CONTENTS
MCPON’S CORNER CHIEFS’ 125TH BIRTHDAY 4
SAKURA 6
MAIN SPACE FIRE DRILL 8
SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT 10
BLUE RIDGE FSO-M CERT 14
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
April 1st marked 125 years of Chief Petty Officers serving as “The backbone of our Navy.” The Chief Petty Officers continue to serve as visible, more authentic, competent, courageous, and confidently humble deckplate leaders in leading our Navy team forward every day. As we celebrate our heritage with good grace, let us reflect on and honor the expertise, grit, and devotion of those who wore anchors before us. They shaped the Chief Petty Officer rate into the time honored respected and revered fellowship simply known today as “The Mess” - recognized worldwide for its distinct leadership in accomplishing the Navy’s mission. Chief Petty Officers must continue to build on the achievements and lessons of the past 125 years. To ensure the Navy achieves operational excellence and that our Sailors, civilians, and families get the support they need to contribute to our mission success, we serve as trusted leaders, technical experts, advisors, and mentors. We do so guided by the wisdom of the Chief Petty Officer Creed a timeless living document. It is truly an honor and humbling to serve as part of such a long-standing and valued legacy. The tireless efforts of Chief Petty Officers, past and present, are the cornerstone of our Navy’s continued success as the world’s premiere combat ready force.
Stay safe and Happy 125th Birthday, Chiefs!
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
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125 YEARS of DECKPLATE LEADERS Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam K. Thomas
Chief Petty Officers (CPO) assigned to the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet combined Chiefs’ Mess gathered on the ship’s flight deck April 1 to commemorate the 125th birthday of the rank of CPO. Effectively running and fighting a warship relies on bridging the gap between officers and enlisted personnel. From this need Congress enacted a bill officially establishing the rank of Chief Petty Officer April 1, 1893. For 125 years, Chief Petty Officers have been the deck plate leaders and backbone of the Navy. “I’m extremely honored to be here today with my fellow Chiefs hoisting our nation’s colors and remembering all the fine men and women who’ve come before us to make the Chief Petty Officer association what it is today,” said USS Blue Ridge Command Master Chief James Grant. Despite strong winds and cold temperatures, 39 CPOs stood in formation, braving the weather, to pay their
respects and honor the deep history and cultural significance of the CPO association. CPOs provide service to officers as well as junior Sailors. They navigate young Sailors toward the future. A chief is the foundation and guidepost for setting standards, as well as the epitome of what leadership is. “It’s such a humbling experience to be a Chief in today’s Navy,” said Chief Information Systems Technician, Wilfredo Casillas. “Leading and grooming young Sailors in order to ensure the mission is completed can be challenging, but is also very rewarding.” The ability to bridge the gap and provide solutions to both officers and enlisted personnel makes them not only silent professionals, but also ensures the old mantra, “ask the Chief,” shall remain a vital part of the Navy’s future.
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EXPLORE JAPAN
Sakura: Inspiration for a Nation STORY BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS DYLAN MCKAY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON
U.S. Navy Sailors arriving in Japan for the first time may be pleasantly surprised to see things that remind them of home. Although brand new food, people, and experiences await them, one thing that may catch a Sailor off-guard is their familiarity with cherry blossoms. One may think they know about cherry blossoms from the various festivals back home, but the experiences with them in Japan could not be more different from what one would find back in the States. Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, are a staple of Japanese culture. Even without experience in Japan, it is likely one has seen them before, whether that be in person, in magazines, or on television shows. They are an extremely important part of Japanese history, and the festivals held to celebrate these trees are welcoming to all. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the history of sakura in Japan spans hundreds of years, and has evolved to hold a deep and profound meaning. Their website says sakura trees represent life, in all its beauty and delicate nature. They bloom for a brief period each year, usually no longer than a month. However, the celebrations that take place under the blossoms are not seen as a somber affair. Happiness and good times are had by all because sakura teaches people that while life may be short, it is also beautiful and majestic. The sakura blooming occurs from late March to early May. Huge groups of people gather underneath the petals to take part in celebrations with food, drink and music. These festivals, called Hanami, literally translated to “flower viewing,” can be traced back through Japan’s history for at least 1,000 years. Hanami started in the Nara period (710-794), and actually began when ume, or “plum,” blossoms were the flower of choice. By the time the Heian period (794-1185) of Japanese history began, sakura began to attract more attention. They largely replaced ume blossoms as the flower people most wanted to see, although Hanami is synonymous with viewing ume as well. One of the biggest and most popular locations for participating in Hanami is Hirosaki Park. More than 2,600 cherry blossom trees call this park home. According to the Hirosaki Park website, each spring many visitors swarm this park to view and enjoy the immense beauty, serenity and
scents the blossoms offer. Hirosaki Park is also home to Hirosaki Castle, which multiplies the uniqueness of the experience for many. Visitors can rent boats for a relaxing ride through the castle’s moat, which is sprinkled with fallen petals. Hanami has even been known to continue throughout the night, during which it is referred to as “yozakura,” which translates to “night sakura.” During yozakura, lanterns are often hung from the branches above the festivals, ensuring the party continues well into the night. “I usually don’t go for stuff like this, but it was a really good time,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Steven Lisser. “It was just a bunch of people eating, drinking and partying all day and all night long without a care in the world. Everyone was having a really good time, and the atmosphere all around was really fun and inviting.” Sakura is unique in that it is a fleeting experience. According to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jose Ibarra, the cherry blossoms’ short lifespan enhances the experience. “Japan has its own unique beauties,” said Ibarra. “Some are always very apparent and hard to miss like Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, and the Great Buddha. Others, however, might require you to take a second to literally stop and smell the flowers or else you’ll miss them. The cherry blossoms are a seasonal thing, only able to be adored for a limited time. I hope every person gets to at least see them once before they leave, because it is truly a life-changing experience.” Along with Hirosaki Park, another popular viewing sight is the Sankeien Garden Cherry Blossom Night Viewing Festival. This festival is held in Sankeien Garden, a vast traditional Japanese garden in Yokohama covering over 174,000 square meters, and features numerous illuminated cherry blossom trees around a pond. This festival is held from March 31 to April 8 this year. For most people, gathering under these short-lived petals isn’t solely about admiring flowers. They would say they are celebrating life. Over bento boxes and sake, they are commemorating the passage of loved ones and the mysteries of the world. They are wringing the beauty out of life as best they can. It is an experience they would tell us all to take part in while we are here.
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M A I N S PA C E F I R E D R I L L
PREPARING FOR REALITY STORY AND PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JORDAN KIRKJOHNSON
Sailors aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conduct main space fire drills weekly to improve their knowledge of firefighting procedures and teamwork.
control (DC) repair lockers in order to be contained. DC repair lockers are equipped with tools required to combat casualties and are manned with nearly 60 Sailors each.
“It is important to take these drills seriously because damage control is everyone’s responsibility,” said Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) member, Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician William Sisk. “Attitude is key. If the crew is pumped up and eager, it sets the tone and affects how the drill is going to run.”
“Although firefighting isn’t my primary job, it is my responsibility as well as everyone else’s onboard,” said lower level boiler technician, Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Elijahwon Turner. “It’s not just engineers that can save this ship during a fire. Anyone can, and everyone should want to. This is our home.”
A main space fire drill takes place in the ship’s fireroom and requires support from three of the ship’s five damage
Main Space fires that become uncontrollable and spread beyond their primary boundaries can cause catastrophic
effects and crippling damage to the ship. “It is vital that we take ownership of our individual positions while working together as a team,” said assessment team leader, Damage Controlman 3rd Class Mohammad Hassan. “The main space is the heart of the ship, and as the team leader, their safety in the space is my responsibility. We trust each other with our lives down there.” During drills, Sailors are evaluated on how quickly causality boundaries are set, the quality of communication
throughout the evolution, and if proper procedures were followed. “The crew has improved immensely from the crawling phase of identifying our positions and what those jobs entail, to walking through the casualty control procedures and honing in on areas that can be improved,” said Engineering Training Team (ETT) Leader, Ens. Cedric McMillan. “There is always room for improvement and every drill is a learning opportunity. But, I have full confidence in the crew’s ability to combat a Main Space fire.”
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SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BUILDING A BODY A STRONG LEADER STORY AND PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS ETHAN CARTER
work,” said Westley. “With what little time I do have, I enjoy going to the gym in the morning to work out. It’s the best way for me to start my day.” Although Westley now has a firm grasp on her strict morning routine, it wasn’t always the case. “I began training as an Engineman 2nd Class back in 2011,” said Westley. “It was tough getting started. The first thing I had to do was identify my weak points. Once I understood those, I worked towards overcoming them one-by-one and eventually became stronger.” Waking up at 4 a.m. to go to the gym requires dedication. It is not easy to get up so early in order to put in a tiring workout before the day even begins. However, one U.S. Navy Sailor has the drive and motivation it takes to meet the challenge.
Samantha Westley, has been going to the gym regularly for the last seven years and knows the kind of dedication it takes to be a successful athlete and healthy Sailor. She’s up at the crack of dawn pushing weight while most of us are still asleep in our racks.
USS Blue Ridge Ship’s Maintenance Management Officer (SMMO), Ensign
“Being an officer in the Navy, I barely have enough time to myself outside of
As she progressed, a friend began taking notice and suggested body building as a way to continue pushing herself to set new goals. “That’s when I started working towards becoming a body builder,” she said. ”Eventually I had my first competition and from that day on I knew it was what I wanted to do.”
“It’s all about proving that no matter what it is, you can accomplish your goals.” ENSIGN SAMANTHA WESTLEY
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Working to become a body builder takes a lot of self-discipline, confidence, consistency and hard work. Westley says she acquired these qualities from her experiences as a former enlisted Sailor. She rose through the Navy’s ranks from undesignated Seaman all the way up to Chief Engineman before she was commissioned. “During my years as an enlisted Sailor, I learned that when faced with a difficult challenge, you have to push as hard as you can and never give up,” said Westley. “I kept that in mind when I first started body building and even today.” Westley’s ability to push herself in her body building translates into her
shipboard work as well. USS Blue Ridge Main Propulsion Assistant, Ensign Cedric McMillian has worked alongside Ensign Westley for 8 months and believes she is one of the most dedicated Sailors he has had the pleasure to work with.
“The job of the SMMO requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and coordination between ships force and the assigned regional maintenance facility to ensure the ship is taken care of and remains mission ready,” said McMillian.
“Ensign Westley is a work horse,” said McMillian. “She will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Even if that means putting other priorities above her own. Sailors look up to her because of her ‘get it done’ attitude.”
Body building is what gives Westley the strength to power through her daily challenges.
As Blue Ridge’s Ship’s Maintenance Management Officer, Ens. Westley oversees all jobs worked on by ship’s force and contractors.
“Sailors look up to her because of her ‘get it done’ attitude.” ENSIGN CEDRIC MCMILLIAN
“I know I’ve made progress in my training and can be proud of the accomplishments I’ve made,” said Westley. “Including taking second place in two body building competitions – one in San Diego and one in Long Beach.” As a successful bodybuilder who has performed and won second place in two different competitions and a former Chief, Westley wants to motivate her junior female Sailors by showing them that with hard work and dedication they can do anything they put their minds to.
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BLUE RIDGE UNDERGOES FSO-M CERTIFICATION
STORY BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS PATRICK SEMALES
The crew of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) successfully completed Fleet Support Operations-Medical (FSO-M) 1.1 and 1.2 assessments conducted Feb 20-March 12. Medical Officer Cmdr. Leah Soley said the FSO-M certification is a measure of how well-trained the ship’s crew is in response to actual medical emergencies. “When fully embarked, Blue Ridge has over 1,000 Sailors aboard. That’s approximately 50 Sailors per corpsman,” said Soley. “Odds are, when there’s an actual medical emergency, it’s going to be the First Responder aid that saves the victim’s life.” During the first two phases of FSO-M, Blue Ridge has undergone extensive ship-wide training on basic first aid and various emergency medical situations, including an exam requiring 80 percent of the crew to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. To complete phases 1.3 and 1.4 before the slated final certification date of March 30, the crew must be prepared to apply and perform all the training and skills they’ve received thus far, continued Soley. “The third phase of FSO-M includes hands-on training provided by the Afloat Training Group (ATG) during an assessment of medical drills on the 11 battle wounds. The last phase reviews all the results of the prior phases in addition to conducting drills for patient transport, Battle Dressing Station operations, Mass Casualty situations and departmental first aid drills.” As the training and evaluations move forward with ATG continuing to evaluate the ship’s medical readiness, FSO-M will continue to be an all hands event. “This ship operates multiple complex evolutions every day, said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Nicholas Belflower. “Finding the time to take our Sailors out of their normal day-to-day operations in order to inject crucial training has been challenging. The crew has really stepped up to make sure we do our best to certify.” According to Soley, the preparation and training that began long before entering FSO-M is paying off, and is evidence Blue Ridge’s certification will be a successful event.
PHOTO BY MC3 ETHAN CARTER
“I am very encouraged by the crew’s current readiness for FSO-M,” said Soley. “It’s clear the long term training provided at command indoctrination, divisional drills and duty section training has had a lasting impact on our Sailors’ knowledge. Due to their efforts and long hours of preparation, I’m fully confident the Command will receive full certification with record scores.”
EYE ON THE FLEET
U.S. 7TH FLEET COMMEMORATES 75 YEARS IN INDO-PACIFIC STORY FROM COMMANDER, U.S. 7TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, kicked off a series of celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the creation of 7th Fleet with a ceremonial speech at MacArthur Chambers in Brisbane, Australia. “7th Fleet Sailors have flown, sailed, operated and lived in the IndoPacific for 75 years,” said Sawyer. “While conflict is not inevitable, security doesn’t happen by itself either, and that’s why we’ll continue to prepare for any situation that requires our forces.” U.S. 7th Fleet was formed March 15, 1943, in Brisbane, Australia, during World War II under the command of Adm. Arthur S. “Chips” Carpender. As command historian, Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Kevin Murphy explained, it was 7th Fleet’s second commander, Vice Adm. Thomas Kinkaid, who fostered the climate of joint service cooperation and improved relationships with partners and allies that made 7th Fleet successful. “Carpender and [Gen. Douglas] MacArthur were on completely divergent courses,” Murphy said. “Kinkaid helped smooth relations between the Army and Navy in the Pacific, directly impacting the success of operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Tzeng, the U.S. 7th Fleet South Asia desk officer, said those lessons are still being honed today. “We still do more than 110 exercises and drills with other services and countries so that we can operate together seamlessly and have those kinds of successes during regional crises,” said Tzeng. “Last year alone, we saw great success in bilateral and trilateral cooperation across all task forces, including ANNUALEX, Cobra Gold, Key Resolve, Malabar and Talisman Saber.” In Yokosuka, Japan, the 7th Fleet staff celebrated their own contributions to 7th Fleet history with an outdoor potluck. “You make a difference every day,” said Deputy Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Joey Dodgen. “We are the most prepared, highly trained and the most capable force in the Indo Pacific. Our carriers, amphibious assault ships, aircraft and most importantly, our people, are ready today to face regional challenges and lead our Navy’s forces in this theater, just as the officers and Sailors of 7th Fleet have done for 75 years. So thank you for all that you do.”
PHOTO BY MC3 DYLAN MCCORD
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