September 2015 by USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19)

SEPT. 2015

BLUE RIDGE RETURNS

ALL STAR

FSOM

LUE RIDGE RETURNING HOME

Welcome to the Goat Locker Blue Ridge crew supports successful FSOMS inspection

MCI

Welcome to the goat locker

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Chief Selects march in formation back to base after completing a community service event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan KirkJohnson)

COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Kyle P. Higgins EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cmdr. Nathan Fugate

blue ridge completes summer patrol Returns to Yokosuka

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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COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (SW/AW/IDW) Mark Tomlinson PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC (SW/EXW/FMF/SCW) Ja’lon A. Rhinehart EDITOR MC1 (SW) Phillip Pavlovich MEDIA TEAM MC1 (SW/AW) Mike Story MC2 (SW) Michael Hendricks MC2 (SW) Jared Harrel MC3 (SW) Jacob Waldrop MC3 (SW) Kevin A. Flinn MC3 (SW) Liz Dunagan MC3 (SW) Jordan KirkJohnson MC3 Don Patton MCSA (SW) Timothy Hale

Lt. Adam Hudson is greeted by his wife and daughter on the pier in Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

Busan Photo Review Photos from Busan, Republic of Korea

Check Out More

Page 5 News from the Fleet @ www.navy.mil

U.S. Naval Forces Central Commannd Welcomes New Commander

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Anhtu Pham carries the National Ensign in preparation to shift colors prior to the ship mooring pier side in Busan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

fOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Contents

All Star

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Navy Identifies Sailor Who Died in Hiking Accident Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship

Cryptologic Technical Technician 2nd Class Christopher Dugas participates in an inter-navy volleyball game with Republic of Korea Navy Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

also in this issue Captain’s Corner Words from the Commanding Officer

01 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

Chief of Chaplains Visit NRC

Chaplains message Pg. 4

Words from the Chaplain

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San Diego Warship Host MCPON

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Welcome to the Goat locker Chiefs and Chief Selects pose for a group photo after a community service event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan KirkJohnson)

Retired Master Chief Fire Controlman Michael Lutman, right, delivers remarks during Fiscal Year 2016 Chief Petty Officers’ Pinning Ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn/ RELEASED)

FISCAL YEAR 2016 CHIEFS ICC STEPHEN GONDRY BMC JOEPEARL DEGUIA MMC JULIAN CRISTO-LUCERO OSC NESTOR CUVASSOTO LCC JACQUE GARCIA ITC GORDON WOO CTTC BEN NORTHCUTT FCC CHAD BOWEN ITC FAITH ELBERT

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Chief Logistics Specialist Jacque Garcia salutes sideboys after being frocked to chief petty officer during the Fiscal Year 2016 Chief Petty Officer’s Pinning Ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Harral)

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 02

Blue Ridge Completes Sum Returns to Yokos

Story by Mass Communication Special

During the port visits, nearly 300 of the ship’s crew and embarked staff also took opportunities to participate in 15 community service events at locations such as children’s hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, and even the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia.

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after concluding a threemonth patrol Sept. 2. During the summer patrol, Blue Ridge visited five ports in four different countries, strengthening relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and boosting theater security cooperation. “The staff and crew did a tremendous job during this patrol,” said Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, commanding officer of Blue Ridge. “It’s amazing what they were able to accomplish, balancing a busy schedule of work, certifications and exercises.” Blue Ridge played an important role in the joint exercises Talisman Sabre (TS) and Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG), serving as the joint task force command center for all military branches during TS and the command center for all naval forces during UFG. “Through these exercises, the participating forces work to improve their inter-operational proficiencies through military-to-military integration,” said Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Robert Thomas. “Working with our partner nations, we are able to ensure our ability to work together, strengthening relationships and fostering peace and stability throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations.” 03 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

“The goal of the community service events is to build upon established relationships with our host countries,” said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Brian Jewell. “They provide an amazing opportunity to experience different cultures and to interact with the local community at each port we visit.” The ship also underwent some major inspections, including the Medical Readiness Inspection, Fleet Support Operations – Medical and TYCOM Material Inspection. “Every department had to come together in order to complete these inspections,” said Lt. Cmdr. (Dr.) Omar Saeed, the ship’s senior medical officer. “The crew worked as a team to get the job done, and the result was some of the highest scores we have ever received.” During the patrol, the ship made stops in Guam, Australia, Japan and South Korea, covering more than 12,000 nautical miles, and over 900 hours during its 77-day deployment. “We had a great patrol and visited some amazing countries,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Page Gibson. “However, I can’t wait to see my family and spend some much needed quality time with them.” Blue Ridge will now enter an extended Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) period, allowing the crew and ship repair facility workers to conduct vital maintenance on the ship, increasing its lifespan.

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CAPTAIN’S CORNER

mmer Patrol suka

CORNER

list 2nd Class Jared Harral

“Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of work ahead for the crew during SRA,” said Higgins. “However, with the successful completion of SRA, the crew has an exciting 2016 schedule to look forward to.” Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 36 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, Blue Ridge is committed to strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

Greetings Blue Ridge friends and family… Thank you for your continued support of our Sailors while we were away from home. We are excited to be back and look forward to catching up on the time missed and exchanging stories of our adventures. Special thanks to those on the pier who met us and helped ensure the return was something to remember. Though we had to turn around and head back to sea the following morning, your presence and warm smiles were a pleasant sight and provided just the kind of reception our Sailors needed after being gone for those few months. We are in full repair mode after completing our Summer Patrol and the final operational inspection of the year. Transitioning to maintenance is very important and we need to maintain headway we established over the last few months. We were quite busy with inspections and certifications since January, however, successfully completing them is what provides the confidence to our Sailor’s and the equipment’s operational capability necessary for mission completion. I appreciate your patience and support for the crew through what will be a very challenging time. This repair period lasts until February next year and sets the stage for what will be a much larger maintenance period summer 2016. With our team and SRF support, we will complete on time, and get back to sea where we belong.

Lt. Adam Hudson is greeted by his wife and daughter on the pier in Yokosuka. Blue Ridge returned to homeport Yokosuka after completing a three-month summer patrol, strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

Finally, I pass along special congratulations to our newest Chief Petty Officers and their families. There is no greater accomplishment or responsibility than joining the Navy’s Chief’s Mess. May you lead well, teach patiently and honor those who went before you by earning your gold-fouled anchors everyday. Take care and I will talk to you soon,

Capt. Higgins

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 04

BUSAN “Working with our partner nations, we are able to ensure our ability to work together, strengthening relationships and fostering peace and stability throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations.” -Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Robert Thomas

Blue Ridge builds relationships with the Republic of Korea Navy during the exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian

05 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

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Quartermaster 1st Class Paul Traver, raises the National Ensign as the ship departs Busan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton

Blue Ridge Sailors visit the Korea Polytechnic Institute in Busan.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finest in the Fleetâ&#x20AC;? | Blue Ridge Magazine | 06

FOR THE LOVE “ALL

Story by Mass Communication years,” said Dugas. “I really like traveling to all these places that we patrol and having a chance to play some friendly games of soccer and baseball with foreign teams. It’s an opportunity that most people never get to experience.”

The afternoon sun beat down on the field as the “All Star” stepped up to the plate. This was it, the pressure was on. For Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Christopher Dugas, it was his time to shine. Crack! The bat connected with the ball and it sailed out of the park. After growing up active in sports, Dugas checked onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and quickly took an interest in the teams that were available joining the baseball, soccer and football teams. “I got the nickname ‘All Star’ from our chaplain at the time,” said Dugas. “He was in charge of our team and didn’t know my name because I was fairly new. He went down the line assigning positions and when he got to me, he said ‘I’m just going to call you all star’. The name just kind of stuck.” “I’ve been on Blue Ridge for a little over two 07 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

Dugas is one of Blue Ridge’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sports coordinators and he takes his job very seriously, especially when it comes to organizing sporting events with foreign countries. “He makes sure all the teams make it to the events and that we have everything set up well ahead of time,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Thai, a Blue Ridge MWR sports coordinator. “He even coaches one of the teams when he’s not playing.” During high school, Dugas coached a little league soccer team in his off time. After Blue Ridge’s soccer coach left, Dugas stepped up to take his place trying to improve the team and his coaching experience in high school gave him the confidence he needed to step in. “I really enjoy coaching the soccer team,” said Dugas. “I think playing has made me a better coach and coaching will help me become a better player.” “To say soccer is a big deal in my town is a massive understatement.”

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E OF THE GAME STAR”

Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Waldrop

“I’ve been playing sports most of my life. My stepdad started having me play baseball at a young age, as he has been pushing me to be active since I was little.” His talent in baseball didn’t go unnoticed. After graduating high school he received a scholarship to play baseball in college but injured his leg and wasn’t able to play. “I love being active,” said Dugas. “Playing sports is a great way for me to bond with my shipmates and stay in shape at the same time.”

they’re family. “It’s great to see everyone come together during a game,” said Dugas. “When we’re actually playing, we’re like a family out on the field. We all know our positions and know what to do. You don’t get paid to play on the ship’s team so everyone there is only there because they love what they do.” “I go out there to play for one reason. I go because I love the game.”

During the ship’s visit to Honk Kong, Dugas got a chance to play against Hong Kong’s international baseball team. “During our visit I was playing dodge ball at one of our sporting events and someone from the other team asked if I played baseball,” said Dugas. “I said I did and got invited to play with his team the Typhoons against Hong Kong’s international team. How many people can say that they had a chance to do something like that?” “He’s very enthusiastic about the sports he plays,” said Thai. “He’s even started to branch out into other sports like volleyball.” Dugas doesn’t feel any more at home than he does on the field with his team beside him. To him they are more than co-workers, twitter.com/ussblueridge

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“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 08

BLUE RIDGE CREW SUPPORTS SUCESSFUL FSOM INSPECTION

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) successfully completed a five-day Fleet Support Operations Medical (FSOM) inspection Aug. 21. During FSOM, Afloat Training Group (ATG) Western Pacific inspected the Health Services Department (HSD) on their administrative documentation, including their standard occupational health (SOH) program and whether they had the proper amount of medical supplies and equipment in the correct locations around the ship. “As an occupational health manager onboard, it’s my job to go around and make sure our SOH programs align with fleet and ATG standards,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joseph A. Branch. “I have spent the last few months looking at all of our hearing conservation signage and heat stress thermometers, ensuring they are within proper specifications and calibrated in accordance with Blue Ridge instructions.” During FSOM, ATG inspected the stocked supplies in the battle dressing stations, six mass casualty boxes and 63 first aid boxes around the ship, validating that all supplies are present and within the expiration threshold. In conjunction with verifying accurate administrative accountability, the inspectors ran medical training team drills, simulating casualties all around the ship, testing the crew’s knowledge and capability to respond to incidents involving the eight basic battle wounds. “I don’t want to just hit the wicket, I want to see how they treat the wound,” said ATG Inspector Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Joel Capuyan. “I want to see them conducting the proper procedures, and applying their training, not just identifying the equipment. If you don’t know how to apply the training properly, then in a medical emergency, the individuals life is in danger.” “It was kind of intense, I’m not going to lie,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brad Leslie. “The ATG inspector really made it feel like it was an actual medical emergency, but I went back to my training, calmed down and got the job done. Everyone that was around definitely contributed to our overall success and I think the biggest thing that I learned was that in these types of situations, team work is essential to success.”

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge Medical Department poses for a group photo on the maindeck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks)

Blue Ridge scored 96.3% on their administrative documentation and 97.95% on their crew assessment drills for an overall score of 97.13%. FSOM is conducted every 18 months and helps ensure the crews readiness to respond to medical casualties. “Preparation is key,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Michael Jimenez, HSD departmental leading chief petty officer. “We started preparations for FSOM back in April, and began reviewing our programs to ensure that we maintained an ample amount of qualified personnel and made certain they had the proper equipment to be effective responders. “I am proud of the crew and their response to this inspection. They worked as a team and got the job done. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

M16 GUN SHOOT

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn

09 | Blue Ridge Magazine | “Finest in the Fleet”

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blue ridge wraps up mci Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Dunagan

The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) successfully completed its mid-cycle inspection (MCI) Sept. 5. Every space, system and piece of equipment onboard was checked for optimal operational capability by 10 inspectors from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and 49 from the Type Commander Material Inspection Team (TMIT). MCI is conducted every 30 months prior to the ship’s INSURV cycle.

Damage Controlman Fireman Troy Brassell, left, Damage Controlman 3rd Class Joseph Woodson, middle, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Marvin Rivero, stage damage control equipment for an inspection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)

“We strictly inspected the material readiness of the ship to insure that it was capable of accomplishing the mission it was designed for and will continue to in the future,” said Cmdr. Aaron Washington, assistant chief of staff for Commander Naval Surface Forces. Blue Ridge Sailors prepared for this inspection for months, conducting mock inspections and cross-departmental Preventative Maintenance System (PMS) spot-checks, ensuring the crew understood what was expected of them. “MCI inspectors looked at what operational maintenance checks we do day-to-day,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Atwater, Blue Ridge’s assistant ship’s maintenance management officer. “They observed as we conducted checks during our anchor drop test and full-power runs with our boilers.” The inspectors also observed, the operations department conduct a detect to engage test; information system’s department high frequency transmitter observations; as well as the basic daily shipboard operations including the ship’s internet capabilities. The overall goal of MCI is to verify the material readiness of the ship and to provide the crew with a list of how they can expand the life-cycle of the ship further, said Capt. David Owen, chief of staff and a senior inspector of INSURV. “The underway day was the most important,” said Owen. “We observed the crew performing different evolutions and demonstrating their equipments’ operations, documenting any discrepancies we saw.”

Damage Controlman 1st Class Joni Abando, left, presents damage control equipment to Board of Inspection and Survey Inspector, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anthony Martin, during an inspection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Flinn)

“The Sailors presenting the spaces did very well. They were professional, knowledgeable and honest. If they maintain that standard the next group of inspectors will be just as pleased as we were.” MCI is graded using 20 different functional areas, ranging from supply and aviation to engineering and damage control. Owen continued saying that INSURV assigns a numeric grade to each of those groups and it all adds up to the INSUV figure merit (IFOM). The score ranges from 0 to 100, with the average somewhere in the low 80s. “Overall Blue Ridge and her crew scored a satisfactory. We graded her against the other amphibious assault class ships and compared to the rest, she scored above average,” stated Owen.

Type Commanders Material Inspection Team Inspector, Chief Quartermaster Kenneth Waugh, right, gives feedback to Chief Electronics Technician Kevin Jones following an inspection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hale/RELEASED)

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” If Sailors put nose to grindstone, correcting the discrepancies and demonstrating the same amount of dedication they showed throughout this mid-cycle inspection, I expect to hear wonderful things about the outcome of their INSURV.” Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for nearly 36 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Blue Ridge is committed to strengthening and fostering relationships within the IndoAsia Pacific region.

“Finest in the Fleet” | Blue Ridge Magazine | 10

CHAPLAIN’S message

Greetings, USS Blue Ridge Sailors and Family Members! I am Chaplain Um, your new Command Chaplain aboard the USS Blue Ridge. I’d like to introduce my family and tell you a little bit about myself. My wife, Janice, and I have been married for 11 years and have one daughter, Grace (9 yrs). Grace is a 4th grader at Sullivans Elementary School on base. This summer, we moved to CFAY from Marine Corps Base, Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), where I served as Tactical Chaplain for 3d Radio Bn (Signal Intelligence Battalion) for a 30-month tour. Although Janice and I come from very different backgrounds, we are happily married. (Janice: Irish/Italian Roman Catholic background, born in Boston, Massachusetts; I was born and raised in Busan, South Korea, Presbyterian faith group). Janice and I both know that marriage is not easy because we come from very different backgrounds and had to learn about the marriage commitment through our own difficulties and trials. And also, I am very aware that being a young Sailor on a ship is really challenging and difficult because, around 20 years ago, I as a young

man served Republic of Korea Army for 26 months (Nov 1993 to Jan 1996). In 1993, I had to put a hold on my theology studies, as well as my personal relationships, while I served mandatory military service in Korea. That process was so stressful and difficult, but thankfully, I received a Chaplain’s assistance to overcome my emotional distress along with the stress of adjusting to military life. Because of that Chaplain’s care, support and guidance for me, I truly understand the important value of the military Chaplain. I am very proud and honored to serve USS Blue Ridge Sailors and your family members. We are here to serve you and your family. I am available for you and your family at any time. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email address is: junsub.um@lcc19.navy.mil. My Blackberry number is: 090-6161-0213. Thank you, and God bless the ever-faithful USS Blue Ridge family.