MCPON Visits USS Blue Ridge, Encourages Warfare Qualification

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melvin F. Orr III, USS Blue Ridge Media Services

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The Navy's senior enlisted Sailor visited USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Aug. 27 while the ship was moored in Busan, Republic of Korea in support of Commander, 7th Fleet's operations during the annual combined forces exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West held an all-hands call in Blue Ridge's enlisted galley after meeting with Commander, 7th Fleet Vice Adm. John M. Bird and Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Rudy Lupton.

West began the all-hands call by awarding enlisted surface warfare specialists (ESWS) qualification pins to 17 Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff embarked Sailors.

"When I see a shipmate with a warfare device on, I know that shipmate has the ability, has the knowledge to save a ship, a shipmate or self in a time of need," said West.

The MCPON also stressed to Sailors that ESWS qualifications are the beginning of a continuous learning process necessary to keep the Navy mission-capable.

"I tell you now, your learning process has just started," West said. "Now is the time to start learning about the ship, about your rating and everything else. The more you learn the better off you will be."

Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Dana Saunders said he was honored to be pinned by the MCPON.

"Not everyday do people get pinned by the MCPON and that's something you should be take pride in after all of the hard work," Saunders said.

The MCPON also addressed questions from Sailors regarding the warfare qualification process for reservists, commuted rations, physical fitness, online training and billets in Iraq during the 15-minute-long question and answer session.

The visit marked West's second time aboard the 7th Fleet flagship as MCPON, having visited Blue Ridge July 4, 2009.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force.

Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.