September 20, 2011
vol. 1 i. 16
Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony
L A I C E E U P S S IS
Blue Ridge is an authorized publication for USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridge. All news releases, photos or information for publication in Blue Ridge must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.
Commanding Officer: Capt. Daniel Grieco Executive Officer: Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Ralston Command Master Chief: CMDCM(SW/SS) David Unnone Public Affairs Officer: Lt. j.g. Clinton Beaird Chief Editor: MCC (SW) Katherine Strom Contributors: MC1(SW) Todd Macdonald MC2(SW) Brian Dietrick MC2 Aaron Pineda MC2(SW/AW) Kenneth Hendrix MC2(AW) Steven Khor MC2 Fidel C. Hart MC3(SW) Alexandra Arroyo MC3 Mel Orr MCSN James Norman
Chief Personnel Specialist Achilles C. Amante
Chief Machinist’s Mate John M. Atwood
Chief Personnel Specialist Aurora A. Caasi
Years of service: 13 Hometown: Bloomfield, N. J. “Becoming a chief is one of the greatest things to happen in my life. It means my hard work and dedication to the Navy has paid off.”
Years of service: 11 Hometown: Longmont, Co. “Being a chief is to take care of everyone around you. Always hold up your moral character and do the right thing.”
Years of service: 14 Hometown: Somerville, N.J. “A chief sets the standards and leads by example 24/7. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it and only the chief can! With pride!”
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On the cover: Chief Electronics Technician Scott Cassin poses with his family for a photograph after the chief petty officer pinning ceremony.
Septem ber 19, 201 1
vol. 1 i. 16
Photo by MC3 Mel Orr
Chief Pe tty ffic Pinnin e g CerO emonyr
Chief Aerographer’s Mate Chi. K. Maxey Years of service: 13 Hometown: Joliet, Ill. “As a chief, I will have added responsibilities to the Navy’s mission and all Sailors and junior officers. I must know how to be resourceful when there is an unknown answer to a question.”
Layout by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Fidel C. Hart Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr
e
Chief Electronics Technician Scott M. Cassin Years of service: 13 Hometown: Dunedin, Fl. “I feel proud and humbled to be selected as a chief petty officer. I hope to represnt those I have served and those who have worked for me in an ever-changing Navy.”
Chief Machinist’s Mate Kim Milan D. Mercado Years of service: 15 Hometown: Daly City, Calif. “Becoming a chief means I have done something right. It is my turn to give back to the Sailors that got me here by training and guiding them to success.”
Chief Culinary Specialist Jerome M. Feliciano Years of service: 19 Hometown: Angeles City, Republic of the Philippines “Being a chief is the greatest thing to happen to me. It’s been 19 years of hard work and sacrifices but it’s been all worthwhile.”
Chief Quartermaster Andrey L. Mihaylovski Years of service: 9 Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla. “I will take care of the mission and Sailors. I will be responsible for my own actions, provide guidance and training to junior personnel. ”
Know? Did You
Chief Information Systems Techinican Aquinor Hollingsworth Years of service: 13 Hometown: New Orleans, La. “Becoming a chief is the utmost achievement. I get to instill in our Navy’s future what has been passed on by chiefs before me.”
Chief Information Systems Technician Dewayne C. Poole Years of service: 19 Hometown: Montgomery, Ala. “Being a chief means pride. Pride in service, pride in the Navy and pride in self.”
Chief Machinist’s Mate Carlos Jones Years of service: 11 Hometown: Chicago, Ill. “I am a trusted leader! I represent the standard and lead by example. I will train the junior Sailors and officers for success.”
Gunnery Sergeant Elwin T. Zubiri Years of service: 12 Hometown: Marion, Ill. “The experience of being an honorary chief means a lot to me. Not many Marines will have the opportunity to take part in the induction.”
Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller is the only Chief Petty Officer in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was the first Major League Baseball player to volunteer for service following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Feller served four years in the U. S. Navy as a gun captain aboard USS Alabama (BB 60).
Congratulations to all of the Blue Ri Layout and Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr
idge/ 7th Fleet Chief Petty Officers
Sibling Bond Strengthened Through Chief Indocrination On Blue Ridge Story by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Alexandra Arroyo Brothers and sisters go through many rights of passage together. Chief Personnel Specialists Achilles Amante and Aurora Caasi’s right of passage is one most siblings may never experience- making chief together on the same ship. Long before making chief their career choices were limited. They both started out undesignated. Amante was a Firemen and Caasi was an Airmen. Somehow, both chiefs ended up choosing to cross rate into the same field. “I joined first and then my little brother joined after me,” said Caasi. “I would have never guessed that he would have the same rate as me.” Amante admitted that he joined the navy later than his sister, and chose his rate after she did. “It was interesting. I had no idea she even had that rate when I picked it,” he said. Like many first class petty officers anticipating results that day, these two were excited when when they were nominated for advancement. “I knew the results early that morning because Chief Smith came into the head while I was shaving and told me I made it.” Amante said.
“I thought ok, they have to call my name because I’m older. He can’t make chief before me.” -Chief Personnel Specialist Aurora Caasi
Photo by MC3 Mel Orr
While they may not see each other much while at sea, they admitted that they have had ample opportunity to spend time together while visiting foreign ports. “When we go out on liberty, she does the shopping and I carry the shopping bags.” They acknowledged the fact that they have family ties on board but insisted that they still maintain a professional approach
towards each other during the week. They both share one special opportunity to continue the time honored Naval tradition of chief petty officer together. “ I'm really glad hes going to be with me in the mess,” said Caasi, “I've never seen brothers and sisters make chief at the same time anon the same ship. Thats the awesome thing about it.”
“I heard my brother made it first because Blue Ridge announces their selectees first,” Caasi said. “I thought, ‘OK, they have to call my name because I’m older. He can’t make Chief before me.’” Siblings serving on the same ship is a rarity in the Navy. Since Blue Ridge is the only ship in the fleet that has two commands on one ship, it became possible for them to serve together. “He had been trying to come out here for a while but we don't get to see each other much when were underway,” said Caasi. Photo by MC3 Mel Orr
Photo by MC3 Mel Orr
Blue Ridge Holds U.S. 7th Fleet Change of Command Ceremony
7th fleet news
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Hendrix U.S. 7th Fleet held a change of command ceremony aboard the command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Sept. 7. Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk was relieved by Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift during the ceremony. “It has been the thrill of my career to briefly command in the best job of our Navy and watch this fleet in action. My heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful dedicated service, friendship and support you all have provided,” said Van Buskirk. “There is no better leader to guide 7th Fleet than Vice Adm. Scott Swift. His operational experience is unmatched and his most recent job as the Pacific Command Operations Officer means that he is already attuned to all of the complex issues in this region.” Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, praised Van Buskirk for his outstanding leadership of the U.S. 7th Fleet during the past year. During his tenure, Van Buskirk led U.S. 7th Fleet forces in the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation in history,
Photo by MC2 Kenneth Hendrix
Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift prepares to relieve Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk as commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, at the change of command ceremony held on the flight deck aboard the command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).
Operation Tomodachi. At its peak, the Navy had 22 ships, 132 aircraft and more than 15,000 personnel dedicated to assisting Japan’s Self Defense Forces in the search and recovery efforts. “When I stood on this deck almost a year ago, my
guidance to the Fleet was simple - maintain course and speed and execute the three persistent priorities that had served the Fleet so well: maximizing warfighting readiness, maritime partnerships, and force posture,” said Van
Buskirk. “I can say with complete confidence that our forces are ready, our forces are present throughout the theater, and our partnerships are stronger than they have ever been.” Swift, a native of San Diego, Calif., assumed command of 7th Fleet following a tour as Director of Operations, U.S. Pacific Command. “I assume command today full of confidence, born in the knowledge of how well 7th Fleet has been led by Adm. Walsh and Vice Adm. Van Buskirk,” said Swift. “We are a global force for good. That truth is born out by Vice Adm. Van Buskirk as he has left the 7th Fleet area of responsibility a better place than what he found. I am confident we will do the same.” Van Buskirk’s next assignment will be as deputy of Naval Operations for manpower, personnel, training and education in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Personnel in Arlington, Va.
Photo by MC3 Mel Orr
Photo by MC2 Kenneth Hendrix
Photo by MC2 Kenneth Hendrix
Photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda
Photo by MC2 Kenneth Hendrix
KNOW YOUR SHIPMATES
Fireman welcomes growing responsiblity August’s Sea Warrior of the Month tells how being a new father helped him pave a new direction on his road in life Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Fidel C. Hart
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rowing up amid the backdrop of the world’s most famous theme park in Orlando, Florida, Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Ruben Martinez knew he wanted a career that would take him far. With the guidance of his family, Martinez entered Navy Recruit Training Command one month after graduating high school in June 2009. Now at the age of 20 and a recent father, Martinez is focused on success in his career, family and education. “My goal in five years is to be settled in with my new family, living together and earn a higher rank to support them,” Martinez said. “In 10 years, my goal is to be in charge of a machine shop, provide great leadership to my fellow workers and obtaining my college degree.” Martinez, who recently had a baby girl, says that being a father is a great blessing. Although his fiance and baby
Sailor Q A &
MMFN Amy Khanthavongsay
“In fourth grade and my teacher turned on the news. I just remember not really understanding what was going on. Now that I know the full details of what happened that day, words can’t express the sadness I feel for all the families that were affected.”
Photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda
are in the United States, he has a grasp on his priorities despite the difficulties he faces being an overseas father. His priorities include excelling in his field and becoming an outstanding Sailor.
In August, Martinez earned Sea Warrior of the Month for Blue Ridge. The Sea Warrior of the Month is a program designed for Sailors E-3 and below who consistently demonstrate commitment to
Navy core values through their actions or standard. Martinez said that receiving the award means a lot and he appreciates people recognizing his motivation. “I love to work. Getting an award for something I love doing feels good,” he said. Away from his job, Martinez said he enjoys going out with his friends, working out at the gym and playing basketball. When it comes to living in Japan, he said what he likes most is the food. “If I had to leave Japan tomorrow, I would miss the food most,” he said. “The curry and the ramen here are real good.” Despite what he describes as early setbacks in his career, Martinez feels he is moving forward in the right direction. “I had my first child at the age of 20 and now I am about to be happily married. My career is going really great and I plan on staying in the Navy to make something out of my life.”
“What were you doing on Sept. 11, 2001 when the attacks started and how did you feel?” Compiled by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman HT2(SW) David Odette
“I was 18 years old doing drywall construction when I heard the news on the radio. I was scheduled to join the Navy later in the month. My recruiter called me a few days after the attacks and asked if I wanted to join early. I was proud to say ‘yes’ knowing I was going to help.”
BM1(SW/AW) Terrence Phillips
ITC(SW) Kyra Stanley
“I was on break in “A” school when I got a call from someone telling me to turn on the news. Everything got really tense shortly after that because no one had any idea yet to how the military was going to react. The events of Sept. 11 2001, will be a memory people won’t forget.”
“I was a First Class petty officer in London and I turned on the news as soon as the second plane hit the tower. I still can’t believe the events of September 11 happened and my respects go out to those who lost their loved ones.”
Ensign Lashondra Phillips
“I was a Third Class Petty Officer aboard USS Sullivans (DDG 68) when I saw the news. I just remember wondering how could this have happened and what was our military going to do about it. The events of 9/11 were tragic and my heart goes out to all those who were affected.”