Blue Ridge Completes Summer Patrol, Returns to Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Harral, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after concluding a three-month 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."

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.

"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 more than 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.

"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.

Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Visits USS Blue Ridge

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Swedish and Swiss major generals of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) visited the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), Aug. 17, as part of an observation tour.

The visit included a tour of the ship and an office call with 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas to discuss regional issues and 7th Fleet's mission.

Blue Ridge arrived in Busan, Aug. 13, in support of embarked 7th Fleet's participation in exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG), an annual training event designed to ensure readiness to defend the Republic of Korea (ROK) and strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Swedish Maj. Gen. Mats Engman, head of Policy and Plans Department for the Swedish armed forces and Swedish NNSC Member, and Swiss Maj. Gen. Urs Gerber, head of the Swiss delegation to the NNSC, will observe ROK-U.S. interactions over the next two weeks, meet with leadership, review operational briefs, and monitor joint operations watch floors.

The NNSC observes and evaluates exercises to ensure planning and operations are conducted in a "defensive and deterrent" nature. Their presence provides international transparency to the United Nations Command and the Republic of Korea.

The NNSC was established by the Korean Armistice Agreement signed July 27, 1953. The term "neutral nations" includes nations whose combatant forces have not been involved in the hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. The primary role of the NNSC today is to maintain relationships with both the North and the South and facilitate open channels of communication between them.

Blue Ridge Engages with Aboriginal Nonprofit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th Fleet staff and associated members of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), shared in a cultural exchange with the Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation during a community service event July 21.

Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation is a nonprofit organization run for the benefit of older and disabled individuals and their caregivers, among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of South Brisbane.

"I just want to say 'thank you very much' to all the Sailors for the lovely day because I know all the elders liked talking with them," said Christine Fewquandie, manager of Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation. "We love to share our culture with our visitors, and likewise enjoy hearing about theirs. It's fascinating to learn about where everyone has come from."

Fewquandie shared that Burringilly means coming together, regardless of race, age or physical capability.

At the event, Aboriginal elderly, disabled and youth, interacted with the Sailors, exchanging remarks over food, observing traditional Aboriginal dances and participating in a reptile show.

"I think that we're lucky to go to different places, experience different cultures and traditions and meet amazing people," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Dearra Horton, CSADD president. "And, I'm pretty sure that both sides have made lasting impressions. I know I'll never forget them or the snakes."

The U.S. 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge CSADD provided the majority of the personnel support and had a great showing among the Sailors who volunteered for the event.

"The importance of CSADD's presence at these events is the ability to show that CSADD isn't just about having fun, entertaining and so on," Horton later continued. "We're also about being in the community and helping out those around us, whoever they are."

Children from the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School,/ demonstrated traditional Aboriginal dances for the Sailors during the event. A few Sailors were even able to join in for a dance.

"The dances were great because we got a little taste of different dances from different tribes," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ruby Harrington. "Most of the children were from the local tribe, but there were a few from tribes all over the country. They were really sweet children who were very proud of their culture and were excited about sharing that with us."

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for nearly 36 years, recently conducted a port visit in Brisbane and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationships within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.