USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19)
JULY 2018
LGBT PRIDE MONTH ONE MAN’S STORY
EXPLORE JAPAN TRAINING IN TRANSIT
CONTENTS
FOR YOUR HEALTH: The Navy announced an initiative to provide registered dietitians to units throughout the fleet in NAVADMIN 160/18, released July 10.
ACCLAIMED MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
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EXPLORE JAPAN
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LGBT PRIDE MONTH
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COMMAND PICNIC PHOTO SPREAD
SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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TEAM 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 PATRICK SEMALES
PRODUCERS
MC1 MARVIN E. THOMPSON JR. MC2 ADAM K. THOMAS MC2 JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON MC3 DYLAN MCKAY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES MC3 ETHAN CARTER MC3 ANGELES MIRON
CAPT BRETT E. CROZIER
CDR RICHARD J. ZAMBERLAN CMDCM JAMES W. GRANT
The joint initiative between the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, authorizes commanders to request dietitians to temporarily join their commands, in order to increase Sailors’ knowledge about nutrition and health resources. This initiative makes registered dietitians available to assume a temporary additional duty (TAD) status to commands, providing education on performance nutrition, healthy eating habits, hydration, and safe dietary supplement use. Bringing registered dietitians directly to the fleet greatly enhances Sailor access to nutrition education, which in turn increases medical readiness. “Before this initiative, Sailors had to take time away from work to travel to a medical treatment facility for preventative treatment,” said Navy Nutrition Program Manager Lt. Pamela Gregory. “Now this can be done at the command which will increase productivity and decrease time away from work.” In their TAD role, registered dietitians will advise command leadership and Sailors on the importance and benefits of diet modifications, food selection and food preparation in preventing disease, sustaining health and improving quality of life. They will also be an on-hand asset to the medical department. “This initiative opens up access for more Sailors to registered dietitians who know the most about creating and sustaining energy, rapid recovery for the physical demands and long hours of Navy life,” said Navy Dietetic Specialty Leader Cmdr. Kelly Mokay. “Our goal is to educate Sailors on what makes for a healthier, better balanced diet.” Registered dietitians will also be available to counsel individuals and groups on the importance of timing meals and snacks, what foods provide the most energy, help with physical recovery, and how nutrition monitoring can optimize Sailors’ quality of life. Additionally, they can collaborate with command food service officers and culinary staff on increasing the quality and nutrients of food service, menu development, budgeting, evaluation of food service facilities and developing nutrition programs. “Having registered dietitians in the fleet is going to create a paradigm shift in the culture of nutrition - shifting from a focus on disease treatment to one of disease prevention, said Bill Moore, director, Navy Physical Readiness Program. “And this initiative provides our Sailors access to a resource that allows them to take greater control over their personal health.”
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 ON THE FLEET Navy Releases New Parental Leave Program From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs The Navy announced the establishment of the Military Parental Leave Program in NAVADMIN 151/18, released June 21. The new program increases parental leave and combines the current family leave policies into one. The Military Parental Leave Program also aligns the Navy with recently released Department of Defense guidance pertaining to changes about parental leave. Under the new program, parental leave for the secondary caregiver increases from, 10 days to 14 days, and consolidates Adoption Leave MILPERSMAN 1050-420, Paternity Leave MILPERSMAN 1050-430 and Maternity Leave MILPERSMAN 1050-435 into the Military Parental Leave Program MILPERSMAN 1050-415 that will be published at a later date. The program applies to all active duty Sailors. Reserve Sailors who were performing active duties, or mobilized more than 12 continuous months, and are the parents of a qualifying birth or adoption on or after Dec. 23, 2016 are also eligible. The three family leave categories under the Military Parental Leave Program are: * Maternity Convalescent Leave is a six-week (42 days), non-chargeable leave period for the Sailor who gives birth, commencing the first full day after a Sailor is released from the hospital following a birth.
* Primary Caregiver Leave is a six-week (42 days) nonchargeable leave period for the parent who gives birth or is designated with primary responsibility for caring for the child or children following a birth or adoption. * Secondary Caregiver leave is a two-week (14 days) nonchargeable leave period for the parent not designated with primary responsibility for caring for the child following a birth or adoption. Based on a command’s readiness requirements, members on or within three months of a deployment will normally have to defer executing Primary and Secondary Caregiver Leave until return of the deployment. Commanding Officers, in extenuating circumstances and where operational requirements allow, may authorize members to take parental leave. Navy’s parental leave program supports Sailor 2025’s goal of removing obstacles that negatively influence a Sailor’s decision to stay Navy when they are looking to start or raise a family. Sailor 2025 is the Navy’s program to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It consists of approximately 45 living, breathing initiatives and is built on a framework of three pillars - a modern personnel system, a career learning continuum and career readiness.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Morgan K. Nall
blue Ridge Welcomes Aboard Acclaimed Mountain Climber
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Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Semales Photos courtesy of Matt Moniz The crew of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) welcomed aboard explorer and mountaineer Matt Moniz, June 12. Moniz, 20, made the stop aboard Blue Ridge after summiting Mt. Everest on May 20 where he flew the 7th Fleet flag at the peak – the highest point on earth. Moniz returned the flag to 7th Fleet headquarters and took the time to learn more about the U.S. Navy while in Yokosuka. “It’s really fascinating and pretty incredible to see just how a Navy ship operates,” said Moniz. “I’m blown away by how awe-inspiring it is, and it’s amazing to see how much hard work it requires.” In 2010, Moniz was named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic Magazine after summiting the highest points in each of the 50 states in only 43 days – all at the age of 12. The 43-day period was historic, as it represented the fastest period of
time that achievement had ever been accomplished, a record he shares with his father Michael Moniz. In April 2015, while Moniz and his climbing team were heading to climb Mt. Everest, an earthquake caused a destructive avalanche that hit Everest Base Camp. Moniz took cover behind a boulder, which ultimately saved his life. He immediately began helping the wounded and assisting in other rescue efforts, which earned him the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award for lifesaving. Moniz obtained the Seventh Fleet flag from a friend on the staff. “I was more than happy to bring the flag with me for the climb,” said Moniz. “I’ve always had an appreciation and interest in the military, and I haven’t completely ruled it out for myself yet.” To that end, Moniz spent an hour on the ship, spending time learning about Sailor life on the crew mess decks and barbershop. He also took
time to see the ship’s main deck and bridge, where he said he was impressed with the teamwork it takes to get a ship underway. “I was not aware of the sheer number of people involved with making a ship maneuver even a slight bit,” he said. “Overall, it’s amazing the responsibility everyone has, from steering a ship to being able to fight fires.” Moniz, who is currently a student at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, expressed an interest in serving in the U.S. military after graduating. Blue Ridge commissioned Nov. 14, 1970, making it the oldest operational ship in the Navy. After 47 years in service, 7th Fleet Flagship is scheduled to stay in active service for another 20-plus years. As command ship for U.S. Seventh Fleet, Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan, area of responsibility for 38 years, patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.
TRAINING IN TRANSIT Story and Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Semales
Sailors that have received orders to Japan have earned themselves a chance of a lifetime for countless opportunities to explore a beautiful country filled with incredible sights and experiences. In the heart of it all runs the very vein that pumps the lifeblood through the land of the rising sun; the Japanese railway system.
While talking on trains is not forbidden by any means, it is widely viewed as inconsiderate of others and frowned upon. This goes double for cell phone usage, and there are plenty of signs demonstrating that rule throughout the cars. Keeping all phones and devices on silent while commuting is a general good rule of thumb.
After all, with so much to see and so much to do, there must be a way to get to your destination. For Sailors in Japan without the luxury of owning a personal vehicle, utilizing trains isn’t just a necessity; it’s a way of life.
Another aspect of train riding, which should be obvious to any well-mannered person, is that there is seat priority for the elderly, pregnant, or injured.
For some, the first experience at a train station may feel a bit daunting. Luckily, Japan’s most trusted public transit system is also the most efficient in the world. While it may appear to be complex and difficult to navigate, it will become second nature after only a few rides. Given that the greater Tokyo area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, it is clear why there was a need for a quick and reliable form of transportation. The average daily ridership of the Tokyo Metro is upwards of 7 million people, and all of them depend on the train’s punctuality to go to and from their busy jobs. With that many passengers it is no big surprise that personal space while commuting is quite rare, especially during rush hour. This may be one of the biggest cultural shocks Sailors new to Japan may experience. At some stations in central Tokyo, it’s common to see station attendants quite literally shoving passengers through the doors into a rail car packed elbow-to-elbow. The lack of breathing room isn’t the only social adjustment that a newcomer must adapt to, as proper train etiquette differs greatly from any railway that is experienced in the states.
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There are two invaluable tools for traveling on the trains in Japan. First is the railway pass, or a Suica card. This is a renewable keycard to the stations, which can have any amount of funds stored within it. Or you can join many by uploading the pass to your phones built in wallet app, so you don’t have to wait in line to add money at the machines. Lastly, but most importantly, is the need for Google Maps. This app is your best friend, and makes navigation a breeze. Punch in any destination and switch over to the train routes, and it will list trains by departure times. They pull into the station nearly every 3 minutes, just be sure to be at the right platform and board the correct line. One final public service announcement, keep in mind the last trains will stop running not long after midnight. Be sure to leave enough time for the commute home in order to not miss curfew. The curfew requires all DOD personnel in Japan to be either on base by 0100, or indoors at the hotel or hospitality location of your choosing. The Japanese railway system is a night and day difference from public trains in the states, so get out there and enjoy it.
EXPLORE JAPAN
LGBT In Honor of
Pride Month
One Man’s Story Story by Lt. j.g. Eric Uhden Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Semales
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I shocked my family with the news, in 2005, that I had decided, with no one’s knowledge, that I was enlisting in the Navy to be a rescue swimmer on helicopters. I distinctly remember my mother’s words “…Are you sure that is what you want to do? What about art, or fashion, or entertainment… wouldn’t those things suit you better?” What she didn’t know was that the Navy commercials on tv were the most amazing thing I’d ever seen. I had to be in the Navy, I wanted to be around the machismo of the military so that I could learn to be “manlier.” I knew I had a little twist in my walk and a lisp when I talked. My mother continued to plead with me by showing me articles of gay men who were beat up or killed by their fellow service members just for being gay. She told me about how Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was a policy in which LGBT service members could be dishonorably discharged just for their gender and sexuality. She told me every story she could to persuade me not to go in. She was scared for me because I was flamboyant and had shown signs of being bisexual or gay. But the allure to serve in the military was an urge too strong for me to resist, and I was off to boot camp. I wanted to be side-by-side with my fellow countrymen in the War on Terror. I was still finding myself as a young, 19-year-old from Colorado. I believed I was somewhere on the Kinsey scale that was defined as bisexual but wasn’t quite sure. (By the way the Kinsey scale is a theoretical scale between 0-6 where 0 is 100% straight and 6 is 100% gay, all the other numbers in between are bisexual of some sort). While in boot camp, I had no issues. In SAR school, I was told I walked and ran funny and was laughed at a few times by instructors because I was “different,” but none of that bothered me because I was proud to be in the Navy! It was in “A” school where I first met an openly gay person in the military. I was so surprised they were open and unabashed. I asked him, “What about DADT? Aren’t you scared to be dishonorably discharged at such an early stage of your career?”
He said he would rather live as he truly is and to serve like everyone else. He told me how only a few weeks before, several men were identified as being gay at “A” school and were quickly separated. But, he wasn’t afraid. You could kind of say he was an early role model for me. Although, I personally couldn’t be open because I wanted to serve as long as my country would have me and to be able to leave after my service with honors and benefits like everyone else. While I was Aircrew I didn’t have too many issues as long as I was in peak physical condition, knew my procedures on the helicopter, and stayed out of trouble. One day, when I was an AWS2, I was approached by a very gleeful young female Sailor who clapped her hands and jumped up and down when she met me. “I was so excited when I saw you walk across the hangar bay because I just knew you were gay!!” I was horrified! I told her she was mistaken and that I was not gay and that I just have a bounce when I walk and to not tell anyone else. I was later approached again by a guy who said he was gay and that we should be friends. I told him to please never talk with me again because I did not want to be dishonorably discharged from the military. Yes, it was sad, but that was the reality then. LGBT persons were generally terrified of being found out, so the networks and support were virtually non-existent for me at that time.
Later on I learned firsthand about anti-LGBT harassment and discrimination. I had a particularly anti-LGBT LPO who made it a point to embarrass me and talk me down constantly in front of others and in private. Although he would never directly call me gay, he would make anti-LGBT comments and then look me directly in the eyes. I hated myself because I couldn’t change the way I was no matter how straight I tried to act. I wanted to be macho and masculine but it simply was not working. One day while on leave I had officially came out to my mother. I was both scared and excited because I wanted her approval and I didn’t know how she would respond. “Mom, I’m gay.” Without missing a beat she replied, “Yea, I know… everyone knows… I’ve known that since you were a baby.” All I could think was, “What?! How am I the last person to find out?!” It felt wonderful to have my whole family’s approval. At my next command, my LCPO told me he had spoken with my previous LPO, the one who had made my life hell. Now remember, in that time we couldn’t be directly asked if we were LGBT. My LCPO physically assaulted me and degraded me for months. I couldn’t go to anyone for help and others watched helplessly because of the DADT policy. If I had admitted I was LGBT I would be separated; if I stayed quiet he tormented me. It was agonizing to live through this no-win situation. I wondered why I was being treated differently. I had served three tours in Iraq and saved many dozens of people’s lives on the air ambulance. I served honorably, yet I questioned my service. I was experienced, knowledgeable, and I had never admitted to being LGBT while in the Navy. Then, in 2011 something historic happened. When I was at the lowest point of my life, DADT was repealed. The difference was like night and day. The previous day I was an unrecognized sexual minority, the next day I had rights, I could get help if I was being harassed, I could no longer be separated for being LGBT. My heart was filled with happiness and I cried because I felt I could finally be me. My anti-LGBT LCPO never harassed me again after that day. What a turn of events!
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Since that day I have felt my career has been on an upswing. I converted rates from AWS to LN. I finished my Bachelor’s degree and two Associate’s degrees, and I later met my future husband. I didn’t even know what the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was until it was overturned by the Supreme Court. The road was paved in which all LGBT people in the United States could marry. When I enlisted 9 years before that time I couldn’t have imagined the events that were to unfold with LGBT rights.
I had the privilege of being the president of the Diversity Committee on USS Frank Cable (AS 40), in which one fourth of the 1,000-person crew was openly LGBT. That is because we had a supportive environment, we networked, and encouraged each other to be themselves. I had even met several openly transgender people for the first time. The pendulum had swung from no support to a point where I felt I had to support others and inform them of their rights. I didn’t understand what it meant to be LGBT until I heard others people’s stories. I am appreciative and more informed now about what it means to be LGBT. Now I am an Officer, and I have been happily married for four years. We bicker, we have family goals, we love each other and do most things like all other married people. We’re “normal” if there is such a thing. Most importantly, the Navy as a whole has supported my family and I am grateful. I am simultaneously amazed and feel more sophisticated at what I have seen and experienced in my own 13 years of continuous active duty service.
I remember the harassment, I remember the fear, I remember the stories of gay men committing suicide on ships during DADT, I remember the crisis the military had because so many Arabic interpreters were dishonorably discharged during the Iraq conflicts for being gay. I remember and I hope to never see that type of environment again. If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender, be you! There are people who will support you! There are laws that will now protect you! Create supportive networks, encourage each other to be themselves, don’t put up with harassment because you are different, and use your differences as strength. LGBT people just want to serve their country because we love our country. We have proven time and again that we can do the job regardless of gender or sexual preference. Historically, we have been marginalized and this is why we celebrate Pride Month. We have come far, and there is always more work to do!
COMM
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P IC
MAND
N IC
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan KirkJohnson
SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Gone
Fishin’
Fishing has been a part of human culture for tens of thousands of years. Beginning in the early stages of history as something necessary for survival, it has now evolved to an entertaining pastime enjoyed by many. For one Navy Sailor, fishing has greatly impacted his life from the time he was a child. Lt. Phillip Richmond is an avid fisherman, who has set many World Records. He first picked up a fishing rod when he was a child and says he couldn’t get enough.
“Three years ago, my team won the Japan Game Fish Associations’ Tokyo Bay Seabass Tournament in Yokohama, and I caught the second biggest fish of the day,” said Richmond. “Two years ago, we won second place and I had the biggest catch of the tournament.” When asked which of his numerous records he is most proud of, Richmond said there was one fish that required much preparation and skill to land, and it stands out as his most rewarding catch.
“I received my first fishing rod for my second birthday and have been hooked since,” said Richmond. “Being an Air Force brat, much of my quality alone time was spent hunting or fishing with Dad.” Richmond has held 26 international and 7 Japanese records. Attaining some of these records has been quite a thrilling, and sometimes dangerous, experience says Richmond. “One of the most memorable records was a 57 pound oilfish I landed in 1,500 ft. of water,” said Richmond. “It took me an hour and a half to land from my kayak, and the fish bit and popped one of my inflatable outriggers with its sharp teeth.” Richmond is also a fan of participating in fishing tournaments. He has participated in many, and almost always places near the top of the rankings. Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McKay
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Photos courtesy of Lt. Phillip Richmond
“The one I’m most proud of is the Ruby Snapper,” said Richmond. “It absolutely crushed the old world record by nearly 20 pounds. I had ordered some lures that arrived with sub-standard hardware, so I disassembled and rebuilt them with stainless marlin hooks. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to land that fish if I hadn’t taken the time to prepare.” On top of being a very talented fisherman with many accolades to back up the claim, Richmond has also had quite the extensive Naval career.
“Truly, nothing that I’ve accomplished is because I’m the best at anything, “said Richmond. “I accomplished both my Naval and fishing goals through homework, persistence and good mentors. Whatever your goals may be, they are probably more reachable than you realize.” Richmond works aboard Blue Ridge as a Communication and Information Systems Officer, responsible for the employment of high-tech IT systems designed to interconnect elements of a military force, ensuring equipment is serviceable and personnel are trained and available to perform their duties.
“When I graduated high school, I didn’t have the grades to go to college,” said Richmond. “I arrived to the USS Independence (CV 62) in March of 1996 here in Yokosuka. I was that kid who was dead set on doing my four years and getting out.” After giving the Navy some more thought, Richmond decided job security was an important factor in his life and he re-enlisted. “It was fortunate that I decided to re-enlist, because I advanced every time I was up for it, until I was up for ITC,” said Richmond. “It took me three tries to make Chief, and every time I didn’t make it I would ask the Chiefs, Seniors, and Master Chiefs what I could do to be more competitive. The year that Master Chief Tudor told me, ‘Shipmate, there is nothing else I can tell you to do that you haven’t already done’, was the year I finally made Chief.” After Richmond put on the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he didn’t stop there. At the 14-year mark in his career, he was selected to be a Chief Warrant Officer. After serving 3 years as a CWO he applied to become an Information Professional Officer. After being selected for a single quota opportunity, he became a Limited Duty Officer, and has since advanced to the rank of Lieutenant.
“Whatever your goals may be, they are probably more reachable than you realize.”
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