May 2016 Blue Ridge Comes Home
CAPTAIN’S CORNER
Chaplain’s Message PAGE 7
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Chaplain’s Message
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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
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MEDIA TEAM MC1(SW/AW) Mike Story MC2(SW) Jordan Kirkjohnson MC3(SW) Kevin Flinn MC3 Don Patton MC3(SW)Timothy Hale
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LEAD DESIGNER MC3(SW) Liz Dunagan
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MEDIA SERVICES TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC(SW/IDW/EXW/FMF/SCW) Ja’lon A. Rhinehart
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CAPTAIN’S CORNER
Steam Away With Me Blue Ridge Invites Friends and Family for a Cruise By: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton
YOKOHAMA -- After more than 80 days, the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) welcomed its family and friends on board for the final stretch of its 2016 patrol cycle, May 16. Over 200 friends and family members joined the ship in Yokohama as it made its journey back to Yokosuka, Japan.
“We prepared a display of our fire fighting equipment on the ship’s main deck to give our visitors a chance to see how it works and actually try on some of our gear for themselves,” said Damage “...to provide friends and family Controlman 2nd Class Kevin a first hand look at what we do as O’Connell.
Sailors onboard, allowing them... a better understanding of the duties we perform day-to-day.”
“We are hosting this friends and family day cruise to provide our friends and family a first hand look at what we do as Sailors onboard, allowing them to have a better understanding of the duties we perform day-today,” said Chief Information Systems Technician Troy Young, Blue Ridge’s family day cruise coordinator.
“I’m hoping that all of the families and friends will leave with warm hearts and a better appreciation for what their loved ones do and the sacrifices that each Sailors makes,” continued Young.
The Blue Ridge team consists of more than 900 members, including embarked 7th Fleet staff, Marines from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) and the “Golden Falcons” of Heliocopter Sea Squadron 12. While on board, Blue Ridge’s visitors will be treated to a steel beach picnic and get to see the “Golden Falcons” and the ship’s flight quarters crew perform a helicopter exercise. “Not many civilians get to see a flight quarters evolution in real life,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jamal Najjar, Blue Ridge’s flight quarters Landing Signalman (Enlisted). “This event gives us the rare chance to showcase the type of work that we do on a daily basis, while underway.” The ship’s Damage Controlmen and Marines will also provide guests with the opportunity to see static displays of some of their equipment.
Embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), perform on the main deck during a family day cruise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)
Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan region for nearly 36 years and recently completed its patrol, strenthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.
Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), perform on the main deck during a family day cruise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)
BLUE RIDGE Legalman 2nd Class Erica Tapia, a member of the embarked 7th Fleet staff on the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), participates in a 50-man working party during a replenishmentat-sea with USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale) Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Sherron Carter, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), identifies surface contacts through "big eyes" as the ship departs Hong Kong. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirk Johnson)
Culinary Specialist Seaman Moncure Dillingham, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), guards a People’s Liberation Army (Navy) basketball player during a friendly inter-Navy game. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirk Johnson) Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), pose for a photo on the main deck during a steal beach picnic and family day cruise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)
Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff Sailors form themselves into a teal ribbon in support of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Awareness Month. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton)
IN REVIEW
Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), wait to begin a vertical replenishmentat-sea with USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) on the maindeck (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan)
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ruby Harrington, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), parades the colors as the ship arrives in Shanghai. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton) Machinist's Mate 2nd Julia Schoonover, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), stands throttleman watch during a sea and anchor evolution. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton)
Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), prepare their plates during a steel beach picnic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale) Commander U.S. 7th Fleet, Adm. Joseph Aucoin, and Commanding Officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), Capt. Matt Paradise, are greeted on the pier by the People's Liberation Army (Navy) during a welcoming ceremony in Shanghai. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton)
Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Jaquan Hartford, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), participates in a gift exchange People’s Liberation Army (Navy) Sailor after an inter-navy basketball game in Shanghai. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirk Johnson)
Flagship Arrives in Shanghai
SHANGHAI -- The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan
USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), arrived in Shanghai for a regularly scheduled port visit May 6, during its 2016 patrol season. Shanghai is one of several port visits during Blue Ridge’s 7th Fleet patrol, which has included India, Singapore, and the Philippines. Capt. Matt Paradise, Blue Ridge’s commanding officer, said the overall mission for the port visit is to get to know and develop our relationships with the People’s Republic of China, People’s Liberation Army Navy. “The more Blue Ridge works with the PLA(N), the better we will get to know each other and that will increase mutual understandings and decrease tensions. In turn we can become better partners.” The Blue Ridge team consists of more than 900 members, inculding embarked 7th Fleet staff, Marines from Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) and the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12. Sailors and Marines will play basketball with their Chinese
counterparts in a friendly inter-navy basketball game. The crew will also have the chance to experience Shanghai through various Moral, Welfare and Recreational tours. Additionally, U.S. and People’s Republic of China’s Sailors will jointly volunteer their time with a community service project for Shanghai’s School for the Blind. “We plan on playing and interacting with students at the school to not only engage the local community, but strengthen our relationship with the PLA(N) Sailors,” said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Brian Jewell.
“Shanghai is a beautiful city and I look forward to our Sailors enjoying some liberty and getting the opportunity to experience the cultre and meet the people.” Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan region for nearly 36 years and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationship within the IndoAsia Pacific Region.
Blue Ridge Returns To Hong Kong By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton
HONG KONG -- After a little over a year, the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returns to Hong Kong for a port visit durng its 2016 cycle, April 29. The Blue Ridge team consists of more than 900 members, including embarked 7th Fleet staff, Marines from Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) and the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12. “Part of Blue Ridge’s primary missions is to travel throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations to preserve and strengthen existing partnerships, as well as forging new ones. Traveling to Hong Kong we will be keeping with that mission set,” said Command Master Chief Charles Ziervogel. “This visit will help show that we are committed to assisting them just as much as we would assist any other country while ensuring good partnerships and regional stability.”
Local families in Hong Kong will also host Sailors and Marines at their homes or show them around the city through the Meals in Homes organization. “I am really excited to meet the family that will host us. This is my first time in Hong Kong and I think it will be a good experience to learn about the culture first hand with a local family,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Kayla Saint-Fleur. Blue Ridge’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee organized tours that give Sailors and Marines an opportunity to experience the history and culture of Hong Kong. “These tours offer Sailors a chance to see and discover aspects of culture and history that they might not have found on their own,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Anika Miller, Blue Ridge’s MWR coordinator.
During the visit, Blue Ridge Sailors will volunteer at Po Leung Kuk, a life education and elderly support center, and participate in various activites and games through the Loving Kids organization, a half-day care service for children from underpriviledged families.
“These engagements from the littlest to the largest are big contributors in strengthening our relationships throughout the region,” continued Jewell. “These opportunities give Sailors a chance to leave a lasting impression on people who may never meet another American.”
“When we go to these community service events people don’t see us as just Sailors, they see us as Americans,” said Relgious Programs Specilalist 1st Class Brian Jewell, Blue Ridge’s community service coordinator. “Going out to do something positive in the community not only reflects well on us, but it allows locals to see the United States as a whole in a positive light.”
Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan region for nearly 36 years and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationship within the IndoAsia Pacific Region.
Helping Hands
Blue Ridge Sailors Serve Local Community By: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story HONG KONG -- When you think of the word ambassador, you might think of someone in a fancy suit shaking hands with people. But for Sailors on the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), being an ambassador means doing the right thing and giving back to the local communities that they visit.
learn from our elders at the same time they can learn from us.”
Eighteen Sailors from the Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff visited a home for the ederly in Hong Kong where they interacted with residents through games and friendly conversation.
“I had a great time interacting with the residents,” continued Dateng. “With different people who are willing to share time together it helps me realize what’s important.” said Seaman Dereck Coglievina. “That’s to be a good person and to be there for other people.”
“Being an ambassador means to represent yourself, but also your country, and the United States Navy,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Anika Miller. “I think events like this are good ways to show other countries the United States is not about money and novelty items; we’re about taking care of people and being helpful.” Throughout the afternoon residents for the home cheered for the Sailors as they sang and played games. “I had a grandpa who raised me, and most of the things I’ve learned, came from him,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alfred Dateng. “Through his experience and all the things that he passed down to me, I understood that we can always
Within the laughs, hugs, and smiles that were shared between the Sailors and the residents, the nations language barriers went almost completely unnoticed.
Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet Staff, pose for a group photo with the elderly after a community service event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Story.)
Blue Ridge Visits Phuket, Thailand By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Kirkjohnson
PHUKET, Thailand -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Phuket, Thailand for a regularly scheduled port visit, allowing the Sailors a time for rest and cultural exchange, April 18. The Blue Ridge team consisting of more than 900 members, including embarked 7th Fleet staff, Marines from Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) and the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12, is currently on patrol within the 7th Fleet area of operations, strengthening and fostering relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. During the ship’s visit, Sailors and Marines will experience the local food, people and cultural history while exploring Phuket. Blue Ridge last made a visit to Phuket in 2002. “I am looking forward to going back to Phuket,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Roderick Florentino. “Thailand is rich in culture, offering a variety of activites, historical landmarks, and delicious, inexpensive food. Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan region for nearly 36 years and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationship within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.
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community. We were able to brighten the future for the 2016 Spring Patrol has been an struggling individuals, families amazing experience for me as and communities. That project your Chaplain. This patrol was generated hope and helped my first time underway with single mothers and children USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). I feel help themselves. very privileged and honored to serve our crew members and to In India, we worked with the assist our Sailors in conducting OSCAR organization, very well Media Services needs your work for our monthly many COMSERVs for the known for underprivileged magazine. Submissions will be accepted no later than various nations we visited children. Oscar Foundation the 10th of every month at our location on the barge. within the Indo-Asia Pacific. (Organization for Social Submissions will only be accepted as JPEG files on a Change, Awareness and DISK or as PAPER COPIES. I would like to thank all the Responsibility) is a non-profit If you have any questions, ask an MC. Blue Ridge and C7F Sailors organization that, through who volunteered for all the soccer instills the value of COMSERVs with sincere education and empowers hearts and professionalism. I underprivileged children certainly aide us as we continue still have a good memory in Sri and youth with life skills to developing relationships in the Lanka when our Sailors helped take responsibility of their region. to paint the tables, chairs, community development. swing, jungle gym, see-saw We played soccer games with As I like to say around the crew, Family and walls of the orphanage/ those children to show them “If the ships aren’t sailing, they’re and Friends, day care at Ratmalana, because that US Navy is the part of being fixed,” and so it is with us as our Sailors strived to make the the team for the success for Greetings from Blue Ridge. I’ve had we prepare to enter our extended event sucessful. For day one the children who want to the pleasure of getting out and about maintenance period. It is important we sanded down all tables, improve themselves and their for us all to maintain a positive to start to meet you all. After four chairs, the swing, jungle gym, education. The connection months and 10 port visits, it’s great attitude from the deckplates to see-saw and walls. For day two, touches people’s heart. to be home and I know our Sailors our homes to ensures that we are we spent a whole day painting, successful during this time. It preparing and serving food for It has been a huge privilege for also loved seeing your smiling would be disingenuous to say this the feeding program. Those me to be apart USS Blue Ridge, faces on the pier. Thank you for time would be without its share the wonderful welcome home, were difficult jobs but when America’s Finest Flagship of challenges, but we have a great the support you provided for our we completed the projects, because it gave me many Sailors on the home front while we game plan to get in early, knock out we really felt so meaningful opportunities to serve our our work and maximize time with were away, and for your continued because we were able to join crewmwmbers and to be able family. It will be our attitude and patience as we enter our extended the team efforts with the to impact the world with the maintenance period. hard work that will ensure victory. I orphanage/day care school, positive image of the US Navy have no doubt we’ll get our upgrades in assisting and encouraging through our COMSERVs. It Our port visit to Thailand, Hong accomplished and be back to sailing many single mothers. By doing happened because of your Kong and Shanghai were not the seas in no time. Our presence in the COMSERVs, we were the selfless contribution and good without their challenges, but I the 7th Fleet area is paramount and part of the hope that the school conducts for US Navy and USS am very proud to say our Sailors it will require all hands to meet our is trying to illuminate for the Blue Ridge. have been conducting themselves goals. people of Sri Lanka. admirably. They continue to have Thank you again.
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CAPTAIN’S CORNER
Thank you again for the huge difference that you made with your excellence for the
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positive and longstanding impacts on the various communities we visit, helping to continue our lasting strategic relationships. Blue Ridge visited Shanghai for the first time in a decade and was an experience I’m sure your Sailors won’t forget. Our hosts treated us with quite a show, and the new friends we made along the way will
Enjoy the reunions, the sea strories and the gifts from afar with your loved ones. Best regards, Capt. Matt “Papi” Paradise