The Beacon by USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19)

CO’S CORNER

CONTENTS

Greetings Team Blue Ridge! What a busy couple of months it has been since we undocked, and boy does the ship look great. I am continually impressed with the daily effort I’ve seen from everyone onboard getting the ship ready to go to back to sea. The Navy’s Flagship is certainly the best looking warship on the waterfront and will remain so as long as we continue to take great care of her. This week marks a significant milestone in our long maintenance period as we reached PCD (Production Completion Date), which means that all major scheduled maintenance is complete. This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to all the efforts and teamwork of SRF and Blue Ridge Sailors. While there is still some work that will take place around the ship, we can now increase our focus on our #1 priority which is Training in order to be ready to go to sea in August. Between now and then it is important that all of us understand what our roles will be as we go to sea for the first time in more than two years. If you don’t know what your watch station will be when we get underway, you need to ask now. Much like a sports team line up, as soon as you know the position you will be playing, the sooner you can start asking questions and get the most out of the training you need to be good at that position. Between now and Sea Trials, we will be lighting off the boilers, aligning our upgraded generators, and certifying in numerous warfare areas. So far we’ve completed AT (anti-terrorism) and FSO-M (Medical) certification, with record-setting scores. These have been all hands efforts as we’ve conducted dozens of drills and training events. SAR should be finishing up this week as well, and then we continue with Engineering, Damage Control, Navigation, and several others over the next few months. As always, I ask that throughout this busy year you maintain the professionalism, integrity, and teamwork that I see onboard each and every day and never forget our priorities of Combat, Material, and Personal Readiness. I am extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished so far this year, and I know that we will continue to do great things. Be proud of what you’ve done, and be ready and excited for what’s ahead. Very Respectfully, Capt. Brett Crozier

BLUE RIDGE SPONSORS SUTHERLAND

BLUE RIDGE SUPPORTS SEXAUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION MONTH

AKIHABARA: THE ELECTRIC TOWN

10 RETURNING TO READINESS: MAJOR MAINTENANCE MILESTONE

12 BUMP, SET, SPIKE: A PRINCESS TOLO STORY

TEAM

LEADERSHIP MEDIA DEPARTMENT COMMANDING OFFICER

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MEDIA SERVICES DIVO

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

LEAD DESIGNER

CAPT. BRETT E. CROZIER

CMDR. RICHARD J. ZAMBERLAN

CMDCM JAMES W. GRANT

MCC CHARLES L. LUDWIG ENS. ERIC UHDEN

MC3 ETHAN CARTER

PRODUCERS MC1 MARVIN E. THOMPSON JR. MC2 ADAM K. THOMAS MC2 JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON MC3 DYLAN MCKAY MC3 PATRICK SEMALES MCSN ANGELES MIRON

SAIL FIGHT WIN 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 Bonhomme Richard Departs Sasebo, Concludes Forward - Deployed Service STORY FROM COMMANDER, U.S. 7TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Sasebo, Japan, April 18, capping six years of forward-deployed service in the IndoPacific. Bonhomme Richard has been the flagship of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet since April 2012, and will now transit to its new homeport in San Diego for follow-on operations and eventual upgrades to accommodate the F-35B Lightning II. During her time as the primary amphibious assault ship in 7th Fleet, Bonhomme Richard participated in a number of exercises such as Talisman Saber with the Australian Defense Force, and exchanges with partners such as Singapore and Japan. As a testament to the ship’s quick-response capability, Bonhomme Richard sent flight deck personnel to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) to assist in landing U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys participating in relief efforts following the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016. “Bonhomme Richard has been the shining example of why we forwarddeploy U.S.Navy ships in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander,Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. “The ship and its crew have achieved a high level of readiness, met every operational commitment, extended a warm hand of friendship to so many here in Sasebo and has reinforced relationships with allies in this vital region. I wish them all a heartfelt fair winds and following seas.” Bonhomme Richard Sailors exemplified the meaning of being an Ambassador to the Sasebo community and beyond, felt Navy leaders based in Sasebo. The ship routinely participated in outreaches such as visits to Sasebo children’s homes, food drives for disadvantaged community members, and visits to local schools. The ship participated in 42 community outreach projects in its six years in Sasebo, reaching an estimated 2,100 people in the community.

The ship routinely welcomed aboard members of the Japan Self Defense Force for ship tours and exchanges. In every port visit throughout the region Bonhomme Richard provided an opportunity for both members of the community and military counterparts to experience the capabilities of the ship. Bonhomme Richard has been on a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific since late January, participating in the annual U.S.-Thailand co-hosted multinational exercise Cobra Gold and other engagements in the Indo-Pacific. The ship most recently participated in the White Beach Festival in Okinawa where more than 3,500 people came aboard for guided tours. “We would like to thank the people of Sasebo for their hospitality and friendship during our time here,” said Capt. Larry McCullen, Bonhomme Richard’s commanding officer. “Living and working alongside our Japanese allies has been an experience I will never forget, and that the Sailors of Bonhomme Richard can be justifiably proud of now and when they look back on their time in 7th Fleet. Our mission together during the past six years has allowed our nations to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and has strengthened our Pacific partnerships on land and at sea.” Members of the crew expressed that they will miss Sasebo and the community. “I’m definitely going to miss the hospitality of the people here in Sasebo,” said Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Karen Au, from Diamond Bar, California, who has been serving aboard Bonhomme Richard for more than two years, and has been an active participant during several of Bonhomme Richard’s community outreaches. “They really put the community before themselves and they’re very helpful.” The Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, based in Okinawa, Japan, is 7th Fleet’s task force for expeditionary operations. The task force oversees forces from Guam to Sasebo to Yokosuka to provide the region with a response capability in the event of a contingency.

STORY BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) sponsored the British Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland (F 81) crew during their port visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka April 11-26. The visit gave both U.S. and British Navy Sailors a chance to experience a different military culture and exemplified the benefits of their nations’ long-standing partnership. Sailors toured each other’s ships and dined together while exchanging sea stories. “We are each other’s closest ally, and our leaders have always led from the front so the ‘hands across the ocean’ approach comes naturally to us all,” said Sutherland Executive Warrant Officer (EWO) Robert “Mac” McDonald. As EWO, McDonald is the equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s command master chief. “We learned in this visit that although we have some stark differences, we are very similar in our approaches to life at sea. Our morals are aligned and socially we have a lot more in common than I imagined.” The Sutherland, commissioned in 1996, is the Royal Navy’s fastest frigate, reaching more than 34 knots (39 miles per hour) during trials in 2004. She is also the first Royal Navy vessel to visit Yokosuka in more than five years. “It’s amazing that in the past 10 years only three British ships have pulled into Yokosuka,” said Ens. Heidi Zisselman. “I am glad we were selected to host our allies, now new friends, during their rare visit to Japan.” Having both surface and submarine warfighting capabilities, the stay allowed Blue Ridge Sailors the unique opportunity to observe everyday operations on a different naval platform. “I “It was very interesting to see the similarities and differences between our two ships and services,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Sherron Carter. “I thought the automated system that shows what hatches are open and closed on the ship was a brilliant idea. I was very

impressed with this hands-on experience, and I was thrilled to learn about what capabilities they could potentially add to the fight.” During their two-week visit, members from the two ship’s Chief Petty Officers and Officers Mess exchanged meals aboard each other’s vessels. Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Wilfredo Casillas said that it was fascinating to draw parallels between our navies. “Dining with the Sutherland Chiefs was a very cool experience,” said Casillas. “To the Sutherland Sailors, eating Duck L’Orange and Sicilian Lamb steaks on their ship was no big deal. But when they ate spaghetti and meatballs aboard our ship, which wasn’t a big deal to us, they loved it. So it was fun to go back and forth on who had it better.” While in the region, HMS Sutherland has visited several ports and taken part in joint training with allies and partners, including the Republic of Korea and Japan. Similar to the U.S. Navy, the British Royal Navy plays a crucial role in fostering lasting alliances with other nations. “Generally speaking, when you meet people that share a commonality, it creates a special bond,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Steve Mayo. “Having met these Chiefs and Sailors from the British Royal Navy and sharing sea stories, liberty calls, and organizational workflow, it’s a healthy reminder that us as military forces share the same challenges and can easily overcome them by just talking about what works and what doesn’t. It builds strong comradery and essentially friends worldwide.” The HMS Sutherland departed Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka April 26 and continued on her routine deployment. “Bilateral military interactions in the form of exercises and formal events are necessary but the personal relationships are the things that can bridge any gap and bring our countries closer together,” said Casillas. “I hope I get to meet some, if not all of them, again one day.”

USS BLUE RIDGE SUPPORTS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan Mckay

Sailors aboard U.S. Seventh Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge showed their support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) by participating in a Junior Sailor’s Association (JSA) fundraiser. More than 400 Sailors participated in the fundraiser in preparation for a 5K run on Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, May 25.

“It’s important to raise awareness about Sexual Assault Prevention and Response because it’s a real issue that is affecting our Sailors,” said Goulsby. “I think people don’t like to think about these topics or talk about it because they’re touchy subjects, but they still need to be discussed and not taken lightly.”

“SAAPM is important because it shines a spotlight on the Navy’s battle on sexual assault, and the ongoing conflict that one day will be won,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Jonathan Goulsby, a ship’s Victim Advocate (VA). “With recent events in the media like the ‘#metoo’ movement and the ‘Time’s Up’ movement, I think we should all applaud those who have come forward and inspired so many others to come forward, and tell their story.”

The 5K will be open to all hands, and intends to raise awareness of this very serious issue. Due to the crimes silent nature, Sailors have put together this race to increase awareness and encourage discussion amongst Sailors.

The JSA held the fundraiser, during which junior Sailors sold jars of candy with helpful information on sexual assault contacts, to raise money that went toward purchasing supplies for the upcoming 5K.

“In my eyes sexual assault shouldn’t happen, period,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Kieran Connell, another VA. “The cruel reality is that it does. That is why I chose to join the SAPR team. I want to be able to help when assaults and harassments happen. Let them know they have a strong team member on their side to help them through, so they come out stronger on the other side. Hopefully with our SAPR team efforts, we can

provide a safe environment for reporting and a huge shoulder to all men and women in and out of Uniform.” According to Blue Ridge’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response leader, Chief Gunner’s Mate James Poole, there are many resources available for Sailors if they experience this crime, and they should never feel like they are alone in their struggle. “I encourage all of my Sailors to come forward if they witness or experience anything to do with sexual assault,” said Poole. “We have the resources to help, and getting you back to a healthy state, both physically and mentally, is our number one priority.”

Blue Ridge’s SAPR Victim Advocates: ENS Zisselman GMC Poole LTJG Laird ENS Westley SH2 Goulsby DC3 Connell LSSN Davis CFAY SAPR VA Hotline: 090-8046-5783

AKIHABARA THE ELECTRIC TOWN Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Angeles Miron

Every Sailor is a bit of a nerd. Be it the seaman who likes to spend their time playing video games or the chief who stays up late watching superhero movies -- every Sailor has their little obsession. And a good place to fuel this potentially unhealthy addiction is Akihabara. Day or night the district is buzzing with energy. Akihabara, affectionately called Akiba for the god that protects it, lies in the heart of Tokyo, and has a wealth of attractions for diehard fans of all types. And much like everywhere else in Japan, the district has its unique piece of history. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Akihabara was once known as Aioi and was home to mainly lower-class samurai. Aioi was notorious for regular fires and brawls. Following a devastating fire in 1869, locals quickly began rebuilding their home along with a shrine to

Akiba-daigongen -- the Buddhist deity who protects against fires and is the loving nickname of the district. Following the aftermath of World War II, Japan looked toward the future and fervently produced radios and other forms of electronics. The neighborhood expanded and Akihabara became the center of all things technological. Today, it is still best known for harboring the newest and coolest electronic equipment. But even if you have no interest in buying anything, browsing the multitude of stores offers a fascinating glimpse at what the future of technology may hold. “If I need hardware for gaming, I always head to Akihabara,” said Machinist Mate 2nd Class Corey Murray. “There’s more options than what you’ll see at the NEX and it’s much cheaper, too.”

Along with its tech gear, you will find an often overwhelming abundance of anime and manga. The subcultures obsessed with anime, comics, video games and other collectibles have firmly planted their feet among the streets of Akihabara. At nearly every turn you will find an animated figure. “Honestly doesn’t matter where you go,” said Seaman Nathaneil Spaulding. “You could go to a café or even a gun range and everything mixes a bit of anime into it.” If all these anime figurines are really not your style, you’ll probably want to hop on your car and drive away. As you do so you might find someone riding a go-kart dressed as a video game character. You might even see someone dressed up as your favorite pop culture icon. While we might stand there and gawk

you’ll find locals simply walk past them as this activity, called cosplay or costume play, is almost second nature in Japan. And if the guy dressed as Waluigi doesn’t make you want to stick around for a bit, then the technicolor world that nightfall brings with it might do the trick. As with most of Japan’s cityscapes, the bright lights and giant plasmas illuminating the city create a truly awesome view. But for some reason everything feels a little brighter in this district. Once home to black-market sellers of electronics in postwar Japan, the energetic world that is Akihabara is definitely a place to check out. The inner nerd in all of us will certainly find something to smile about. There is no place in the world quite like it.

Returning to Readiness: Major Maintenance Milestone Story By USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) reached a major ship’s life milestone April 26 with the marking of their Propulsion Plant Production Completion Date (PCD) – the end of all major maintenance evolutions following a 23-month drydock and pierside upkeep period. PCD is accomplished when a ship is considered safe-to-train and safe-to-operate, meaning all jobs related to Selective Restrictive Availability (SRA) are completed. The laborintensive maintenance availability was vital to sustain the material condition of the ship once it returns to sea. The completion milestone marked the end of a historic modernization for the Navy’s oldest deployable warship. “Our success in reaching PCD is a testament to the hard work

of the Ship’s Repair Force and the crew, and really highlights the incredible teamwork it took to get here. It has been 23 months since we started this availability, making it the longest in Blue Ridge’s history,” Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Brett Crozier said. “But it was essential, as we extended the life of the ship another 20 years, meaning this will one day be a 70-year-old ship.” Crozier said the SRA was an important step in making the ship ready for combat. Now, Blue Ridge will begin to prepare for light off assessment, followed by sea trials to ensure the ship has the capacity to rejoin the fleet as a fully-operational unit. “Significant work was done completely rebuilding the boilers and associated equipment in the fire room and engine room,

making this another major step we have been preparing and training for,” Crozier said. “So, this is not the finish line for us. There is still plenty of work to accomplish.” Blue Ridge finished the scheduled SRA with costs totaling more than $60 million and approximately 135,000 crew hours of work completed. As a team, the Blue Ridge-SRA workforce completed more than 2,000 total jobs in this timeframe. The availability has ensured one of the 7th Fleet’s most critical assets is now ready to resume service as a superior warfighting platform. “I feel extreme satisfaction and gratification to know what we have accomplished as a team, as the Blue Ridge crew and together with SRF,” said Ship’s Maintenance Management

Officer Ensign Samantha Westley. “You feel inexplicable happiness and pride when you see the ship come alive slowly but surely, one piece of equipment at a time, right before my eyes.” With PCD finished, it is the Blue Ridge Sailors who are now excited to be at work, to operate their equipment, run drills and train to fight, according to Crozier. “We’re kind of like a baseball team being able to finally take the field in a new ball park after months of practicing in the parking lot,” he said. “A lot more training and certification will be required before we are ready to cast off all lines, but I am confident that if we continue to work hard and take care of one another, we will all be smiling when we’re underway again.”

SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BUMP, SET, SPIKE A PRINCESS TOLO STORY

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS PATRICK SEMALES It’s after working hours at the Fleet Recreation Center, and there is an undeniable electricity in the air as the USS Blue Ridge women’s volleyball team prepares to take the court to compete in this year’s Captain’s Cup. A powerful voice echoes throughout the room, calling the team to bring it in for a spirited all-hands-in cheer for last minute motivation. That voice belongs to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Denise Siaitolo AtualWevao, better known to her friends and teammates as “Princess Tolo,” and Blue Ridge couldn’t dream of a better team captain to unite this crew. With just one look after the referee blows the starting whistle, it becomes clear the opposition has no idea a two time All-Navy Women’s Volleyball starter is about to work her magic. One jump serve after the next, attack after attack, and aces on to of aces, the Blue Ridge team works together to set the bar for how volleyball is supposed to be played. Following every single point gained, Princess Tolo will not let her teammates continue without bringing it in to celebrate each step towards victory. Indeed, victory was achieved for team Blue. Princess Tolo’s aspirations extend a little further than casual Captain’s Cup tournaments. As HM3 and her Blue Ridge team celebrate, it is admirable to know less than a week

later she will be flying halfway across the world to try out for the third year in a row for the All-Navy team.

time I’ve tried out, and if I make the cut this will be the third time I’ve been a part of the team.

After the two teams shook hands and said their farewells, an opportunity presented itself for sit down with Tolo to discuss when it all began, how this military path opened up for her, and what she is preparing to pursue in the near future.

TB: They make you tryout every year? What kind of competition are you up against?

The Beacon (TB): Well done out there, I don’t think that other team ever stood a chance. I just found out the other day that the command is sending you to Florida for an opportunity to try out for the AllNavy women’s volleyball team. Princess Tolo (PT): That’s right, and I’m so excited! This will be the third

PT: The tryouts are at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., and each year there are 22 females authorized to try out for the team. Application cuts are made first based on past history, references and experiences. Ultimately only 12 players will make the cut. If you don’t make the cut, you are back on the plane bound for your duty station the next day. TB: That seems like a pretty steep cutting board, so what kind of women make the team?

PT: Well there are only four or five days to show what you got on the court before judgement day. There is absolutely no rank on the court. We’ve had enlisted, khakis, and officers on the team all at once before. It has been stressful every year I’ve tried out because nobody is guaranteed a spot on the team, whether they are a returning player or not.

to play with anyone. She would never tell me what others would say about me, and would only tell me that I did a good job and to keep working hard at it because nothing is ever given.

TB: And where has this drive taken you? You’ve come so far with the sport, what are some of the highlights and memories you’ve kept over the years?

TB: It’s great to have that kind of support running deep into family history. What in particular do you think pushed you to excel?

TB: You must be very determined to repetitively make the cut all these years in a row. Where does that come from exactly? How did you fall in love with this sport so much?

PT: She gave me the option; if I wasn’t serious about volleyball, I would only play in local club teams. But if I wanted to take it seriously, she would drive me an hour every other day for a travel team that competed in high level tournaments with scouts. It costs an arm and a leg to pay for it. Not a lot of Samoan families are able to afford clubs, but my mom made that sacrifice for me. I appreciate her for doing that, and that’s why I still play.

PT: I actually earned a volleyball scholarship to Graceland University, in Lamoni, Iowa, where I was a threeyear starter. I earned my bachelors in human services while I was there, but after college I still wanted to play professionally in Europe. I travelled to Maribor, Slovenia, to try out for the team there. While I didn’t make the cut because of my smaller size, it eventually lead me to a career in the Navy where I could still pursue my passion for volleyball as well.

PT: My mom was my coach and inspiration in the beginning. She taught me to be humble about my training. She would take me and my little sister to play in open gyms with other adults so we wouldn’t be afraid

TB: What opportunities has being a part of the All-Navy team opened up for you?

PT: I’ve competed in many different tournaments with the all navy team. We had the Armed Forces Tournament in Jacksonville, where we took 2nd against Air Force, but beat Army. I was selected for the All-Tournament Team in 2017 and was considered as one of the Top Six for the USA Armed Forces Team. There was an Open USA Tournament held in Minneapolis, where we took 4th out of 70 teams. I also played in CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire), where we competed with teams from China, Germany, Netherlands, and Canada. TB: What would you say that you love the most about the game? PT: I love the team atmosphere, learning the game in different ways from other players, and building

friendships. I’ve only been here in Japan for 3 months and have already made connections with some Japanese players off base by going to their open gyms. We might not speak the same language, but volleyball is a mutual language for us. That is an amazing feeling to know the game is loved and played across the world. TB: And how do you think you can relate your experiences in volleyball with your work on the ship? PT: It’s a little cliché, but cliché sayings are only cliché because they are true. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Every volleyball team I’ve been on has worked hard for one ultimate goal, to win a championship. We work hard together here in the medical department, to help get our Sailors medically ready to deploy. We always

support each other. It’s just a big family on different playing fields. TB: What are some of your long-term and future goals? Where do you see this passion taking you in life? PT: Eventually, I think I would love to coach and run a club on my own to help other females live out their dreams of the game. To be a great coach like the coaches I’ve had would be a privilege and honor that I know I would love to have once I know for sure it’s time to put up my shoes for playing. Princess Tolo’s achievements both on and off the volleyball court are an inspiration to her friends and peers. Her infectious positivity is a bright and shining example of a Sailor that reaches for the stars of her dreams.

SUMMER IS COMING PREPARE YOUR WHITES

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