea and and semaphore.

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN James Norman “Being in the navigation division, anchor evolutions Quartermaster our responsibilities include the safe they are constantly logging bearings, 1st Class Andrey Mihaylohvski, navigation of ports, oceans and measuring distances and marking navigation division leading petty getting us from point A to point B as dangers within the water. officer, said visual signs are always safely and timely “Knowing that you get necessary. as possible,” to physically see something “If you’re in a foreign port and Navigator, Lt. actually come out of your don’t have a cell phone, how would Joshua Virgadamo work really feels good,” you know if you were supposed to said.

Francisco said. come back to the ship unless you saw The job of As the Navy continually the papa flag up?” navigator is upgrades its equipment, The hard work of the QMs aboard offered to second the navigation team revises Blue Ridge often goes unseen. Their tour officers who the way the ship travels work usually takes place on the bridge attend a school its course. The voyage in the wee hours of the night as they teaching them management system (VMS) stand the watch. the ins and outs will be installed and tested According to Mihaylohvski, if of navigation. during a future ship’s you’re a quarter master, this is the best Following the restricted availability. It will ship to be on to practice your skills. school, they are phase out the use of paper “On the Blue Ridge you really get sent to their new charts by using an electronic a chance to grow as a QM considering U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda command with the ability to chart display and information we go to so many ports,” he said. “It navigate and assist the officer of the system. takes a lot of chart preparation and deck (OOD) with the ship’s course of “Once we switch to this new we’re constantly having to make sure passage. electronic navigation system I think the flags are clean and ready to go.”

The ship’s quartermasters (QMs) I’ll miss the charts,” Virgadamo said.

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda are assigned with assisting the OOD “There will always be and navigator while underway as this kind of old romantic quartermaster of the watch (QMOW). mystique to it—being a They are also tasked with computing Sailor and having your times of sunrise and sunset, conducting paper chart laid out, weather observations, determining the with divider and pencil cause for compass and gyro error and in hand making fixes on keeping constant position of the ship your own,” he added. via visual and electronic means.

In addition to being To help safely get the ship to its the navigators for Blue next destination, QMs utilize a variety Ridge, the QMs are

A big city with a small town attitude It may be Australia’s third largest city, but for the longest time Brisbane was seen as something of a cousin to Sydney and Melbourne, a sleepy country town hiding behind a big city facade. In recent years, however, Brisbane has stirred from its slumber and is casually emerging as one of the most desirable places to live in Australia.

Of course locals have always known that Brisbane offers the perfect lifestyle and it doesn’t take visitors long to understand why. Despite the transformation into a sleek, cosmopolitan city, complete with world-class art galleries, a booming live music scene and a fabulous cafe culture, Brisbane still retains the laid-back, easy attitude of a small community.

No doubt the lazy subtropical climate, gently curving Brisbane River and rich culture flavors of its many neighborhoods also have something to do with its appeal. People love Brisbane because it’s a ritzy city with a down-toearth attitude and home to some of the friendliest locals in Australia.

The temperature will be 65 to 72 degrees with chances of rain while Blue Ridge is inport. Be sure to dress accordingly.

things to do and see around the city

Alma Park Zoo

Opened in 2005, this diverse center offers a wealth of river and land based activities. Group kayaking lessons along the Brisbane River are held daily.

This friendly zoo lies 15 miles north of the city center and is home to a large number of exotic and indigenous animals. You can enter the koala enclosure daily and take as many photos as you like for free, and if you’re brave, hold a snake or baby crocodile at the reptile presentation.

South Bank Parklands

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Riverlife Adventure Center

Locals and day-trippers swarm South Bank Parklands on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is an enormously popular area with blooming arbors, cafes and restaurants, picnic spots, tropical gardens and walkways.

Situated a half mile southwest of the city center, Lone Pine was established in 1927 as the world’s first koala sanctuary with just two koalas: today there are 130 and it’s still the world’s largest sanctuary of its kind. You

BRISBANE

can hand-feed kangaroos and emus or get an up-close look at wombats, Tasmanian devils and other native animals.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Fast becoming a Brisbane must-do, the bridge climb offers breathtaking views of the city. The 3,000 foot climb takes place on the southern half of the bridge and reaches heights of 260 feet above the Brisbane River.

Top Shots Fun Park

They have two of Queensland’s best 18-hole mini golf courses.

These courses wind around gardens, waterfalls and a picturesque pool with a cafe courtyard. The rides include blaster boats (like bumper cars on water with spray guns), extreme vertical trampoline, indoor rock climbing wall and their newest attraction, the inflatable waterslide.

SAY WHAT?!

AUSSIE SLANG When you are in an English-speaking country overseas, it is not safe to assume that they use the same words as we do to describe things. Here are a few words of Aussie slang to help you navigate your way while in Brisbane.

G’day How ya goin’?

Cheers No worries Grab a feed Mate Aussie Bottle shop Footy Bloke

Hello How are you?

Thank you You’re welcome To eat Male friend An Australian Convenient store Rugby A Guy

CURRENCY CONVERSION

1 AUD 5 AUD 10 AUD 25 AUD 50 AUD 100 AUD Bickies Billabong Bush Cossie Jumbuck Ripper

= = = = = =

1.06 USD 5.30 USD 10.60 USD 26.49 USD 53 USD 106 USD Money Water hole Rural area Bathing suit Sheep Terriffic

Capalaba Park Shopping Center

It features major retailers Kmart, Target, Kohls, Woolworths and over 110 specialty stores which include a great proportion of national retailers.

Tukka

If you don’t mind eating animals that are on the Australia’s coat of arms, this market restaurant serves them up with flair. Emu and kangaroo filets are main courses, or for something lighter, chow down on the Tasmanian possum entree. Tried crocodile? Here’s your chance. * Information on this page is recommended by the writer and is not an endorsement by 7th Fleet or USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

AUSTRALIA

Sailor Q A

“What is your most unforgetable 4th of July memory?”

ENFN Jonnary Pagan

DCC Ernest Thomas

ITSN Erick Martinez

“My daughter was born on July 3rd, 2003. My ship pulled into port the next day and I was able to see her.”

“I watched fireworks with my little brother in the back of a dump truck.”

EN3 Kenneth Caldwell

ENS Wanda Colon

“A bunch of fireworks that were laying in the bed of a truck were accidently lit.

They went everywhere!”

“We would go to South Beach, Staten Island and wait until 10pm to watch fireworks.”

&

Compiled by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman

“In Puerto Rico, we would go to the beach to have a picnic and watch fireworks.”

CSC Duane Adams

“Watching fireworks at the Washington Monument in D.C.”

Caption This Photograph!

RULES: Provide the funniest caption and you get to pick a movie to be played on Site TV. Submit your captions via email to MC1 Macdonald NLT July 15th. Captions must be in good taste and not contain any offensive language or racial/ethnic/ religious slurs. We will announce the winner along with their caption in the next issue of Blue Ridge.

Know?

Did You

“When did Daft Punk check onboard?”

Blue Ridge Streamlines Command Indoctrination Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Pineda

Sailors reporting to USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) have a new program to help them accomplish shipboard qualifications in less time.

A two-week period during command indoctrination is dedicated to complete Basic Damage Control 306, Advanced Damage Control 308, Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Maintenance Man, first aid and stretcher bearer training before they are sent to their respective divisions.

Chief Navy Counselor Charles Tibbets said the idea for the program came about when Blue Ridge leadership was brainstorming to maximize training efficiency.

“This will provide Sailors with the minimal level of training to assist the ship with damage control and it also meets the DC training prerequisites for enlisted surface warfare specialist,” said Tibbets.

The first part of the program starts with damage control basics, DC 301, and is taught by Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jimmy Carroll.

Damage Controlman 1st Class Scott Hoffman continues with chemical, biological and radiological training before the course shifts gears and focuses on the shipboard 3M program. After completing 3M-301, the medical department provides first aid and stretcher bearer training.

Tibbets commented on how the training will help Sailors make an impact after checking aboard.

“After receiving 3M [301] training, they will be able to start working on preventive maintenance the moment they check into their division,” he said.

Along with helping Sailors finish their qualifications, Tibbets also said they will know the damage control and 3M systems better from hands-on demonstrations.

“It’s helping the Sailors get familiar in case of a fire,” said Tibbets. “They also get to tour the repair lockers and see the gear vice reading about it in a book.”

In the days of old, when a tailor boarded a sailing ship in port, the crew knocked off early, broke out rope yarn and mended clothes and hammocks. At sea, one afternoon per week was reserved for mending. Since it was an afternoon for rest from usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed “Rope Yarn Sunday.” Over time, rope yarn has come to mean early liberty unless you are standing watch.

Blue Ridge Prepares for ULTRA- A Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Foltz

The 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is taking advantage of its summer patrol to prepare for Unit Level Training A (ULTRA-A) certification.

Designed to test the ship’s operational commitment to security, ULTRA-A is a check sheet driven certification that evaluates the ship’s total ability to defend against external threats and security breaches.

“In previous years, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) was a small component of the ship’s much larger certification, ULTRA-S,” said Lt. j.g.

Timothy Gressett, Blue Ridge’s antiterrorism officer. “Since September 11th, ATFP has been revamped into its own certification which thoroughly evaluates the ship’s ability to defend itself.”

As part of the qualification, all security watch standers are trained in both basic and advanced reaction force sentry courses and weapons familiarization and qualifications. Training and level of knowledge needs to be consistently checked and verified with all watch standers standing armed watches to ensure they are proficient enough to defend the ship if a situation arises.

Prior to inspection, gear, which

includes search lights; bomb detection equipment; undercarriage vehicle mirrors; training weapons; riot gear; small boat exclusion zone gear; and non-lethal weapons such as collapsible batons and pepper spray will be inventoried and verified in good working condition.

“Besides material checks and equipment, the major element of ULTRA-A preparation lies in training,” said Gressett. “Like damage control or engineering, the ship is evaluated on 16 different drills based off realworld scenarios that watch standers could potentially face, from improvised explosive device drills, small boat attacks, hostage situations, civil protests and security breaches to the pier and to the ship.”

Gressett stated that when things go wrong they usually go wrong quickly.

Training on these scenarios with watch standers ensures they’ll make the right decisions to avoid casualties and protect the ship and its crew. Blue Ridge’s Anti-

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN James Norman

Terrorism Training Team (ATTT) guides them along the way.

“The training team is the single most critical element to the preparation of ULTRA-A,” said Senior Chief Masterat-Arms Ronald Cloutier, Blue Ridge’s ATTT leader. “The team focuses and molds watch standers into effective reaction elements with a muscle memory that only comes from continuous training.”

Gressett said behind the scenes each member works diligently studying and preparing to ensure the watch standers are receiving the best possible training.

Summer Safety: Live to Play, Play to Live Message by Naval Safety Center

The Naval Safety Center’s (NAVSAFECEN) annual summer safety campaign began Memorial Day weekend and materials are still available to help Sailors and Marines prepare for their upcoming off-duty and recreactional activities.

NAVSAFECEN has presentations, booklets, videos and other materials to help service members and their families plan for summer fun. Visit www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen for details. Here are some tips to staying safe this summer: • Sunblock should not be traded in for tanning oil... EVER! Cases of melonoma have been increasing every year since 1992.

• Stay hydrated! Dehydration can lead to heat stroke, especially when participating in sports or working outside. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body further.

• Always swim with a buddy. If you can’t swim, learn. Obey lifeguards and all posted signs at beaches and swimming pools.

• It takes 30 minutes for sunblock to fully soak in and protect you from UV rays.

• Don’t overindulge when drinking alcohol and avoid high-risk summer activities when intoxicated.

• ALWAYS look both ways before you cross the street. Streets in the summer are usually busier than normal.

This summer the U.S. Navy has already lost six Sailors, four to motorcycle crashes and two to drowning accidents.

Have a great summer and stay safe!

NEWS FROM AROUND THE FLEET

USS Lassen Hosts Midshipmen Foreign Exchange

Story by Ensign Sean Brophy, USS Lassen Public Affairs

KURE, Japan - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived in Kure, Japan on June 24 for a port visit, after kicking off a 2-day at sea midshipman foreign exchange with Japan Maritime-Self Defense Force June 22.

A total of 40 U.S Navy and JMSDF midshipmen took part in the exchange with 20 midshipmen assigned to embark Lassen and Japan Maritime-Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Harusame (DD 102).

Lassen and Harusame used the 2-day transit to train the midshipmen and increase interoperability by conducting

several exercises including divisional tactics (DIVTACS), replenishment at sea operations and tactical signaling drills.

The midshipmen learned about 7th Fleet’s surface naval operations and interacted with Lassen’s crew learning basic shipboard seamanship, damage control, engineering and combat systems.

They also experienced a wide range of at sea evolutions including a pre-aim calibration fire of the Mk45 5-inch gun, helicopter operations in the form of the rarely conducted forward vertical replenishment on Lassen’s foc’sle and took turns practicing ship handling maneuvers

during man overboard drills.

“Not all these midshipmen will join the surface forces,” said Lassen’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Chip Wrye. “But they received valuable training that will prepare them for life in the navy once they are commissioned.”

Upon the completion of the at sea phase of the foreign exchange, the midshipmen departed in Kure for three days of seminars, tours and cultural events to strengthen the bonds between the midshipmen and teach the U.S. Navy midshipmen about Japanese culture and heritage.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 1, 2011) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jackie Velasco, from Los Angeles, center, instructs Air department Sailors on proper firefighting techniques during a general quarters drill aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

(US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob D. Moore)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 2, 2011) Divers with the Philippine Naval Special Operation Group and U.S. Navy Mobile Diving Salvage Unit One are lowered into the water during a salvage exercise aboard the USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50) for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Clowney)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 2, 2011) – Damage Controlman Fireman James Morris, left, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Jack Morris, right, brothers from Tampa, Fla. watch as an SH-60B helicopter from the Warlords of HSL-51, touches down aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mikey Mulcare)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (July 5, 2011) - Sailors assigned to USS Ford (FFG 54) prepare the ship to depart Vladivostok, Russia following a port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 3, 2011) - Sailors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) make a hard right turn in a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) during a routine RHIB drill. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 1, 2011) Musician 2nd Class Anthony Smouse, a member of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band Orient Express, lets children at Santa Lourdes Elementary School play his French Horn during a community service project for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katerine Noll)

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE FLEET

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