MAY 2015
CAPTAIN’S CORNER
SHIPMATE SPOTLIGHT
ISSUE NO. 3
BATTLEFIELD TO BEDSIDE A TIDE OF TALK BLUE RIDGE IN REVIEW
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Blue Ridge Sailors Stay Active Underway to Support Mission Readiness
RUNNING ON WATER Blue Ridge Sailors Stay Active Underway to Support Mission Readiness
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Seaman Brian Holst runs on the main deck during sunset. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson)
Blue Ridge Magazine 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 Blue Ridge Magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer. Produced by Blue Ridge Media Services | Ext. 4154
COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Kyle P. Higgins
a tide of talk
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cmdr. Nathan Fugate
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Blue Ridge Concludes PLA(N) Engagements with Exercises
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM(SW/AW/IDW) Mark Tomlinson PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC(EXW/FMF/SCW) Ja’lon Rhinehart EDITOR MC1(SW) Bobby Northnagle LEAD DESIGNER MCSA Timothy Hale
Naval Air Crewman 1st Class Anthony Michalski from the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12, lowers a rescue hoist during a joint search and rescue exercise with People’s Liberation Army (Navy). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson
Blue Ridge IN Review
MEDIA TEAM MC1(SW/AW) Mike Story MC2(SW) Phillip Pavlovich MC2(SW) Michael Hendricks MC3(SW) Samuel Weldin MC3(SW) Jacob Waldrop MC3 Liz Dunagan MC3 Kevin Flinn MCSN Jordan KirkJohnson MCSN Don Patton
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Photos From ZHANJIANG, CHINA and Singapore
Nomination for Next Chief of Naval Operations Announced
Sailors from the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) pick up Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Terrance Phillips, following an inter-navy basketball game. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson)
battlefIELD to bedside i
Contents
fIEld to Flagship The Capable corpsman
Check Out More News from the Fleet @ www.navy.mil
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Blue Ridge Sailors carry lessons from thier experiences as Fleet Marine Force Corpsman
SECNAV Announces Changes for Midshipmen’s Careers and Opportunities Special and General Courts-Martial for April 2015 10th Pacific Partnership Mission Prepares to Renew Regional Ties
also in this issue Captain’s Corner Words from the Commanding Officer
01 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”
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SHIPMATE SPOTLIGHT Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Perez
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SECNAV Announces New Navy Personnel Initiatives
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#seawarriors Blue Ridge family and friends, I hope this message finds you well, in good spirits and greatly anticipating seeing (or hearing from) your loved ones. We would like to send a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who are a part of Team Blue Ridge. We recognize the importance you have in each of our lives and are thankful for the love and support you provide for each of us and our families.
Maintaining mission readiness, Blue Ridge Sailors qualify to shoot the M16 rifle. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sam Weldin)
Blue Ridge had an underway replenishment with USNS Tippecanoe. (U.S. Navy photos buy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sam Weldin
The month of May is also when we celebrate Memorial Day, and each of us should take a moment to pause and consider its importance. Being a part of the Navy team, we know the sacrifices required in defense of our Nation and our way of life. We must think of the heroes that went before us and what they gave up for us to enjoy the liberty we have. Let us honor them by always remembering; let us honor them by living by the principles that guide our Navy/Marine Corps team: honor, courage and commitment; we will honor them by our service. I know many of you ask, “What is the purpose of USS Blue Ridge?” or more specifically, “Why do you take my loved one away, then bring them back... then away again, then back one more time? Wouldn’t it be easier for you and me just to either stay gone or stay home?” As a husband and a father I can say the difficulties that come with being away from home touch us all in some way. I will also tell you, the service of your Sailors makes a difference.
Blue Ridge celebrates diversity during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month steel beach picnic celebration (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phillip Pavlovich
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CAPTAIN’S CORNER
The mission of USS Blue Ridge is different than most any other vessel in our Navy. We operate forward and train constantly to be ready for anything, as our rescue of the fishermen in March demonstrated. But we are also the support system for SEVENTH Fleet. We provide the workspace, computer networks and communications they require to oversee operations throughout the IndoAsian Pacific region, an area stretching from the International Dateline Line in the east to the subcontinent of India in the west. (Continued on back cover)
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Every day underway in a small compartment, Sailors fight for space. Clinking weights mix with the steady thud of shoes as Sailors struggle to find a vacant machine and new faces mix with seasoned ones. The wait for a treadmill grows longer with every day that grows closer to summer. Runners breathe heavily as they step off the treadmills, but within seconds, fresh legs are back on the same worn tracks, pounding mileage and additional layers of sweat into the tread. Sailors aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge find their way to the gym for multiple reasons. Some find sanctuary among the grimy weights and musty smell, where they are able to let off some steam in a healthy way. Other crew members drag their lightly-worn shoes down the ladderwell, just trying to meet the navy-mandated physical
training requirements. This year however, many Sailors make their way to the gym or topside as they take on the 100 Mile Club. “The 100 mile club is a way to motivate people to get to the gym and workout while underway,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Thai, one of the 100 Mile Club coordinators. “Underway, you’re stuck at your desk or workstation all day but this program drives people to get out of their chairs and be active, even if it’s just running a mile a day.” For the second consecutive year, the 100 Mile Club is open to anyone on the underway patrol and will run from April to September. The challenge entails running at least 100 miles by way of the elliptical, treadmill or on the main deck while underway. “I participated in the 100 Mile Club last year because I wanted to get better at running,” said Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class Danielle Beliveau, a 100 Mile Club participant. “It was a huge challenge for me initially. Running really isn’t my thing, but the more hours I logged, the faster I became. It motivated me to go everyday, rather than just thinking up excuses. The 100 mile club is my accountability, and I’m excited to see what I can achieve this year.” This year, program coordinators lengthened the duration of the 100 Mile Club from one month to about six months. Easing up on the time requirements allows Sailors with busier schedules to participate. Additionally, having the challenge extended over such a long period of time encourages divisional involvement.
“In this year’s 100 Mile Club competition, my chief is challenging the division to beat him,” said Beliveau. “He’s incentivizing us to get out there and show some motivation. Half of my division is super into fitness, and the other half isn’t. For the people who aren’t into fitness, this is a great step in the right direction. It gets them motivated to try something and then, hopefully, sustain it even after the challenge Seaman Brian Holst, left, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Saurya Shah, both attached to the ends.” U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) run on the main deck during sunset. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist With unpredictable underway schedules, one of the biggest challenges can be Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson)
finding the time to workout.
03 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”
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A TIDE OF TALK
Story By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn
In the gray-fogged port of Zhanjiang, People’s Republic of China, a flagship eases into dock. After feet move fast onto the pier, Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, U.S. 7th Fleet flagship Blue Ridge commanding officer accepts a gift. His roughened and strong seafaring hands holds the gift - a bouquet. Cameras flow currents of images around the captain, like the electric buzz of dragonflies across some newfound moor. A new horizon of partnership across the immense and pummeling Pacific dawns through handshakes, smiles, red carpet and the gallant pageantry of this ship pulling in. This welcoming ceremony was a warm, humble beginning that set the tone, leading toward the ship’s eventual send-off and all that transpired within.
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Megumi Gudino, left, and Seaman Brian Holst, both attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) run on the main deck during sunset. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson)
Blue Ridge departed Zhanjiang, April 24, after completing a routine four-day port visit as a means to build naval relationships and trust with China’s South Sea Fleet, ensuring peace and prosperity for the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
“In between work and watches, finding the time can be difficult, but if it’s something you know will have a positive effect on your life, it’s worth missing 30 minutes of sleep or cutting chow a little short,” said Beliveau. “If something is important to you, you don’t necessarily find the time, you make it. It’s just a matter of rearranging your priorities.” Last year, the program had around 150 participants, but this year the program coordinators are hoping that more people get involved and active. “Personally, if I could get anybody, even one person, to become a little more fit or run one more mile a day than they used to, then that’s something to be proud of,” said Thai. “And, in my mind, the program succeeded.” The 100 mile club is helping Sailors improve their fitness, which impacts not only their individual health, but the Navy at large.
“ Fitness is really important for what we do as Sailors.” - CTT2 Danielle Beliveau “Fitness is really important for what we do as Sailors,” said Beliveau. “For example, during a general quarters drill, Sailors are required to move around and prepare the ship’s conditional readiness in less than nine minutes. There’s a lot of space to cover in those zones, and if you’re not in decent shape, you could negatively impact the ship. You need to be active in order to support the ship’s mission readiness and the 100 Mile Club is a great way to make that a priority.” Long after Taps, Sailors leave the ship’s gym. Weights lay strewn about the deck and forgotten water bottles decorate the angle irons. Unfamiliar silence grows as the last runner finishes their miles and powers down the treadmill.
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After departing, the flagship conducted exercises in the South China Sea with ships from the People’s Liberation Army (Navy). As part of the exercises, Blue Ridge conducted a search-and-rescue, recovering a simulated man overboard cast from a PLA(N) ship. Blue Ridge is also on the front line with implementing new naval procedures by actively engaging in an exercise called CUES, or Code for Unplanned Encounters At-Sea. Blue Ridge conducted CUES with CNS Qilianshan (LPD 999) and Fuxian Ho (LPD 888). CUES was created at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, China, just last year. It was also agreed upon by numerous navies around the globe. While in Zhanjiang, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, and Higgins, along with other U.S. 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge officers met with senior PLA(N) officials in a series of engagements to build partnerships between the nations. “Engaging our Pacific counterpart face-to-face helps build trust which will make it easier for us to work together in the advent of an emergency,” said Blue Ridge Executive Officer Cmdr. Nathan Fugate. “The hospitality was amazing and Blue Ridge Sailors really seemed to enjoy Zhanjiang.” Along with a bouquet, the two countries exchanged many other traditional gifts. Not all gifts are something tangible, to be turned over in hand, palm over palm. The two countries let one another peek past that big blue Pacific aquarium into a part of each other’s cultures. Blue Ridge held a “big top” reception for PLA(N) South Sea Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Shen Jinlong and other senior officers on the main deck of the ship. “Big top” receptions have fine cuisines and harmonies birthed out of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band under white lights strewn in above heads along the ship. Members of the Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff First Class Petty Officers Association participated in the first COMSERV by a U.S. Navy ship during a port call to China. “Knowing I helped make the kids at Zhanjiang Special Education School smile was the best part of this port visit for me,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Brian Jewell. “It was an honor to work side-by-side with PLA(N) sailors during this historical COMSERV.” Along with members from PLA(N) South Sea Fleet, they entertained, gave gifts and conversed with children from the Zhanjiang Special Education School. Across foreign waters, ships can be sent out with more apt communications. The deep, bellowing echoes of a neighbor underwater is heard. And, hope builds for fostering more ties with any Sailors out in the deepest, ocean blue. “Building these relationships and trust is the only way we can guarantee peace and security in the western Pacific,” said Fugate.
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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 04
Zhanjiang, China
“Building these relationships and trust is the only way we can guarantee peace and security in the western Pacific.”
- Executive Officer Cmdr. Nathan Fugate
From basketball games to giving gifts, Blue Ridge Sailors build naval partnerships with China’s South Sea Fleet to ensure peace and prosperity for the entire region.
05 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”
Blue Ridge Sailors showed off the beauty that is Blue Ridge to Chinese locals.
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Blue Ridge, U.S. 7th Fleet and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) sailors pose for a group photo following an inter-navy soccer game. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan KirkJohnson)
The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 participated in a search and rescue exercise with People’s Liberation Army (Navy).
Blue Ridge Sailors participated in an inter-navy soccer match with the People’s Liberation Army (Navy).
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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 06
Singapore
“... it felt good because by the end, i walked away realizing I made a difference in some way.” - Electronics technician 2nd class Michael Fanton
Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet Sailors pose for a picture with students while visiting International Community School Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)
07 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”
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Station sea and anchor detail, Station sea and anchor detail.
With over 5 opportunities, Blue Ridge Sailors dedicated 50+ manhours to helping out in the local communities of Singapore.
Cpl. Anthony Hernandez, attached to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific, answers questions from members of the Singapore Armed Forces on the main deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)
Capt. Higgins gives a tour of Blue Ridge to VIPs and FASTPAC Marines show tachtical training techniques to the Singapore Armed Forces.
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“Finest in the Fleet� | Blue Ridge Magazine | 08
Battlefield to Bedside, Field to Flagship The Capable Corpsman
Story & Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn
S
ome Sailors might not see or suffer from slings of shrapnel in their side, but for a good group of others, in the right moment and after years of preparation, it is their purpose to render lifesaving care to a fellow servicemember laced into tan combat boots with their toes to the sky.
“The green and blue sides are not really that different for me because we’re providing the same care for Sailors and Marines,” said Jimenez. “What we’re there for is to make sure that the Sailors and Marines are healthy, that they’re provided medicine and to treat any combat and non-combat injury. That’s our goal, the purpose why corpsmen exist.”
A few Sailors always prepped to give such care, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Michael Jimenez and Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Corless, stationed aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), still carry lessons learned as Fleet Marine Force (FMF) corpsmen from the sand to the sea. Inside the skin of the flagship, these few corpsmen carry their stories from another life in another culture with them today, using those experiences to frame their leadership styles and interactions with their Sailors. They understand how digging a hole to sleep in provides a unique perspective.
“Damage control on a ship and what I do with the servicemembers, whether they are Marines or Sailors, is amazingly close,” said Corless. “With damage control, if you don’t stop the leak, the flooding, the fire, it’s going to spread. And, eventually it’s going to overtake the ship and that casualty is going to become life-threatening to everyone on the ship.”
“I think being a Corpsman is a way of life,” said Corless. “There’s a phrase ‘from the battlefield to the bedside.’ We have to be ready to do whatever it takes and the scope of our practice is vast.” Somewhere there is a Marine digging a hole with their entrenching tool, rotating between security watches and sleeping, whether in training or in the trenches where men stake claim for life and death. For many Marines, that person alongside them in the hole, fighting side-by-side, is their corpsman, their “Doc,” the person they trust to save them if the worst in warfare shows face.
Likewise, if a corpsman doesn’t stop bleeding, control bleeding, or practice basic first-aid, then lives cannot be saved. Jimenez and Corless use their green side lessons for strengthening ties within their department as well as using that cohesive fabric of military bonds to teach and mentor. “Their experiences have influenced their leadership styles without a doubt,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joseph Branch. “When I see them, I see structure and discipline. They still are blue side Navy corpsmen, but there’s something else about them. Nobody I’ve ever met leads like they do.”
An archetype of strong relationships in the military, the bond between Marines and their Corpsman is a relationship within the military’s medical community that has endured with great respect longer than the Hospital Corpsman rating has been around, dating back to their ancestoral ratings. “No one’s called ‘Doc’ until you earn that respect,” said Jimenez. “Some of the Marines will first go to their 3rd Class Petty Officer because they’ve been together with them on all operations and training versus going to an actual doctor.” The green side is a term used by Navy personnel attached to Marine commands because the Sailors can opt to wear Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms, a longstanding tradition for FMF corpsmen. 09 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”
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shipmate spotlight "I'm a firm believer that the gratest gift you can give anyone is perspective" - Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Corless
Culinary Specialist 1st Class
Robert Perez Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story
“Senior Chief will stay and take care of you in off hours,” said Branch. “As far as a medical provider, he’s able to get the care the patient needs promptly. In a work environment, you can’t break the professionalism of his character, but if you spend a lot of time with him, build an extra layer with him, his lighter, more fun side comes out. It shines through and when it does, it’s hilarious.” Back on the blue side of the Navy and having gained a lot of leadership qualities from his green side days, Corless also looks forward to making an impact on his Sailors, letting them see that a corpsman’s reach can be bigger than what happens inside of the skin of a ship, even if it’s a flagship. “I’m a firm believer that the greatest gift you can give anyone is perspective,” said Corless. “And, I try to share that with my Sailors as often as possible, to be able to tell them that we have a mission to meet and that we’re lucky that our mission is forward deployed in Japan on the Blue Ridge. I look very fondly back on my green side days because it gave me a different perspective to be able to share with my Sailors now, to help them to be able to pull from the experiences they gained to positively impact their futures.”
“I believe our language is unique because very few people my age speak it,” said Perez. He stroked his chin and his eyes focused as he recalled his upbringing. “I was raised by my great grandmother who only spoke Chamorro. When she was forced into a Japanese labor camp during World War II, she was not allowed to speak her own language.” Perez said she was forced to learn and speak Japanese and could only whisper Chamorro in secret, behind closed doors, in fear of being punished. “She told me that a language is something no one can take away from you,” stated Perez. “The Chamorro are not that big of a culture, but with myself and my family, it’s still alive and well today,” said Perez. With his chin raised proudly, and speaking in a deeper voice he continued, “I’m very proud of where I come from!” Perez joined the Navy in 2004 at just eighteen years old. He has since been assigned to four duty stations, with his wife and two children. He explained that he enjoys spending his free time barbequing, going to the beach, and playing a card game called pusoy. The Chamorro have roots in Guam as far back as 2000 BC, making it one of the oldest Pacific island cultures in existence. Guam was colonized by the Spanish in 1668, and has since been heavily influenced by the American and Japanese. Guam natives still pass on their own tradition and culture through family upbringing.
Fast Fact: In the Vietnam war, hospital corpsman recieved four medals of honor, 31 Navy Crosses, 127 silver stars, and 291 bronze stars for heroics under fire.
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“Hafa Adai.” No, this doesn’t mean you’ll get off work early. This means hello or have a nice day, similar to “Aloha” used in Hawaii. It is a greeting used by the Chamorro, many of whom are native to the island of Guam, like Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Perez.
“We’ve adapted throughout history,” says Perez. “At the end of each day we’re just happy to be around our families and each other.” Onboard Blue Ridge, Perez likes to share stories about his home with fellow Sailors. “I want to be able to share my culture with other people, whether it is by simply sharing island food recipes or just telling others about where I come from,” explained Perez. “Hopefully they can learn something from me, and I can learn something from them.”
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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 10
National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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Korean
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MANY CULTURES
ONE VOICE
CAPTAIN’S CORNER (Continued)
We are the platform for SEVENTH Fleet to engage with allies, friends and partner nations of the region promoting safety, security and stability. Many times, this requires a port visit and coordinated meetings with our counterparts. Our visits to Zhanjiang, China and Singapore perfectly illustrated this capability. In Zhanjiang, as an intergrated Blue Ridge/SEVENTH Fleet team, we broke down barriers of communcations
with the Chinese’s Navy’s South Sea Fleet and built bridges both professional and personal. We participated in bi-lateral discussions with their Navy, played several sports against each other in the spirit of friendly competition and even combined our efforts for local community outreach events. Our goal was building relationships, and your Sailors accomplished this feat with ease. Though we travel to Singapore more frequently, our goals were the same. As a team, we worked closely with Singapore, but took the opportunity to meet with the regional partners of Indonesia and Malaysia, laying the foundation of future talks and even more engagements. Through conversations like these, we
are able to learn from one another and further our ability to work together for humanitarian relief or disaster recoveries. Your Sailors make a difference daily in every port we visit. They participate in military exercises, community service opportunities and cultural exchanges, providing outstanding examples of what it means to serve, but also take with them memories that will last a lifetime. The lives they touch are without number. Thank you for all you do and for sharing your Sailors with us. I look forward to seeing you soon! - Capt Kyle P. Higgins