January 2016

JANUARY 2016

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

Navigating Victory

BLUE RIDGE IN REVIEW

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan

Ensign Elizabeth Cotter, the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) force protection officer, won the Junior Ship Handler of the Year 2015, awarded by Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, Nov. 26.

including mooring a ship to a pier, pulling away from the pier and getting underway. They were also evaluated on their abilities to perform an underway replenishment and man overboard scenarios with varying environmental factors.

Each of the nine commands attached to ESG7 sent a junior officer as representative, for a competition consisting of performing multiple ship handling evolutions in a simulator,

“I am psyched I won because it gives the Blue Ridge crew something to be proud of,” said Cotter.

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

Executive Officer Jason Eckhardt xo@lcc19.navy.mil

BLR Ombudsman

Samantha Knepper

samantha.knepper@lcc19.navy.mil

BLR Ombudman Donesha Scott

donesha.scott@lcc19.navy.com

CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE

She continued saying that despite not believing she would win, she was glad to bring the victory home.

“There was a big current at the entrance of the harbor,” said Cotter. “What I needed to do was speed up, so I could offset the ship with the current and drift into the harbor.”

“Over the course of time, I’ve had the opportunity to watch Ensign Cotter work her magic on the bridge,” said Higgins. “It has been a pleasure to see her go from an inexperienced junior officer to that of a very seasoned officer of the deck.”

Cotter said she credits the whole team of junior officers and her commanding officer for her accomplishments. She also acknowledges that Although successful at the competition, Cotter did what benefited her the most was the experience not always find comfort on the bridge. During her she gained while underway. first special evolution, maneuvering into Guam Harbor, Cotter underestimated the influence that When questioned by fellow competitors the current would have on the rudder versus the concerning her techniques, Cotter relayed that wind, thus creating a less than ideal route to the officers aboard Blue Ridge are given the reins and are allowed to make mistakes and learn from pier. them.

“What she managed to do as the officer of the “The best thing about being OOD, is when the deck (OOD) under instruction, was learn how captain is sitting in his chair on the bridge, looks environmental conditions affect a ship like Blue at you and you know you messed up. But, he Ridge,” said Blue Ridge’s Commanding Officer doesn’t embarrass you,” explained Cotter. “The Capt. Kyle P. Higgins. “Blue Ridge gets pushed captain lets you make a mistake and then he’ll around a lot. So, the crew has to anticipate the brief you about the situation with the intent of waves, currents and winds.” improving you as a ship handler.” read more inside

>>

<<< Repair Locker Officer Ensign Elizabeth Cotter, left, relays information to the locker plotter, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alfred Dateng, during a main space fire drill onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirkjohnson) >>> Damage Controlman 3rd Class Marvin Rivero, right, and Damage Controlman 2nd Class Kevin O’Connell, enter the fireroom during a main space fire drill onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirkjohnson)

<<< Damage Controlman 2nd Class Christopher Thibodeau, a Damage Control Training Team member, briefs the assessment team prior to fireroom entry during a main space fire drill onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirkjohnson) >>> Assessment Team members, Damage Controlman 2nd Class Joe Woodson, left, Damage Controlman 2nd Class Kevin O’ Connell, middle, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Marvin Rivero, assess the fireroom during a main space fire drill onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirkjohnson)

facebook.com/ussb NEW SKIPPER lueridge

issuu.com/ussblueridge twitter.com/ussblueridge SINGAPORE

public.navy.mil/surfor/lcc19 BABIN TALKS

BLUE RIDGE NEWSLETTER | “FINEST IN THE FLEET”

Ensign Elizabeth Cotter, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC19), tracks the ship’s navigation on the bridge while departing Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton)

Seaman Destiny Sandoval, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), conducts corrosion control preservation on a quick-acting watertight door. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)

facebook.com/ussb NEW SKIPPER lueridge

Seaman Cory Allen, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), conducts corrosion control preservation on a deck rail. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)

issuu.com/ussblueridge ALL ABOUT LARS twitter.com/ussblueridge SINGAPORE

BLUE RIDGE NEWSLETTER | “FINEST IN THE FLEET”

BABIN TALKS public.navy.mil/surfor/lcc19

Victory avigating

<< [N

cont’d]

“Her entire experience on board has been nothing, but learning and gaining confidence in who she is as a surface warrior,” said Higgins, “and then, applying that confidence and knowledge every single day.”

Cotter was also briefly given simulation training before she left for the competition with the navigation officer, Lt. j.g. Melissa Avidano.

Avidano recalled a difficult transit into Brisbane harbor, Australia, that she specifically recommended Cotter lead, because of her natural understanding of how a ship handles.

“Ship handling is an art,” said Avidano. “Cotter just happens to have the skills and abilities to drive and feel the ship.”

“I guess what I’ve learned from this competition is to follow your instincts,” said Cotter. “If you have a knack for something, then you should dedicate yourself to try and become better at it.”

Seaman Jessica Navedo, left, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), checks an armed forces identification card while standing watch as an entry control point sentry. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Roselle Taday, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), gives a candy cane to a child as Sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet staff visit Shunkouen Spring Bright Garden Orphanage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn)

public.navy.mil/surfor/lcc19

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jay Canada, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), conducts maintenance on a Emergency Escape Breathing Device shelving unit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale)

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Beverly Rose Richards, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), catches a soccer ball while playing with a child as Sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet staff visit Shunkouen Spring Bright Garden Orphanage (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn)

Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) deck department, touch up the paint on the anchor chain, on a floating barge during preservation operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)

twitter.com/ussblueridge issuu.com/ussblueridge ALL ABOUT LARS SINGAPORE

facebook.com/ussb NEW SKIPPER lueridge

BLUE RIDGE NEWSLETTER | “FINEST IN THE FLEET”

Checkout highlights from our last patrol on the Blue Ridge Facebook page

Have a Family Meeting!

our y d n ua o y for e y d Ar a re 6?! y l i m fa l201 o r t #Pa

From a Filipino rescue to port visits in Australia, Blue Ridge had an eventful 2015.

A family meet ing can be one of the be st ways to prepare the whole family for the upcom ing separatio n.

Topics to Discuss

[ESWS Crossword]

ACROSS

1.)What radio uses the NT-66095 antenna?

2.)At what frequency does Blue Ridge monitor the AN/GRC-211 3.)What is the nickname for the SRA 62 antennas?

4.)Which AOR covers theWestern Pacific Ocean from the international dateline west to include the Southern India Sea? 1 5.)Air, surface and ___ uses Naval Missiles for warfare.

6.)___ Bullhead antenna is used for HF transmit.

3 7.) What is the acronym for the Tomahawk Land Attack 7 Missile?

DOWN

1.)What is one of the two types of liferafts on board Blue Ridge?

2.)How many sections are there in an EDVR? 3.)How many numbers are in an NSN? 4.)What’s the other type of liferaft on board Blue Ridge?

5.)Which AOR covers the Atlantic Ocean and a portion of the Pacific 3

2

5 1

deployments happen - When children understand that their parent *Why has to be gone to make the world a safer place, the separation is easier to accept.

* The length of the deployment -Explain what dates you will miss (like birthdays or holidays) and when you will return.

* Part of the world where the deployment will take place -This may help children accept the separation more easily.

- Even though there are a lot of miles between children * Communication and their parent, they can still keep in touch and think of each other.

* Discipline and rules - One parent may be gone but family rules are not suspended.

* Plan for homecoming -

Discuss some fun things the family can do when the ship returns. This will give the children something positive to look forward to.

6

discussion - Let the children talk about their feelings and * Encourage ask any questions that may be on their mind. Answer them as honestly

4 5

as you can.

4

Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”

CHAPLAIN’S message

Happy New Year, Blue Ridge Sailors and Families!

When I think of 2015, I realize that we were blessed in many ways, and we are very thankful for that. Going forward into this New Year, I strongly pray that your hopes and dreams for your personal and professional lives are realized.

I would like to give you a few small tips on how we can help our hopes come true. First, we have to have realistic and positive plans for those hopes. Without any realistic and positive plans, we can’t be very hopeful.

Realistic hope includes your specific and positive plans, along with an acknowledgment that you may see some obstacles along the way to achieving your goals.

We must believe that our positive and specific plans for our personal or professional lives will work with our faith. Faith is crucial for our future because often it is our faith that chooses our future. Let me share with you an example of this.

A Marine came to my office often for counseling with regard to a possible divorce. He didn’t have any hope in his marriage. Although I shared realistic plans with him to help improve his marriage, he didn’t accept them. I had a hard time showing him the hope that he could have. One day, we talked in front of his barracks. Just then, he received a phone call

facebook.com/ussb NEW SKIPPER lueridge

issuu.com/ussblueridge

BLUE RIDGE NEWSLETTER | “FINEST IN THE FLEET”

from his wife. I stepped away during the conversation. After their phone conversation, he was so angry that he pulled off his wedding ring and threw it to the ground. I asked him to pick it up. He refused. I asked him repeatedly to pick it up. He finally picked it up and saw two huge cracks in the ring. He said his ring is now ruined. I told him “Yes, it is ruined, but it is not broken.” One crack had completely traveled through the ring. However, the other crack was literally connected to the ring with a thin thread that sustained the integrity of the ring. I told him, “see, the ring is not broken.”

The image of the unbroken ring helped the Marine believe that his marriage was not broken and motivated him to choose to fix his marriage. He chose that day to improve his marriage by following our plans. I am overjoyed to say that they were happily married today.

As this story shows us, your faith is very important in making your hopes come true. Often, your faith chooses your future in your life. It is my calling and job to help you to see many hopes in your life through faith. There are MANY hopes in our lives in every step that we take. We have to see them realized through our faith.

May each day of 2016 bring you pleasant and straight paths through your hope and faith!

Blessings, Chaplain Um

twitter.com/ussblueridge SINGAPORE

public.navy.mil/surfor/lcc19 BABIN TALKS

Pav is a cunt