Blue Ridge (LCC 19) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 156 of the 1986 volume:

maaiamimtmiiia l tmamtma FOR REFERENCE ONLY ■ii . u Hisionoiidi Comnianilc!; ExecniiveOf Chief 01 Comni;- CliangeolXi HonfKons NonsKonfN ARmioFr« fifsiAiuiiia]- Crossing ihei DryDock, SliinioCffen. failier D l ' 8 i„. %MDti April 1 985-March 1986 USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET Table of Contents History of the USS Blue Ridge 2 History of the Seventh Fleet 3 Commanders of the Seventh Fleet 5 Commanding Officer 6 Commander Seventh Fleet 7 Executive Officer 8 Chief of Staff, COMSEVENTHFLT 9 Commanding Officer, 1984-85 10 Change of Command, November 1985 11 Hong Kong 16 Hong Kong Navy Day 20 A Run to Freedom 24 First Annual Talent Show 27 Crossing the Line 30 Thailand Phuket 36 Pattaya Beach 40 Blue ? ((i;e Shadows Novorossiysk 42 Dry Dock 43 Shinto Ceremony for CIWS 47 Father Daughter Cruise 48 Helo Detachment Change of Command 52 Basic Point Missile Defense System 53 1985 Sister Ship Cruise 54 Penang 60 Singapore 62 Blue ? V ,?e Birthday Celebrations 64 Visit by the Sultan of Brunei 66 Marine Corps Ball 68 Marines 210th Birthday 72 Marcomdet Change of Command 73 The Blue Ridge ' in Competition 74 A Team Captures WRT Trophy 76 Christmas 78 Tiger Cruise 82 Philippines Cebu 84 Manila 85 VIP Guest Cruise 86 Subic Bay 92 Martin Luther King Commemoration 94 Rescue of Fishermen 97 Team Spirit ' 86 98 Korea 108 Additional Anniveraries 110 Ship ' s Company Administration Department Ill NAVSURFPAC DAT Team 115 Chaplain ' s Department 117 Communications Department 118 Deck Department 122 Engineering Department 125 Intelligence Department 129 MARCOMDET 130 Medical and Dental Departments 131 Navigation Department 133 Operations Department 134 Supply Department 138 COMSEVENTHFLT Staff Flag Administration 142 Staff PAO 147 Marine Detachment 148 nlike her World War II predecessor of the same name, which had to be converted from a merchantman to an amphibious force flagship, the United Stales Ship Blue Ridge represents a unique effort and achievement in the Navy ' s Command and Control ship design. Blue Ridgeis a platform built from the keel up to accomplish the mission of command coordination. In this 1 8,200-ton ship are found the facilities to direct and manage every phase of command and control operations. The Blue ? tfee represents the accumulated knowledge of ' four decades of the Navy ' s experience in the difficult problem of Control and Coordination. Initially conceived in 1963, Blue Ridgewas in the planning and design stage for four years before construction finally began at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in early 1967. Three and a half years later, on November 14, 1970, she was commissioned. Blue Ridge utilizes her main battery of computers, communications gear, and other electronic facilities to fulfill her mission as flagship for the United Slates Seventh FPeet and her secondary function as a command ship for the Amphibious Task Force and Landing Force Commanders during all phases of fleelwide operations. To maximize the Task Force and Landing Force Commanders ' ability to effectively utilize the vast amount of incoming information. Blue Ridgeh-ds a Command and Control complex which is divided to give precise control of a certain aspect of the operation to a specific control module. At the heart of the Command and Control complex are two computer systems— the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) and the Amphibious Support Information System (ASIS). NTDS, through information provided by Blue Ridge rddixrs as well as through data links with other fieet (Continued on page 4, top) - v  - COMSEVENTHFLT X , :msr 4 ' W m: - he U.S. Seventh Fleel was established March 15, 3 ■ 1943, when the Southwest Pacific Force was renamed. The Fleet participated in several World War II Pacific campaigns, the most famous of which was at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. After the war, the coast of mainland China became the Fleet ' s operating area, and in 1 947, its name was changed to Naval Forces Western Pacific. Three years later the official designation reverted to Seventh Fleet, just prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Korea. Seventh Fleet units participated in every major operation of the Korean War. Two days after South Korea was invaded in June 1950, Task Force 77, the Fleet ' s attack carrier striking force, was formed. The first Navy jet aircraft used in combat flew from a Task Force 77 carrier, and the famous landings in Inchon, Korea, were launched from Seventh Fleet amphibious ships. Combat action (Continued on page 4, bottom) History BLUE RIDGE (Continued from page 2) ships, provides a complete tactical picture of air, surface and subsurface contacts. From the NTDS picture, the most expeditious and coordinated weapons assignments may be made to protect the Task Force from attack. ASIS allows commanders to have logistical information instantaneously. In addition to the major computers mentioned above, an extremely refined communications system is also an integral part of the ship ' s radical new design. Through an automated patch panel and computer-controlled switching matrix, any combination of communications equipment desired may be quickly connected. The clean topside area is the result of careful design intended to keep the ship ' s interference to her own communications system at a minimum. A description of Blue ? ( ,tfe would not be complete without mention of her twenty-knot-plus speed capability. She is a great improvement in ship design, not only in speed, but also in habitability. Recreation rooms, air conditioning, ship ' s stores, spacious galleys and messing areas all help make life at sea a great deal more pleasant for the crew and embarked staffs. Blue Ridge has accommodations for 268 officers and 1200 enlisted men. SEVENTH FLEET (Continued from page 3) successes in Korea demonstrated the readiness and mobility of the Fleet. In early 1955, Fleet units evacuated about 38,000 military and civilian personnel from the Nationalist Chinese Tachen Islands, which had come under artillery attack from the mainland. The presence of Fleet units in the South China Sea cooled another hot spot in 1959, when political unrest in Laos threatened to spread to other Southeast Asian countries. Fighting again broke out in Laos in 1962. This time a Seventh Fleet Marine amphibious squadron, at the direction of the U.S. Government, was quickly moved to Thailand. Fourteen hundred Fleet Marines landed in Bangkok, while Fleet carriers and anti-submarine forces operated in the South China Sea. In August 1964, two U.S. destroyers were attacked by North Vietnamese PT boats in international waters in the Tonkin Gulf. This act triggered further U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict as aircraft from Task Force 77 carriers were launched against targets in North Vietnam. Throughout the following decade, the Seventh Fleet was heavily engaged in combat operations against Noth Vietnam and enemy forces in South Vietnam— through attack carrier air strikes, naval gunfire strikes, amphibious operations, patrol and reconnaissance operations and mine warfare. In 1973, a cease-fire agreement was signed at negotiations in Paris, after which the Fleet conducted mine countermeasure operations in coastal waterways of North Vietnam. The Fleet ' s continued involvement in Southeast Asia culminated in the spring of 1975, when Fleet units successfully evacuated thousands of refugees from Cambodia and South Vietnam when those two countries fell to opposing forces. History mm ' I Asia COMMANDERS OF THE SEVENTH FLEET VADM A S Carpender USN 15 Mar 1943- 26 Nov 1143 VADM T C Kinc, USN 26 Nov 1943- 20 Nov 1945 VADM D E Barbev USN 20 Nov 1945- 2 Oct 1946 VADMC M Cooke USN 2 Oct 1946- 28 Feb 1948 VADMOC Badgei USN 28 Feb 1948- 28 Aug 1949 . ' ADM R S Berkey USN 28 Aug 1949- 5 Apr 1950 RADM W F Boo USN 5 Apr 1950- 20 May 1950 VADM A D Sin USN 29 May 1950- 28 Mar 1951 VADM H M Martin USN 28 Mar 1951- 3 Mar 1952 VADM R P Bri USN 3 Mar 1952 20 Mav 195; VADM A M Pride USN 1 Dec 1953- 9 Dec, 1955 VADM W M Beakley USN 28 Jan, 1957- 30 Sep. 1958 ADM F N Kiv USN 30 Sep 1958- 7 Mar. 1960 ADM C D GrifTi USN 7 Mar. 1960- 28 Oct. 1961 VADM W A Sho. USN 28 Oct. 1961- 13 Oct. 1962 VADMT H Mo USN 13 Oct, 1962- 15 Jun 1964 VADM R L John USN 15 Jun. 1964- 1 Mar 1965 RADM J W W USN 9 Oct 1965- 13 Dec 1965 ADM J J Hvland USN 13 Dec 1965- 6 Nov 1967 ADM W F Bnnglc USN 6 Nov 1967- 10 Mar 1970 ADM M F We USN 10 Mar. 1970- 18Jun 1971 ADM W P Mji USN ISJun 1971- 23 Mav 1972 ADMS L Hollow USN 23 May 1972- 28 Jul 1973 VADM S H Inger. USN 19 Dec 1955- 28 Jan. 1957 ' ADM P P USN 1 Mar. 1965- 9 Oct 1965 ADMC P Sic USN 28 Jul 1973- VADMTB Hayward USN 14 Jun 1975- 24 Jul 1976 VADM R B Baldwin USN 24 Jul 1976- 31 May 1978 VADM S R Foley USN 31 May 1978- 14 Feb 1980 VADMC A H Trost USN 14 Feb. 1980- 15 Sep. 1981 ADM M S Hole. USN 15 Sep. 1981- 9 May 1983 VADM J R Hogg USN 9 May 1983- 4 Mar 1985 USS Blue Ridge LCC- 19 COMMANDING OFFICER, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) CAPTAIN JOHN H. HEIDT Captain John H. Heidt reported for duty as Commanding Officer from assignment as Head, Education Plans and Policy Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. He graduated from Georgetown University in Washington in May 1961 and received his commission through the Reserve Officer Candidate program. During the first seven years he served on the staff of Commander Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines and aboard three destroyers in both the Atlantic and the Pacific-the USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884), USS Belknap (DLG-26)andUSS ' ( ' Wf (DLG-15)-servingin Communications, Combat Information Center and Operations officer billets. During the next two years, 1968-1970, he was assigned as an analyst in the Systems Analysis Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. During 1971 he served as the Special Plans Officer on the staff of Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam in Saigon. This was followed by a tour as Executive Officer aboard the USS O ' Callahan (DE- 05 ) in the Pacific. For the next three years he served ashore in various billets at the Fleet Combat Systems Training Center, Pacific in San Diego, California. In early 1977, Captain Heidt reported as Executive Officer aboard the USS Nashville (LPD-13) in Norfolk, Virginia, serving until 1979. Remaining in Norfolk, he assumed command of the USS Fairfax Co( «n ' (EST- 1 193) from July 1979 through July 1 98 1. He then served as Chief Staff Officer of Amphibious Squadron Four in Norfolk, until 1983, at which time he assumed command of the USS A ' t ' Hy?o - (LST-l 179) for a brief period before reporting to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island for one year as a student in the College of Naval Warfare. During this time he earned a Master ' s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina College in Newport. Captain Heidt is the recipient of the following awards and decorations: Meritorious Service Medal with one star; Navy Commendation Medal with combat V and three stars; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation with one star; Meritorious Unit Citation with one star; Navy Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea); Vietnam Service Medal with seven stars; Humanitarian Service Medal (Lebanon); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars; Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation (Combat); Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation (Civil Action); and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Heidt is married to the former Patricia Fitzgerald of Chevy Chase, Maryland. They have five children: John, Anne, Michele, David and Stephen. COMSEVENTHFLT COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET VICE ADMIRAL PAUL F. McCarthy jr. ' A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Vice Admiral Paul F, McCarthy, Jr., was born March 3, 1934. He attended Walertown High School in Walertown, Massachusetts, and graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy as an Ensign in 1954. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in marine and electrical engineering and a Master of Science degree in financial management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. A qualified Surface Warfare Officer, Vice Admiral McCarthy first served aboard the USS Savage (DEK 386) as an Ensign before attending flight training and earning his Naval Aviator designation in May 1957. He served in Fighter Squadron 71 until March 1 959 and in Attack Squadron 12 until 1961. After tours in Air Development Squadron Five and at U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, he was assigned as Flag Secretary and Aide to the Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean. In January 1967, Vice Admiral McCarthy served as Operations Officer in Attack Squadron 1 5 and was subsequently assigned to the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Following his tour as Executive Officer in Attack Squadron 195, he assumed command of the squadron in 1971. Additional command tours include Carrier Air Wing Nine in 1973; Commanding Officer, USS Niagara falls {AFS-3) in 1976; and Commanding Officer, USS Constellation (CV-64) from 1978 to 1980. Vice Admiral McCarthy has served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as a Deputy in the Systems Analysis Division (OP-962), and as Director, Aviation Plans and Requirements Division (OP-50). In June 1981, he reported as Commander, Carrier Group One. From May 1984 until January 1985, Vice Admiral McCarthy served as Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet (CTF-70). With more than 260 combat missions, Vice Admiral McCarthy has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal and other individual, unit and campaign awards. Vice Admiral McCarthy and his wife, the former Sandra S. Williams of Bellport, Long Island and Virginia Beach, have two children, Paul and Susan, both of whom are college students in San Diego, California. ..AHMlHriHlB iSSBIucRickeLCC-19 EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) COMMANDER WILLIAM K. COXE, JR. Commander William K. Coxe, Jr. was commissioned an Ensign and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in June 1 969. His first tour of duty was served aboard the USS Hanson (DD-862) as Electronic Material Officer (EMO) and ship ' s Navigator. From September 1971 until October 1972, he attended the Naval Inshore Operational Training Center (NIOTC) , Mare Island, California, and Naval Destroyer School (NAVDESCOL), Newport, Rhode Island. Following a short tour as the Engineering Officer and Decommissioning Officer on the USS Purdy (DD-1 34), Commander Coxe reported for duty as Weapons Officer aboard the USS Voge(DD- 041) in August 1973. In November 1974, he was assigned as the Initial Assignment Counselor at the Officer Candidate School (OCS), Newport, Rhode Island. From October 1976 until March 1979, he was the First Lieutenant for the USS Portland (LSD-37). Commander Coxe reported to the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP- 1 50) , where he served as Action Officer between April 1979 and May 1 98 1 . In June of 1 98 1 , he was assigned as Navigator during his two-year tour aboard the USS Nassau (LHA-4). From March 1983 to July 1 984, Commander Coxe served as Executive Officer with the Readiness Support Group (REDSUPPGRU), Norfolk, Virginia, before reporting to the USS Blue Ridge (LCC- 9) as Executive Officer on 29 August 1984. Commander Coxe is authorized to wear the following awards and decorations: Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal with two stars; Battle Efficiency Ribbon with two E ' s; American Expeditionary award, Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; and Sea Service Deployment with one star. Commander Coxe is married to the former Janice Walker of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. They have two sons, William and Andrew. CAP IR ' Mvers,ni I Araerican imtiaMas specializm relations, I Intelnall avalWar Operations, for Navy re Pacific Sob -M lTforPe Captain! L ' SS Jnmi 1 5S Cpcti ■ licron. COMSEVENTHFLT CHIEF OF STAFF, COMSEVENTHFLT CAPTAIN DAVID R. OLIVER, JR. Rear Admiral-select David Rogers Oliver, Jr. was born and reared near Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Ben David High School. His parents are David R. and Doratha Oliver, who presently reside in Fort Myers, Florida. Captain Oliver graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering. He took postgraduate education from the American University in Washington, D.C., graduating with a Master of Arts degree in international relations, specializing in Middle Eastern and United States foreign relations. He is also a graduate by correspondence of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, as well as the Naval War College. In addition to his sixteen years of sea duty, he also served a tour in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, proposing priorities for allocation of resources for Navy research and development, and a tour on the Pacific Submarine Commander ' s staff as Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel and Training. Captain Oliver served his junior officer tours aboard the USS Tnunpetfish (SS-425), a diesel submarine, and the USS George Washington Carver (SSN-656), a Polaris missile submarine. He subsequently was Engineering Officer of the USS Nautilus (SSN-57I ), the first nuclear-powered submarine; then Executive Officer of the USS Haddo (SSN-604) and Commanding Officer of the USS Plunger (SSN-595 ) , both nuclear-powered attack submarines home-ported in San Diego. Captain Oliver ' s major command was served as CTF-74, Commander Submarine Force Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan. He is currently serving as Chief of Staff for Commander Seventh Fleet, which has responsibilities for nearly one-half the world ' s ocean areas. Rear Admiral-select Oliver and his wife, the former Linda Bithell of Blackfoot, Idaho, currently live in Yokosuka, Japan. Mrs. Oliver is an attorney-at-law, admitted to the bars of California, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii. She is listed in Who ' s Who in American Wonien ' dnd Who ' s Who in the West. Currently, she is President of Micron Japan Co., Ltd. in Tokyo. They have two children, David and Morgan. USS Blue Ridge LCC- 19 COMMANDING OFFICER, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) JANUARY b. 1984 - NOVEMBER 19, 1985 CAPTAIN THOMAS D. PAULSEN Captain Thomas D. Paulsen was commissioned an Ensign and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in June 1960. During his first eight years of service, he served in two Atlantic Fleet submarines, the USS Corporal (SS-iAb) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600). During these two tours of duty, he completed division officer and department head assignments. From 1968 to 1970, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and was awarded a Master ' s degree in computer science. In July 1970, he reported for duty as Executive Officer of the submarine USS Sailfish (SS-572), based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Following a short tour as a watch officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, Pacific, he was ordered to the cruiser USS Reeves (CG-24) as Executive Officer. In July 1975 he assumed command of the frigate USS Whipple .¥¥- 0(i2). Captain Paulsen reported to the staff of Commander Seventh Fleet in August 1977 as Fleet Readiness and Surface Operations Officer. During his three-year tour of duty, the staff was embarked in the guided missile cruiser USS Oklahoma City (CG-5) and the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge {LCC-19), both operating from Yokosuka, Japan. His next assignment was Director, Professional Development Division, U.S. Naval Academy. Captain Paulsen assumed command of the USS Blue Ridge ' m Yokosuka, Japan, on 6 January 1984. Captain Paulsen was relieved of command of Blue Ridge on 19 November, 1985. His current assignment is Executive Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. Captain Paulsen is authorized to wear the following awards and decorations: Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Battle Efficiency Ribbon with four awards; Expeditionary Service Medal; National Defense Medal with one star; Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; Humanitarian Service Ribbon with two awards; and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three stars. Captain Paulsen is married to the former Marbeth Hirsch of Westbury, Long Island, New York. They have three daughters: Kari, Kendel, and Kate. (H I coramaiidc 10 il USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 CHANGE OF COMMAND NOVEMBER 19, 1985 HMS TAMAR, HONG KONG THE CEREMONY The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally restates to the officers, men and women of the activity, the continuity of command. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled company of the command. The change of command ceremony is unique in the world today: it is the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another. Captain John H. Heidt, USN, who assumed command of the Blue Ridge from Captain Paulsen. Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, USN, Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-1 9) from January 1 984 to November 1985. Change of Command CHANGE OF COMMAND Captain John H. Heidt, USN relieved Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, USN as Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridgeon November 19, 1985 in shipboard ceremonies while the Flagship was moored at HMS Tamar, the British naval base in Hong Kong. Captain Heidt reported for duty to the Seventh Fleet Flagship from assignment as Head, Education Plans and Policy Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Captain Paulsen, who had been Commanding Officer since January 1984, subsequently reported for duty as Executive Assistant to the Commander In Chief, Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy Jr., USN, Commander Seventh Fleet, was the guest speaker. British, Chinese and Australian military and civilian dignitaries also attended the shipboard ceremonies. Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy, Commander Seventh Fleet, was guest speaker at the change of command ceremonies. Rear Admiral H. L. Webster, Task Force 75 Surface Combatant Force, Seventh Fleet arrives for the ceremonies. Mrs. Webster accompanied Admiral Webster to the ceremonies. 12 ll ! ' I Change of Command PROGRAM ARRIVAL HONORS THE NATIONAL ANTHEMS of GREAT BRITAIN and the UNITED STATES INVOCATION Captain Charles R. Parker, CHC, USN GUEST SPEAKER VADM Paul F. McCarthy, Jr., USN Commander Seventh Fleet REMARKS and READING of ORDERS Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, USN READING of ORDERS and RELIEVING as Commanding Officer, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) Captain John H. Heidt, USN BENEDICTION Captain Charles R. Parker, CHC, USN RETIRE THE COLORS Captain Paulsen receives the Legion of Merit from Vice Admiral McCarthy during the change of command ceremonies. Command of Blue Ridge changes hands. Captain Heid t relieves Captain Paulsen as commanding officer. Crew members in formation on the forecastle during the ceremonies. 13 r ChaniiC of Command FORMER COMMANDING OFFICERS Captain K.J. Carroll, USN September 1970 - July 1972 Captain P.H. Speer, USN July 1972 - March 1973 Captain J, D. Butler, USN March 1973 - September 1974 Captain W.D. Hart, USN September 1974 - July 1976 Captain J.G. Mdntyre, USN July 1976 - June 1978 Captain D.L. Carlson, USN June 1978 - July 1980 Captain J.D. Chamberlain, USN July 1980 - July 1982 Captain W.C. Francis, USN July 1982 - January 1984 Captain T.D. Paulsen, USN January 1984 - November 1985 Captain Paulsen receives the Blue Ridge Commissioning Pennant from his Command Master Chief, MMCIVI(SW) Buzz Schwark. II Paulsen la With HMS Tamar and Hong Kong in the background, Captain Paulsen makes his final address to the crew of the Blue Ridge. Captain Heidt and Captain Paulsen cut the change of command cake in the crew ' s mess following the change of command. lie reft. 14 Change of Command Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy, Jr., congratulates Captain Chaplain Charles R. Parker reads the benediction at Paulsen following presentation of the Legion of Merit. services on the main deck. Captain Paulsen and Captain Heidt with their families at the reception following the ceremonies. Departure honors for Captain Paulsen following the change of command. 15 Port Visit HONG KONG The Flagship enjoyed two six-day visits to Hong Kong, in April and November 1985. We found Hong Kong to be a visual extravaganza of old China, colonial England and modern Western civilization. Blue ? e personnel enjoyed a good balance of R R, organized tours and social events. Civic Action projects arranged by the ship ' s Human Resources Officer rounded out our first visit to this truly exotic port, where skyscrapers, London buses and tramcars are integrated comfortably with rice paddies, rickshaws and junks. On the last day of our first visit, members of the crew visited the Saint James Settlement, a Christian organization that cares for the elderly and for mentally retarded children. They worked throughout the day, painting, fixing shelves and landscaping— a worthy close to some of the finest liberty Blue Ridge has seen. 16 Port Visit-Hong Kong Clockwise, from top left: A view of Kowloon from the Hong Kong side at dusk ; Ocean Park, famous for its lakes, waterfalls and parks; a view from the bridge wing as the Blue R dge arrives in Hong Kong harbor; and Stanley Market, offering some of the best clothes shopping anywhere in Hong Kong. 17 Fort isit-Hong Kong In Hong Kong, buildings are constructed with the aid of bamboo scaffolding. Stilt houses in the bay near Stanley Market. J ■ ' } J fjBtMaii 4 bB t??w 7 ;1 y[g i-H A food vendor sells Chinese delicacies in the Stanley Village area. A spectacular nighttime view from Observation Point at the top of Victoria Peak- Port Visit-Hong Kong The Star Ferry transports its passengers from the Hong Kong side to Kowloon. s I 1 i li • • IP I . II S I II , I s I I 1 ii I tin W II I I i III ! I III I I M fV ' i ' ii ' ' 7 A Hong Kong bag lady begs for money in an underground A side street in one of Kowloon ' s shopping districts, walkway. 19 Fort islf-Hong Kong HONG KONG NAVY DAY One of the highlights of our second visit to Hong Rong in November was the Blue ? V .i, ' t ' 5 participation in Hong Kong ' s Navy Day, Sunday, November 17. The Flagship proved to be a major drawing card in the day-long event. The following message was received from the Captain in Charge, Hong Kong: Hong Kong Navy Day ' 85 attracted 48,620 visitors to the Naval Base. The day passed so cheerfully mainly due to the good nature of the Hong Kong public, also in great measure attributable to the patience of your people. Please convey my thanks to all who were involved in planning and execution. The day was a resounding success. The Far East Edition helped to relieve the boredom of waiting for the crowd as they made their way to the Flagship brow. In the background is the Royal Australian Navy Ship Lancelot, which was tied up directly across the pier from the Flagship. More than 48,000 peofSle walked through the gates at HMS Tamar to see the facility, the Seventh Fleet Flagship and other vessels in port. Flags! i:3 20 Port Visit-Hong Kong i iiinn ii Wi ' M The lines moving toward the Flagship ' s brow moved slowly but steadily. Kij The Far East Edition didn ' t have any trouble pulling an eager crowd of listeners on their way to the ship. Pan I isit-Honii Kong With the Hong Kong skyline as a background, more than 48,000 visited the S uefl dgeand the Australian naval ship Lance of across the pier. A Chinese officer assists with the crowds. Here visitors view flight gear on the main deck. 22 Port Visit-Hong Kong American and Chinese naval personnel had their hands ful keeping the procession moving in an orderly fashion. . It doesn ' t take much to entertain kids. These two play on a hatch while visiting the Blue Ridge. 23 Hiiihiiiihts A RUN TO FREEDOM Thirleen Vielniimese refugees were taken aboard the Blue ;( ,t,r early in the evening of ' Thursday, May 16. Their wooden 20-root motor-powered boat was sighted approximately 1 10 miles southeast of Vietnam. On investigation, the boat was determined to be unseaworthy and taking on water. Its main engine was out of commission. The thirteen people, including two children, had been at sea for four days and were out of food and very low on water. All were generally in good health. The May 16 rescue marks the third lime the USS Blue Ruii;ehiis rescued Vietnamese boat people in the South China Sea. The first rescue occurred in October 1980, when the Flagship took 92 Vietnamese aboard. The second occurred on May 15 of last year, when 35 Vietnamese were rescued and debarked two days later in Hong Kong . The whaleboat crew investigates a white flag. 24 Highlights-R efugee A ssistance The end of a run to freedom. DEAR CAPTAIN: ' ' My name is NGO LACH VAN. 1 am a Vietnamese refugee. I came to the U.S. on 21 October 1982 and I live at 23171 2 Cortland Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana. 1 have received a letter from my son on your ship. My sons name is NGO NINH GIANG; 16 years old. He announced that he escaped from Vietnam on 13 May 1985. After 4 days and 3 nights in the small boat with 13 other people they were very unhappy on the ocean. They waited for death to come to them but they saw your ship and you decided to rescue them. They came to Japan safely on 21 May 1985. Now they wait for resettlement in U.S.A. 1 am very happy because my son got out of my country. 1 feel that it is hell. When Communist took over Vietnam I became a prisoner, because before 1975 1 was an officer of the Vietnamese Navy. 1 must go to jail for 5 years, 2 months and 3 days. After 1 was released I escaped my country. Your country helped me with everything and now I am a resident of your country. Hopefully 1 will meet my son soon. I am very happy; 1 thank you, and all your people on your ship who rescued and helped my son and all the other people on the trip. My wife and three children are still living in Vietnam. I think that they are happy too, when they get the good news. Please tell everybody on your ship. I thank you so much and always remember benefaction on the ocean from you and USS Blue Ridge. Sincerely, LACH VAN NGO. Petty Officer Prentiss soon won the confidence and friendship of a young refugee. 25 Hiiihlii hts-Rcfuiicc Assistance 1 I Coming aboard. MACS(SW) Pomeroy assists with ID ' S. 26 Highlights 1ST TALENT SHOW PUTS CREW IN THEIR OWN PACIFIC THEATER Ten contestants and one rain squall performed during Blue Ridae ' sVnsi Annual Talent Show while the Flagship was enroute to Thailand in April 1985. At first 1 had my doubts about how the crew felt about a talent show, says talent coordinator RP3 Douglas W. Ryan of San Antonio, Texas. But 1 couldn ' t have been happier the way everything turned out! Actually, 21 -year-old Ryan first thought of staging a talent show in May ' 84 as a way of doing something nice for the crew. It looks like we may have started a fine tradition for the ship, he smiled, adding, people are asking me when the next show will be. Seven officer and enlisted judges presided over the contest held on the ship ' s main deck. Gift certificates of $100, $50, and $25 were awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Each winner also received a duty day off in Pattaya Beach, Thailand. A regular performer at the Coffee House in Yokosuka, ET2 Gregory T. Breeden took first prize with his solos on the guitar and harmonica. I believed I had a good chance of winning, said the 26-year-old from Ranson, West Virginia. Besides, I ' m a firm believer in the old adage, ' you never know who ' s going to be in the audience ' ... I didn ' t have anyone come up to me later and say they didn ' t like it, said Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, then the Blue Ridge ' s Commanding Officer. The $25 third prize went to ISSR Paul E. Curtis on the accordion. For SI 12 Sheadrick D. Eddington, music is as much a part of his life as his job in the Navy is. He ' s the lead vocalist and keyboards for the second-place winning jazz group, Highway One. I ' ve been involved musically now for 25 years, says Eddington, 3 1 , of Dallas, Texas. I played in a rhythm and blues band back in Los Angeles before I joined the Navy in 1976. We toured both U.S. coasts — even played once in Japan at a club named Mugen ' s in Tokyo. 27 Hiii i I lights- Talent Show ET2 Gregory T. Breeden on the guitar takes the $1 00 first-prize gift certificate. Highway One ' s bassist, 20-year-old Fireman Kieth A. Riley of St. Louis, Missouri, j oined up witin Eddington last December, ' i love music, Riley added, and I play for the pure enjoyment of it. The talent show was great, mainly because it allowed us the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Do you know anyone who can play the accordion? Third-place winner ISSN Paul E. Curtis, 19, has been playing one for 1 2 years. I wanted to see what type of reaction the crew would have towards accordion music, said Curtis. It appears as if they liked it. And Seaman Artemio C. Molina bagged a special day off for his impersonations of A Soldier in Combat. I got the idea from The W.OOO-Day Wai a documentary on U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Molina explained. I wanted to portray the emotions of an Highway One bassist BTFA Keith A. Riley. American soldier guarding an airfield under heavy artillery fire by North Vietnamese forces. I had a great time. Molina wasn ' t alone. The audience averaged 250 clapping and laughing sailors and Marines throughout the two-and-a-half-hour contest. To say the least, many who watched thought the show was a hit and wanted to see seconds— including Captain Thomas D. Paulsen. The talent show just confirms my suspicions that there is a great deal of talent in any organization containing the American Bluejacket, said the Captain, who served as a judge for the contest. I think everyone involved did a super job! When asked if he felt the show was the start of a new tradition for Blue Ridge, Captain Paulsen said, I don ' t see why not! For one, I didn ' t have anyone come up to me later and tell me they didn ' t like it and never wanted another one again It was a great show! Three of seven talent show judges (left to right) : Captain (Chaplain) Charles Parker, Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, and Lt. Dolph A. Diemont. The judges were selected to represent the officers and enlisted men of the ship. It was a day for sun, laughs and entertainment. The original idea behind a talent show was for everyone to have a good time. Now all that is left to do is start plans for the Second Annual Blue Ridge Talent Show. 28 1 hi. i: ' yi ]nillen ' Piuhen ■ ' ■; ' . ihere | Highlights- Talent Show Keyboard vocalist SK2 Sheadrick Eddington of the second-place winning act Highway One. The two-man jazz group won a $50 gift certificate. 29 I Hiiihliiihts SHELLBACKS AND POLLYWOGS MAINTAIN A TIME-HONORED CEREMONY ORIGINS OF ' CROSSING THE LINE ' The practice of navigating the seas dates back to the early voyages of the Phoenicians, who as early as 500 B.C. explored the shores of the Mediterranean. Some of the adventurers even sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar and explored the west coast of Africa and northward as far as England. In all the years since those early voyages, sailors have developed numerous curious customs, one of which has stood the test of time and is more rigidly adhered to than any other. This is the Crossing of the Line ceremony. Legend tells us that during the seventeenth century, French seamen performed a sea baptism upon green hands who sailed through the Raz de Fontenau for the first time. The Raz is a very long, strong and rapid current which, rolling over many rocks, disgorges itself into the sea along the coast of France at the southern end of Douarnenez Bay, and is a very dangerous passage. The ceremony consisted of the Master ' s Mate clothed in a ridiculous garment performing a burlesqued baptismal ritual. All men who had not previously made this dangerous passage were required to enter into ceremonies Neptunus Rex and his Royal Court. and kneel before the Master ' s Mate to be baptized. After the ceremonies, each one of the landlubbers recently baptized had to present gifts to the Master ' s Mate. This ceremony varied in certain details as time went on, and in some countries was performed when landlubbers crossed the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn. Eventually, as cruises became longer and more parts of the globe were navigated, the Crossing the Line initiation ceremony was only performed when crossing the equator. Today, by tradition, those who have made the crossing and experienced this initiation are called ' Wog Beauties parading their stuff. HEW!T.. f ' I ' 30 i Hii hlights-Crossing The Line The slimiest of all ' Wogs are cornered on the main deck. 31 Hli hlii Us-Crossins ' The Line 1 32 Hii hlights-Crossing The Line Upper left: On watch for Davy Jones and Neptunus Rex. Upper right: Slime-breath ' Wogs await their fate. Far left: These rebellious ' Wogs soon regretted their actions. Left: The stocks made believers of many a ' Wog. Shellbacks; those who haven ' t are called Pollywogs (or ' Wogs, for short). The ceremony has gradually expanded from a simple baptismal ritual to an elaborate initiation into the mysteries of the deep, with a presentation of the Pollywog to King Neptune, the exalted ruler of the Seven Seas, and his royal court. This presentation ceremony is usually followed by the trial of the Pollywog for his numerous shortcomings and the punishments assigned for those offenses. Usually the ceremony is brought to a close for each Wog by throwing him into a tank, where he is taught the proper respect for King Neptune and the traditions of men of the sea. 33 Hii ilii hts-Crossinii The Line 1 ROYAL COURT All loyal and worthy Shellbacks are hereby notified that His Imperial Majesty, King Neptune, Ruler of the High Seas, Lord of the Deep, has selected the following personnel to comprise his Royal Court on the occasion of the crossing the line ceremonies, to be held on 13 September 1985. Prepare yourselves accordingly. Disgusting Pollywogs will abase themselves before these august personages. King Neptune CDR RIVENES Davy Jones CW04 BAUM AN Queen Aphrodite 0S3 RIVKIN Royal Prince LTJG WEBSTER Royal Baby FC2 BRYANT Royal Chaplain RP2 SILVEY Royal Sheriff MACS(SW) POMEROY Royal Navigator QMC{SW) FLORES King Neptune ' s OOD LTJG McCOLLUM Royal Barber SHI WARREN Royal Scribe YN3 PEARSON Royal Undertaker PCC(SW) MclNTYRE Royal Executioners SN BODIE, SK3 KILLINGSWORTH n Survivors of the infamous Chute. i Can you believe this! ? ? 34 Hi hliiihts-Crossin The Line The ' Wog... band?? i A slimy, lower-than-whale-stuff ' Wog is taunted by heroic The official slime- ' Wog heralder and his flunky. Shellbacks. 35 r Fort isit THAILAND: A SAILOR ' S DREAM COME TRUE 36 1 Port Visit-Thailand M ost sailors will tell you they came into the Navy for the travel. There are a multitude of other reasons, of course, but that insatiable wanderlust for places exotic and out of the way seems to bean inherent trait in men who go to sea. Given today ' s modern jets, one would think that truly out-of-the-way, exotic ports are a thing of the past. Perhaps our most interesting port of call was the seldom- visited island of Phuket, at the southern tip of Thailand. Phuket Island (the ph is a sound halfway between a p and b ) is only 50 kilometers from north to south. The width varies because of the many deep-water, crystal clear bays. Soft coral sand beaches stretch for miles, virtually deserted but for shady Casurina trees and an occasional bamboo cottage. Further inland, fields of emerald green rice grass stretch across to the foothills, where rubber trees march in orderly rows up the hillsides. From the ship, little picturesque villages could be seen nestled beneath shady trees. The people of Phuket Island are a mixture of Thai, Chinese, Muslims and the mysterious Sea Gypsies, a group of fisher-folk who live by and from the sea. They don ' t mix much with the other inhabitants of Phuket, and differ in customs, language and looks. No one seems to know their origin. Lush tropical forest grows on much of Phuket Island, some of which has been cleared for plantations of rubber trees, coconut palms and fruit trees. The land is kind and gentle— the people are, too. After the routine of life at sea, we were all eager to get ashore for a closer look. If the boat rides from the ship to the beach were a bit rough, few seemed to mind once we were ashore on Patong Beach, ajust-developed resort for Europeans with the money to get there. Patong offered a variety of activities from fishing, swimming and tangy Thai cuisine, to the solitude of reading a good book in the stillness of a deserted beach. Blue Ridge sdWors and Marines had much to offer in return. Under the direction of MUCS James Cabralda, the Seventh Fleet Band Far East Edition performed several open-air concerts to capacity crowds of laughing, singing, and... swinging Thais and crew members. The Blue Ridge at anchor off Phuket Island, Thailand 37 Port Visit-Thailand The shiji ' s Project Handclasp and Civic Action teams, led by MACM Bayanio Santero, Blue ?« ,i, ' t ' Human Resources Officer, spent several days at the Ban Sai Nam Yen Elementary School. An old-fashioned American cookout featuring hot dogs and hamburgers soon broke the ice, and the youngsters were scurrying about fetching brushes and paint for the sailors and Marines repainting their school. It takes only a smile to make a friend of a child, and the Blue Ridgecrew members soon had an abundance of happy little friends assisting them. It was also from the children that we learned a new Thai phrase; Mai pen rai. It means, no problem. School officials, of course, were happy to have the school repainted. But to the children, having the laughing, joking sailors and Marines in their school seemed more important. Their little eyes were really opened the next day when the men returned with pallets of Project Handclasp materials, including food and toys. All too soon it was time to say goodbye to new-found friends and weigh anchor. As the Blue Ridge puWed slowly out of the little cove at Patong Beach, there was more than one pair of eyes staring back at the island of Phuke t. Could the crew handle another port call at Phuket in the future? Mai pen rai! Calm tropical waters, soft coral sands and a position under a shady tree— what more could you ask for? A bamboo cottage on a beautiful island— the stuff that sailors dream of. II ray not bi talionlrig 38 Port Visit- Thailand k ,- ' ? - - • ! AW It may not be the Ritz, but the food was great and the It was fun just haggling back and forth with the vendors, location (right on the beach) was excellent. Good friends and cold beer: these were times not soon forgotten. 39 JH T Port Visit-Thailand i and even; ! ,4sinev . ' ineniiinit iiero.if ;vwiih( eirAm ailorsffld Laiennl indassonei ilemtiersci lie Home ' s !oys. km fliailanilt ;t The open-air bars were a favorite with many of the crew. Pattaya Beach, Thailand ranks as one of the favorite ports of call for many Flagship personnel. We had a chance to enjoy four days of this beach-front city in April 1985. After dropping anchor just off the golden beaches of Pattaya, where strolling vendors selling coconut milk, pineapple drink and ice cream could be seen, sailors and Marines went ashore to enjoy. Some stayed to enjoy the perfect weather, sand and seas of Pattaya. Others strolled further inland to photograph the beautiful temples with high sloping rooftops and elegant gables that gleam like jewels in the sun; temples of intricate carvings and elaborate murals over shady courtyards that offer solace to the soul. Still others ventured into Bangkok, with its busy highways congested with traffic, food stalls on every street corner, and men and women in traditional sarongs and straw hats. It is a city renowned for its precious stones: These Thai boats served as liberty boats. To disembark you had to jump from the bow. 40 «set , Port Visit-Thailand Thailand ' s own dazzling rubies and sapphires, Burmese rubies and jade, Colombian emeralds, Ceylonese sapphires and even African diamonds. As in every port the Blue Ridge wsiis, the needy found a friend in the Blue Ridge saWor and Marine. Master Chief Santero, the ship ' s Human Resources Officer, i ept us busy with Civic Action and Project Handclasp functions. A pallet of medical supplies and diapers were delivered to the Pattaya Orphanage, where the kids broke with tradition for their American friends and entertained the delighted sailors and Marines with an exhibition of breakdancing. Later in the day, the team delivered medical supplies and assorted clothing to the Bang Lamung Boy ' s Home. Members of the crew returned again the next day to paint the Home ' s small dispensary and spend the day with the boys. As the Blue ?«(?£ weighed anchor and bid farewell to Thailand, thoughts returned to the routine of life at sea, the fantail steel beach picnics— and families and friends waiting back in Yokosuka. Cold drinks in the shade were available along main strip. the These two vendors used a boa and an eagle as drawing cards. 41 HiK ' hlii hts BLUE RIDGE SHADOWS NOVOROSSIYSK 1 Three days out of Pusan, our return to Yokosuka was interrupted when the Blue Rld};c was caWed upon to conduct surveillance operations from April 3-5, 1985, of the eight-ship Soviet task force steaming in the North Philippine Sea. Leading the Russian tlotiiia was the Kiev class CVHG Novorossivsk. The CVHG Novorossiysk crosses the Flagship ' s bow. Jtt ' • 1 1 m s g te«i.i!lF ' . atm 3 _ ■ ■:S- ■...,. I - ' .. - -::. 1 9 — - . ; „. . . - - .- ■ . m The CVHG Novorossiysk. 42 Novorossiysk I The Forger B two-seat trainer touches down on the Novorossiysk. 43 1 Hiiihliiihts MM ON THE BLOCKS On May 27, 1985, the flagship Crossed the Sill ol ' Dry Dock 6 in Yokosuka to settle on wooden blocks for the start of a major Ship Repair Availability (SR A). The Blue Ridi c underwent major and minor repairs in order to keep current with the latest technology and ready to continue as flagship for Seventh Fleet. The repair efforts were conducted by a combination of private companies, SRF shops and ship ' s company. A grand total of 230 jobs were completed. These included installation of a new Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), a 20mm gun system; an improved Message Processing and Distribution System; and sandblasting and repainting the hull. The Flagship pulled out of dry dock on the 12th of July and conducted a very successful sea trial on 24 and 25 July. The Blue ?« ,?(■ normally goes into dry dock every 5 to 8 years. The accompanying photos give just a hint of what it was like: hot, tiring and demanding work. Two Ship Repair Facility (SRF) workers take a Coke break during the Ship Repair Availability. An alien from outer space ? No, just an SRF worker geared up for protection against sandblasting Tugs nudge the Blue Ridge stern first into the dry dock. 44 I Hii hlights-ln the Yards A Blue Ridge crew member uses a Darth Vader mask to protect himself during a welding job. High and dry: the ship towers over SRF repairmen working on the floor of the dry dock. 1 Hii hlights-ln the Yards One of the more signiUcant changes accomplished to the Flagship during the dry-dock period of May 27 to July 12, 1985, was the installation of the Close-in Weapons System (CIWS). Two were installed, one on the bow and one just below the stern. FCCS(SW) Terrell was the resident expert on the system; he was sent back to school to learn the system and its installation. CIWS provides a final defense against anti-ship missiles as part of the Navy ' s defense-in-depth concept. CIWS will engage and destroy any target that penetrates the ship ' s primary defense envelope. According to Senior Chief Terrell, CIWS is the only weapons system in the world that has continuous aim correction. It tracks its own projectiles in order to pinpoint the target, continuously measuring projectile distance and correcting for gun aim error. CIWS consists of six 20mm cannons set up in a Catling gun type arrangement, and can rotate at a rate of 500 RPMs. It fires 3,000 rounds per minute. It takes about five people to maintain and operate the CIWS system and three people to reload (900 rounds per load), with 8-15 minutes required for reloading. The Blue Ridf;eis the first LCC to get the system. Installation of a CIWS System just below the Blue Ridge? s stern. ■ I ' :•( 1 1 46 5liintop,, Hiiihli hts SHINTO CEREMONY FOR CIWS jpiuaOaili Tie of .1 ■j 3il)ouifive i 5Kniandlliree ' • IJiniiiites kmLCCio On July 31 , 1 985 a Shinto priest came aboard the Blue Ridge to offer blessings for the Flagship ' s newly installed Close-In Weapons System (CIWS). Captain Thomas D. Paulsen accepts an offering which he will offer for the successful operation of CIWS. The ceremonies took place on the forecastle. .{ fU K B jBEj ttt t V m Bn ' TiiHn£ j i. iL 3-v  !. A Shinto priest blesses the new CIWS gun mount during ceremonies on the forecastle. The ceremonies were also attended by SRF workers who helped install the system. A number of officers and crew members attended the Shinto blessing ceremony for the CIWS system. Receiving small cups of sake as they participate in the ceremony are (left to right) CTM3 W. Daly, CT01 J. Wrbanich, CT01 B. Hansen and Captain K. Jordan, USMC. . 47 K Hiiihliiihts FATHER DAUGHTER CRUISE 25 JULY 1985 MMW mbark Daughters! This is a command not often heard aboard a naval 1 vessel. Yet on July 25, 1985, that command was given at 0700 to begin an event-filled day for the daughters of the officers and men of the Seventh Fleet Flagship and embarked staff personnel. The annual Father Daughter Cruise has proven a popular event with the fathers and daughters alike. The day begins with breakfast in the various messes for all hands and their guests. Throughout the day there is something for everyone. Many were on hand for the firefighting and damage control demonstrations on the main deck. A tour of the main propulsion area proved very popular with the young ladies. And some enjoyed strolling the main deck with Dad or watching him in his work center, gaining a better insight as to why Dad has to go to sea for long periods of time and what he does there. At day ' s end, a happy and excited group of young ladies were on the main deck as Blue V .sjc moored— anxious to tell Mom, who was waiting on the pier, of the day ' s activities. ' A delicious cake for a special occasion. C ' lcerc ' Petticoat Cruise CW02 Gray shows daughter Desiree and her friend Angle O ' Conner how to prepare ear plugs for use while in Main Control. 49 1 Hii hliiihts 25 JULY 1985 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 0500 Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail 0700 Moor Berth 8 Yokosuka; embark Father Daughter Cruise Guests 0700 Breakfast for the crew and guests 0800 Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail 0830 Underway 0900 Firefighting DC demonstration, main deck aft 1000 Fathers daughters tour Main Control 1100 Fire 3750 MTS CIWSMTS 1 300 Fathers daughters tour ship gun mounts 1 400 Fathers daughters tour CDC 1 500 Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail 1600 Father daughter photos 1 700 Moor Berth 8, Yokosuka Naval Base iFi Machinist ' s Mate Second Class Irby (in the background) explains the workings of the Main Control space to fathers and daughters. pGSxSSi Ihe young D fe ort(sp} I r The f iref ighting and damage control demonstration conducted on the main deck proved to be very popular with the young ladies. 50 I Petticoat Cruise it The young ladies got a firsthand look at the ship ' s turbines and reduction gears. MM2 Irby conducted the tour through his work space. y Captain Paulsen is assisted in cutting the special Father Daughter Cruise cake on the mess decks by Joan Morgan, Lorelei Bayona, Gina Marie Tessitore and Mary Colleen Trousdale. 51 Hiiihliiihts HELO DETACHMENT CHANGE OF COMMAND M! On August 4, 1985, Helicopter Support Squadron 1, Detachment 6 changed hands during ceremonies on the Blue ? J.t,r night deck. LCDR Charles R. Hilton assumed command of Det. 6 from LCDR Donald H. Pepittmermet, who subsequently transferred to the Office oftheCNO(OP-404). Det. 6 maintains and flies Black Beard One (BBOl ), with a primary mission of providing transport for the Commander Seventh Fleet and a secondary mission of Search and Rescue (SAR). BBOl has twoqualifled SAR swimmers aboard and has flown 5,700 accident-free hours. The average workload logged aboard the Blue Rid ceach year is 600 flight hours, 20,000 pounds of cargo and mail, and approximately 1,000 military and civilian personnel transported. When not aboard the Blue Ridge, BBOl flies out of its base at the Atsugi Naval Air Station to shuttle military personnel to and from Sasebo. LCDR Charles R. Hilton (left) and LCDR Donald H. Pepittmermet following flight deck ceremonies during which LCDR Hilton assumed command of Det. 6. Helicopter Support Squadron 1 , Det. 6 personnel stand before BB01 for one last photo with the departing OIC. Personnel are (left to right) LCDR Charles R. Hilton, new OIC; LT Charles Fuller, Admin. Officer; AEC Charles T. Deal, Maintenance Chief; AT2 Gary Freeman; PR1 Terry Jacque; AEAN Paul Bernard; AD1 Dennis Bell; AMS2 Tony Felber; YN2 Mike Thomas; AD3 John A. Moore; AK2 Dave Decosier; AD1 Joe Tuck; YN2 Tom Funderburk; AN Mike McCowin; YN2 John Burke; CW03 Less Beery, Asst. Maintenance Officer; LT Steven Trotta, Maintenance Officer; and LCDR Donald H. Pepittmermet, former OIC. Svsiemil i 52 Hiiihliiihts BASIC POINT DEFENSE MISSILE SYSTEM FC2 John D. Lukes, director illuminator operator at the MKl 15, signals a good launch of a Sea Sparrow missile from the ship ' s Basic Point Defense Missile System (BPDMS) on October 26, 1985, while the Flagship was operating off Faro Point, Philippines. Sea Sparrow launch from the ship ' s BPDMS system on October 26, 1985. 53 T Hiiihliiilits 1985 SISTER SHIP CRUISE Prior to getting underway for our annual Sister Ship Cruise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel Shiraiw ( White Ridge ) in 1985, families and friends of both flagships got together in Yokosuka for a good old-fashioned American picnic, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, games for the little ones, baseball, and fine music provided by the Seventh Fleet Band, Far East Edition. A number of new friends were made during the baseball game and the very popular horseshoe toss. Captain Paulsen and Captain Akira Katoh, 5 ; ra«f commanding officer, kicked off the day with an exchange of ship ' s ball caps and the cutting of the official sister ship cake. The actual at-sea cruise with Shirane was a notable success. According to CDR Iver J. Rivenes III, Operations Officer, This year ' s cruise was outstanding. niiiimm immi mm fi hm The cake tasted as good as it looked. j Captain and t Kalohandhis Shirane sailors and children. Numerous ball caps were exchanged. Captain Paulsen and Captain Katoh exchange ship ' s ball caps during a brief ceremony kicking off the picnic. 54 Sisler Ship Cruise 3 I . VBj ¥ [ Kf Hi : f vH 73 ;  m - HRS ' % . , _ i B W Captain and Mrs. Paulsen in conversation with Captain Captain Paulsen and Captain Katoh (CO., Shirane) cut Katoh and his daughter during the 1 985 Sister Ship picnic, the official cake after exchanging ball caps. A Shirane family enjoys the picnic American style, sitting Sittin ' on the corner, watching all the girls go by. Some on the grass. In the background games are being things are the same in all navies, organized for the little ones. 55 Hiiihlii hts While al sea, the two ships conducted numerous readiness evolutions, including joint exercises in seamanship, communications, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and tactical maneuvering. For the evolutions. Blue Ridge and 5 ; ra K ' exchanged personnel, some ot our sailors going to Shirane and some of theirs coming to Blue Ridge. This gave the individuals concerned a better understanding of how the other ships operates and helped to cement the close ties of friendship already existing between both ships. Our port calls to Kure (August 8-9), Kagoshima (August 12) and Sasebo (August 14-15) wereajoint venture, punctuated with receptions for the officers and enlisted men and very warm welcomes in every port. The accompanying photographs give a closer look at our annual Sister Ship Cruise 1985. 1 This unusual sight greeted Blue Ridge as we pulled into Kagoshima; a volcano spewed smoke and ash. This continued throughout our stay but was not serious enough to cause alarm. tii y The Am erican submarine Oarfer steams into position ahead of the Blue Ridge for a port call in Kagoshima. The Marine Color Guard parades the colors while pulling into port. 56 Sister Ship Cruise • ■« ?T If A Shiranecrew member is high-lined between ships enroute to Kagoshlma. The bridge of the Sh rane during high-line evolutions with the Blue Ridge. The young ladles who presented the flowers upon arrival l,ilepuH ' in Kure are, in turn, presented with photographs of the Seventh Fleet Flagship. During welcoming ceremonies on the quarterdeck when the Blue Ridge arrived in Kure, flowers were presented to Vice Admiral McCarthy; Capt. Paulsen; Capt. Oliver, Seventh Fleet Chief of Staff; MMCM(SW) Schwark, Command Master Chief; and Dental Assistant Terry Phillips, the youngest Blue Ridge crew member. 57 Hiii ilighfs Blue Ridge Navigator LT Coomes with a Shirane officer at the officers ' reception aboard Shirane while anchored out in Kagoshima. CDR Wooldridge and Midshipman Peterson talk with S i rane of fleers at the officers ' reception on board Shirane I Kagoshima, Japan. Jerii,,,,,,, 58 -i-: Sister Ship Cruise imtlwedoutin ■r l J s ' A volcano spews smoke and ash during the officers ' reception in Kagoshima. New friends pose for a photo during the enlisted Blue Ridge Shirane reception in Kure. LT Jenkins talks with a Shirans officer during the officers ' reception held aboard Shirane while in Kagoshima. 59 1 Fort isit PENANG: VOLUNTEERS MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT Penang, Malaysia is an island of beautiful beaches and magnetic sunsets. Blue Ridgehad the opportunity to spend three days there in October 1985. While the liberty and sightseeing drew many of the Flagship personnel to the beaches, the Blue RidgeC ' wk Action and Project Handclasp teams were also busy. In Penang, the volunteer sailors and Marines of the people-to-people programs visited the Handicapped Children ' s Center to spread goodwill and make new friends for the U.S. Navy and our country. Called the Pearl of The Orient, Penang ' s natural harbor first attracted the British as an anchorage for their sloops-of-war defending the British East India Company ' s posts on the east coast of India. Today, Penang is a major tourist attraction with mosques and historic churches, a snake temple, pagodas and scores of other temples and sights. Along the shady beaches lie fabulous estates with manicured lawns. Settled by the Malays, Penang is an exciting mixture of Chinese, Indians, Arabs and a host of other communities, which make it a photographer ' s dream come true. The dress of these varied peoples, their food and festivals combine to make Penang a unique and popular holiday island. Blue Ridge sailors work together to restore a sign at the entrance of a children ' s home in Penang. From left PHI Agustin Aguirre, SKSN Prospero Rivera, LI3 Charles O. Boyd and DP3 Peter Alvarez. to right: 60 r T Port Visit-Pcnang tta mmd  « ' « MACM Bayanio Santero, Human Resources Officer, presents a plaque to the director of the Handicap Appeal Center in Penang, Malaysia. Master Chief Santero and his team of Blue H dge volunteers provided many services to the center, including painting the exterior of buildings, and repairing and varnishing furniture. DS3 Efrain Zarate and a young friend listen to the Seventh Fleet Band in Penang. 61 Fort I ' Isit SINGAPORE: IT ' S GREAT TO BE BACK! Singapore has always been a favorite port for Blue Ridi;c SiiWoTS and Marines. We visited tiiis island ;ity-stale in September 1985. Singapore offersjusl about everything a seafarer could hope for: sightseeing, shopping bargains or just plain relaxation under a warm tropical sun. People from around the world can be found in Singapore— Australians, New Zealanders, Indians and British especially in great numbers. This offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet all these people and learn about their cultures in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Singapore is also one of the cleanest cities in the world. It is alive with history, which can be seen at every corner, most notably in some 1 8th century architecture like the old Victoria Memorial Building downtown. As for entertainment, Singapore comes alive after dark, with a large variety of discos and restaurants at every turn. While in Singapore, Blue Ridge sailors and Marines gave up their off-duty time to take part in the ship ' s successful and ongoing people-to-people programs. The Civic Action Team visited various needy organizations to refurbish buildings, fix furniture and deliver Project Handclasp materials. The Team also visited the United Nations-sponsored Vietnamese refugee camp in Singapore, helping the people there to refurbish their facility, and making lasting friendships. During Project Handclasp in Singapore, we didn ' t do a the work. The children especially liked to help out in refurbishing their buildings. DP3 Peter Alvarez takes a break for a soft drink during Project Handclasp work in Singapore. 62 T Port Visit-Singapore L A group of Australian high school students from Singapore arrive at the Flagship for a tour of the ship 63 HiKhlii hrs BLUE RIDGE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE On Thursday, November 14, 1985, the USS Blue Rldiicmiuked her 15th Birthday. The Seventh Fleet Flagship, Finest in the Fleet, is named after the Blue Ridge Mountains, a series of ranges in the Appalachian Mountain system found in the eastern United States. They extend from southeastern Pennsylvania across Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and northern Georgia. The mountains ' name comes from the blue tone given these peaks by forests situated on their slopes. Viewed from a distance, the peaks appear blue in color. The Blue Ridge ' ' s)ob is amphibious force command and control. Amphibious warfare is probably the most complex form of war fought, and its effective control demands Happy Birthday, Blue Ridge Cutting the birthday cake on the mess decks in celebration of the Flagship ' s 1 5 years of service are Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, departing CO.; MMCM(SW) Buzz Schwark, Command Master Chief; Seaman Apprentice L. Wilkerson, youngest crew member aboard; and Captain John H. Heidt, prospective Commanding Officer. Due to operational commitments, the cake-cutting ceremony was held on October 1 3. tonipuieisar ik. fc t 55, com pioiaiionanc 64 1 5th Birthday equally complex facilities. The Blue Ridi;c uses a maze of computers and communications equipment to accomplish her task. The Blue Ricigeis capable of commanding and coordinating all aspects of an amphibious assault landing, comparable in scale to a major World War II operation. This floating command post is able to coordinate troop landings, control air and gunfire support, offer task force protection and disseminate logistical data simultaneously. The forest of antennas which sprouts from her main deck and superstructure give an indication of the Flagship ' s extensive communications network. Part of this network includes satellite telecommunications. The Blue Ridge is the first ship designed from the keel up for command and coordination of amphibious operations exclusively. Listed here are a few of the more dramatic events in her short life: April 29-30, 1975 Participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the emergency evacuation of Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. In this effort the Blue ? (?£ ' helped to evacuate nearly 7,000 United States citizens, Vietnamese refugees and third-country nationals. October 6, 1980 Rescued 92 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea. May 15, 1984 Rescued 35 Vietnamese refugees 350 miles northeast of Cam Rahn Bay. Debarked them in Hong Kong. October 3, 1984 Assisted 17 Vietnamese refugees 90 miles off the west coast of Malaysia. The refugees were in very good condition, their boat seaworthy; they requested only food, water and a navigational chart. April 3-5, 1985 Conducted surveillance operations of the eight-ship Soviet task force steaming in the North Philippine Sea. Leading the Russian fiotilla was the Kiev class CVHG Novorossiysk. May 16, 1985 Rescued 13 Vietnamese refugees 1 10 miles southeast of Vietnam. Debarked them in Okinawa, Japan. Thursday, 14 November marks 15 years of outstanding service that USS Blue Ridgehas provided to our country and Navy. Day in and day out. Blue Ridge ' s crew demonstrates dedicated support to Seventh Fleet and serves superbly as a member of the Overseas Family Residency Program. On this proud occasion, I ' m extremely proud to have Blue Ridge as a member of NAVSURFGRU WESTPAC. Happy Birthday. -RADM H.L. Webster, USN COMNAVSURFGRU WESTPAC 1970-1985 65 r Hiiihlii hts SULTAN VISITS THE BIUE RIDGE The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam visited the Blue Ridgeon October 5, 1985, while we were operating off the coast of Brunei. While aboard the Flagship, Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah met with Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy, Jr., Commander Seventh Fleet, and received briefings on the mission and capabilities of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific. The visit. His Majesty ' s first to any U.S. ship at sea, followed discussions with U.S. Ambassador Barrington King and Admiral McCarthy in Brunei. Brunei Darussalam is a 2,226-square-mile nation on the northwestern coast of Borneo. Income from offshore oil and gas deposits gives its citizens one of the highest per capita incomes of any nation in the world. Captain Paulsen and Captain David R. Oliver Jr., Seventh Fleet Chief of Staff, greet Vice Admiral McCarthy, the Sultan and Ambassador King upon their arrival on the Flagship. li Vice Admiral McCarthy talks with Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah on the bridge while Captain Paulsen and U.S. Ambassador Barrington King look on. 66 1 1 Sultan of Brunei Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah in the Flagship wardroom. His Majesty received briefings on the mission and capabilities of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific. i i , «|US ' The Marine Honor Guard renders honors to the official party. From left: Captain Paulsen, Captain Oliver, Ambassador King, Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah and Vice Admiral McCarthy. Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Sir Hassanal Bolkiah inspects the Blue Ridge Marine Honor Guard prior to departing the Flagship on Black Beard 01 . The Sultan visited the Flagship while we were operating off the coast of Brunei. 67 Hiiihlii hts MARINE CORPS BALL On October 30, 1985, Marines aboard the Flagship held their Marine Corps Ball ashore at the Staff NCO Club in Subic Bay. This important event is traditionally observed by U.S. Marines worldwide on November 10, the Marine Corps birthday. This year the Flagship Marines held the ball early due to operational commitments. The Marine Corps was established by an act of Congress on July 1 1 , 1 798, although the Marines celebrate their birthday on November 10, the date in 1775 when the Continental Marines were established by the Continental Congress. United States Marines have fought in every U.S. war. Remaining true to their motto. Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), they have built a reputation and tradition of discipline, devotion to duty, leadership, loyalty, self-sacrifice and versatility. ' km 1 1 X i f Sgt. Carl Frangipayne and Sgt. Anthony Goodwin following supper at the NCO Club in Subic. Sitting at the head table during Marine Corps Ball ceremonies were (left to right) Commander W.K. Coxe, Jr., USN, Blue Ridge Executive Officer; Mrs. Marbeth Paulsen; Col. Thomas E. Cambell, USMC, Seventh Fleet Plans Officer; Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, USN, Commanding Officer, USS Blue Ridge; Col. Sweeny of MARDET, Subic; and Captain David R. Oliver, USN, Seventh Fleet Chief of Staff. B Col. Camp. obsei MitKinpjs '  «yo(inj Eo ar, Marine Corps Ball Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, USN and Colonel Thomas E. Campbell, USMC cut the Marine Corps birthday cake. ► z i Vart Office ' 3«iua: 69 Hli hlliihls ' Captain Kevin B. Jordan, USMC and Captain Fredrick H. Grant, USMC. Lance Corporal Roy H. Miller and Cpl. Kenneth Denton with their guests at the Marine Corps Ball in Subic Bay. Captain Toby Master Sgt. Johnnie E. Tharp (left) and Master Sgt. Daniel L. Wotring share dinner with MMCM(SW) Buzz Schwark, Blue ff dge Command Master Chief, SMCM(SW) E. Toulou, and HMCS(AC) Jesse L. Lowder. iuppf, 70 Marine Corps Ball Captain Toby B. Plummer, USMC with his guests, LCDR Michael A. Jones and LT MichaelJ. Coomes. LT Franklin T. Thorn, ship ' s medical officer, joins Captain Tim Ziegler, USMC and Captain Eldon W. Bingham, USMC for supper. 71 HiuhlL hls MARINES CELEBRATC THEIR 210TH BIRTHDAY On November 10, 1985, Marines on the Flagship joined Marines around the world in celebrating the Marine Corps 210th birthday. On board the Blue Ridge ihe occasion was celebrated with ceremonies on the main deck, which were attended by Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy Jr., Commander Seventh Fleet. The Marine Corps Ball, a very formal affair, is normally held on November 10, the Marine Corps birthday. This year, however, due to operational commitments. Blue Ridge and Seventh Fleet Staff Marines held the ball in Subic Bay on October 30. Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy Jr., Commander Seventh Fleet, cuts the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during main deck ceremonies celebrating the 21 0th Birthday of the Marine Corps. Also in the photo (from left): Sgt. L.M. Marone, Col. T.E. Campbell, and Cpl. R.B. Vanderhorst. Marines present for the birthday celebration (back row, from left): Sgt. R. Ettinger, Staff Sgt. C. Lambert, Sgt. A. Goodwin, Sgt. L. Marone, Sgt.R. Brasley Sr., Master Sgt. J. Tharp, Pfc. E. Haseltine, Cpl. R. Vanderhorst, Lt. E. Bingham, Lance Cpl. A. Wilson, Pfc. K.W. Brightmon, Lt. T. Ziegler, Sgt. S. Boyce, Sgt. D. Young, Capt. T.B. Plummer; (front row, from left) Gunnery Sgt. J.S. Siege!, Pfc. G. Guevara, Cpl. J. Williams, Cpl. F. Johnson, Cpl. J. Maza, Lance Cpl. R. Ascencio, Sgt. C. Frangipane, Lance Cpl. S. Lord. 72 i H I i h lights MARCOMDET CHANGE OF COMMAND On November 1, 1985, the Blue ? V ,i, ' ( ' Marine Communications Detachment (MARCOMDET) changed hands during change of command ceremonies held on the main deck ofthe Flagship. Captain Toby B. Plummer, USMC relieved Captain Kevin B. Jordan, USMC as Commanding Officer, Marine Communications Detachment. Captain Thomas D. Paulsen, Blue ?«(t, ' ( ' Commanding Officer, and Commander W.K, Coxe, Jr., Blue RidgeExQcuUvc Officer, attended the ceremonies. Captain Plummer reports to the Flagship from the Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. Captain Jordan ' s next duty station after Blue Riil};ewds with Marine Air Group 26 at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina. IP M M I JJH , . ll I - Blm Master Sgt. Tharp reads the change of command orders for Capt. Jordan and Capt. Plummer. Capt. Toby B. Plummer, USMC receives the MARCOMDET Flag from the outgoing CO., Capt. Kevin B. Jordan, USMC. Capt. Jordan addresses his command one last time prior to his departure. 73 Hii hlii hts BLUE RIDGE COMPETITION: AWARDS AND TROPHIES NEY MEMORIAL § ongralulations on selection as winners in the 1 985 NEY Memorial Awards Program competition, i Your selection as winner is an indication of extraordinarily hard work, commitment to excellence in all areas of food service, and dedication of all in your organization to outstanding food service for our sailors. Well Done! - Admiral S.R. Foley. Jr. SUPPLY «E The Blue Ricii c Supp y Department recently won their second consecutive Blue E in Department Etficiency Awards competition. Captain Thomas D. Paulsen joined with Captain Don L. Hunter, Staff Supply Officer, and Lieutenant Commander Mike A. Jones, Supply Officer, along with the supply department officers and men to form a departmental E on the main deck. COMMUNICATIONS C The Communications Department of the Blue Ridi;e won its first C in recent Departmental Efficiency Awards. Captain Thomas D. Paulsen joined with Commander Ralph F. Renzelman, Staff Communications Officer, and Lieutenant Commander James R. Collier, Communications Officer, along with the Navy Marine Communications team to form a COMM C on the Blue ?« .!, ' ( ' main deck RETENTION R RMC(SW) Norman Knox, Command Career Counselor (below, holding award) and MMCM(SW) Buzz Schwark, Command Master Chief (front row, second from right) with some of the Flagship ' s departmental career counselors following presentation of the Retention R for their success in the Navy ' s Retention Program aboard Blue Ridge. According to RMC(SW) Knox, Dedicated work by all our career counselors and command involvement have helped us to maintain above 50% First Term ' retention NEY Memorial Communications C Supply E 74 i, A wards and Trophies for the past seven quarters, which keeps Blue Ridi;i ' on the COMNAVSURFGRLl WESTPAC Honor Roll and in the top twenty percent of SURFPAC ' s ships. SURFPAC standards for winning the Retention R Award are 50 (i First Term, 15% Second Term and 90 i Career. Blue Ridge met and exceeded those standards with 52 i First Term retention, lOO ' li Second Term and 91% Career. Other departmental career counselors shown are (from left) YNl J. A. Turner, MM2 C.R. Golleher, AGC F.M. Lambert, PHI B.M. Gray, RMC(SW) Knox, AGl R.P. Mugler, MMCM(SW) Schwark, DP3 S. McGhee and L12 F. Medina, Assistant to the Command Career Counselor. M ALRIGHT! SC(SW) Ronaldo R. Blazo and MS3 Jody Franklin taste-test the cake which won them and the Blue Rldi;elop honors at the Subic Bay Naval Station Second Annual Cake Decorating Contest on January 28, 1986 (top photo, right). The cake won in the First Place Afloat and Most Unique Afloat categories. Due to an administrative error, the Flagship bakers were not notified of the contest until the day before judging. In true Blue ? (y,t;£ ' competitive spirit Chief Blazo remarked to MS3 Franklin, Let ' s go for it! The rest, as they say, is history. Among other contestants. Blue Ridge wds competing against the USS Midway (CV-41 ), USS Reeves (CG-24) and USS Cochrane (DDG-21 ) also in Subic Bay at the time. WHALEBOAT RACES After a tough, muscle-ripping battle with the crew of the USS Locknood iFF- 064)Ahe whaleboat crew of the USS Blue Ridge paddled their way to a first-place trophy in the 1 2th annual George L Purdy Motor Whaleboat Race on June 7, 1985, at Yokosuka ' s Green Bay. A visitingship, the USS Acadia (AD-42), took an early lead in the race with Blue Ridgeand Lockwood (oWomng close behind. Near the end of the race, the Acadia team took a big lead and crossed the finish line well ahead of the rest. But since visiting ships are not eligible to win the cup, the Acadia was presented an Itinerant Award. And the 12th annual George L Purdy Whaleboat Race Cup was awarded to the Finest In The Fleet, the USS Blue Ridge. Representing their shipmates in the event were coxswain BM2 Jonathan Pavy and rowers SN Charles A. Bodie, YNSA James A, Broome, EN3 Lance A. Coverdill, RM3 Joel E. Gappa, SN Stanley E. Henry, DS3 Mark I. Rhodes and RP3 Ray J. Silvey. The crew of the USS Midway (CV-41 ), it seems, had lost the magic they possessed during last year ' s Motor Whaleboat Race. As the reigning champions, Midway nol only lost their title but finished the ' 85 race last. Also participating was the USS OldendorJ, whose crew showed determination as they paddled their way to fourth place. The whaleboat trophy comes home. 75 Hii hlii hts A TEAM CAPTURES WRT TROPHY The Blue Ridge A Basketball Team relumed to the ship on March 2 1 from Yokosuka, and with them they brought the WESTPAC Regional Tournament Championship and Trophy. Coach PCC(SW) E.L. Mac Mclntyre and members of the A Team presented the Championship Trophy to Blue ? J,i, ' ( ' Commanding Officer Captain John H. Heidt during ceremonies on the mess decks March 24, 1986. Participants in the WESTPAC Tournament in Yokosuka were Navy teams from Okinawa, Misawa, Kamiseya, Atsugi and the USS A ;( H ' m Gold Team. The tournament normally hosts eight teams but the teams from Sasebo and Korea couldn ' t make it. In the first game, kicking off the tournament. Blue Ridge went up against the team from Okinawa. The score? Blue Ridiic 117, Okinawa 91. Team Captain and leader was RM2 T.G. Hickson. OS3W player illiams goes for a jump ball against a Cubl Point n the match against Subic. Members of the Blue Ridge A Basketball Team show off the WESTPAC Regional Basketball Trophy upon their triumphant return from Yokosuka. In the back row (left to right) are SA S. Osborn, 083 J. Williams, RMSN B.C. Huntley, and PC2 T.M. Partlow. In the front row (left to right) are RM2 T.G. Hickson, RMS B.B. Barnes, PCC(SW) E.L. Mclntyre. (Not pictured: CT02 G. Taylor, CT03 J. Stahls, RMS G. Turner, DPSN M. Pyle, MM3 E. Provost and BTSN E. Armstrong.) In the first half of that game we were kind of raggedy, said Coach Mac. But in the second half we got our running game going real well and that ' s what clinched it. We lost BTFN Armstrong during the game to a knee injury. He was out for the rest of the tournament. Top scorer for this game was MM3 Provost with 28 points. Next was RM2 Hickson with 22 points, 0S3 Williams with l7,CT03Stahl with 16 and RM3 Turner with 14. Our next game was against Kamiseya, Coach Mac said. We took it 97 to 79 through a well-balanced attack game. RM3 Turner suffered an ankle injury in this game, but came back to help us out in the next one anyway. Leading scorer for the Blue Ridge was RM3 Turner with 2 1 points, followed by MM3 Provost with 20, OS3 Williams with 18, CT03 Stahl with 16 and RM3 Hickson with 15. Our game against Misawa was a close one. We had a problem with our running game because of RM3 Turner ' s injury in the last game. That ' s why the game was so close. But we still took them, 76 to 74. MM3 Provost was the leading scorer in this game with 20 points, followed by 0S3 Williams with 16, CT03 Stahl with 16, RM2 Hickson with 13 and RM3 Turner with 12. 76 A wards and Trophys The championship game against Okinawa was exciting, says Coach Mac. Williams, Stahl and Hickson ruled the boards. They were hot on the rebounds. And Turner was quick to get the ball and pass it to Provost for the shot. We were scoring nearly every time we went up and Okinawa wasn ' t. In the last five minutes of the game Okinawa made their fatal mistake: they went to a man-to-man defense. Blue Riclgchad a free-throw percentage of 89% throughout the tournament. And these guys were scoring in double figures every game. The bench was hot, too. They were contributing 1 7 points per game. When you have that kind of combination, it ' s almost impossible to stop us. And the man-to-man defense meant Showtime for RM3 Turner. Turner is the best point-guard in WESTPAC, according to Coach Mac. No one can match him or stop him from penetrating, getting the ball and feeding it to one of our shooters. The seven days the team spent practicing in Yokosuka paid off big dividends, according to Coach Mac. 0S3 Captain John H. Heidt receives the WESTPAC Regional Basketball Tournament Trophy from Blue Ridge A Team Basketball Coach PCC(SW) E.L. Mac Mclntyre. Other team members present (left to right) included DPSN M. Pyle, RM2 T.G. Hickson, OS3 J. Williams, RM3 G. Turner and SA S. Osborn. Food Service Personnel, under the direction of MSC(SW) Rolando Blazo, again outdid themselves with a beautiful cake for the occasion. The cake sported a basketball in the center. RM2 Hickson shoots a layup against the Cubi Point Flyers in a the Subic game. OS3 Williams and MM3 Provost assist. Williams had a problem hanging onto the ball, which earned him the moniker, Loose-Hand Williams. With some hard work and the help of his teammates, he soon found the fans calling him Claw-Hand Williams. Strong rebounding and jumping at the top of the key earned Williams the Most Valuable Player selection by tournament officials. On winning the trophy. Coach Mac said, This is for the Bhie Riclgc. The team plays for the command, and the win and trophy belong to the officers and crew of the ship. But, this trophy is es[iecially for the X.O., Commander Coxe. for all his support. It ' s his going-away trophy. The championship game was Chief Mac ' s last one for the Blue ? V .i,r— his PRD was June 10. The man who coached our team to a 64-6 average each year has transferred to CFAY. And the big question on the minds of basketball fans both ashore and afloat in Yokosuka is, will Chief Mac take a coaching position with theSeahawks and lead them against Blue Ridge? 77 Hii hlii ifs YULETIDE FESTIVITIES SANTA VISITS THE BLUE RIDGE Christmas 1985 found the Flagship in port Yokosuka. Though we didn ' t have a white Christmas, it was nonetheless a very Merry Christmas because we were with our friends and families. There were a number of divisional and individual mess Christmas parties; the two biggest, however, were the All Hands Ship ' s Christmas Party (December 7) and the Children ' s Christmas Party ( December 21). At the ship ' s Christmas Parly there was the traditional Blue Ridiii ' Chvislnvds cake cutting and plenty of excellent food and fellowship. The party was held at the Club Alliance. The Children ' s Christmas Party, held on the mess decks, was organized by the Wives ' Club. They were able to get Santa Claus to visit for a short time. He handed out Christmas gifts to the youngsters. There was also cake and ice cream. IIIIMI SSBH-5 j IB 1. ' ■■ ¥ ' A i Hb M -lAu . ., . si HI MP - AC •Ei.,1 .. iff r ' fflgl 1 H KT ' mm. i Z ' - , ' - , m % r h I i Once again, the All Hands Christmas Party was a huge success. 78 A Christmas rl Captain Heidt and Captain David R. Oliver Jr., Seventh Fleet Chief of Staff, cut the Christmas cake to officially start festivities at the Blue ff dge COMSEVENTHFLT Christmas Party. 79 Hliihliiifus I II Santa and his helper pose with Brittney Marie, daughter of YN2 and Mrs. Michael Murphy. ' Little Drummer Boy Aaron Guzman just thrilled Mom and Oad when he showed them the drum Santa gave him 80 ii Christmas The Blue Ridge was treated to a special show when teachers of the Sullivan Kindergarten School brought the children to Pier 8 to sing Christmas carols to the Flagship personnel. It was cold out but the enthusiasm was warming. 81 Hii hliii ifs TIGER CRUISE The Blue Rkli e Annual Tiger Cruise, held on January 8-9, once again proved to be a great success with the sons and guests of ship ' s company and staff personnel. Tiger Joe Couto, age 1 1 : ' T liked walking around and looking at everything. 1 liked the CI WS and would like to come back again. The Flagship got underway 0900 on the 8th to on-load ammunition following our Christmas in-port period. The tigers were brought to Blue Ridge ' m the Captain ' s gig following ammo on-load. James Verrett, 13: 1 liked the ride from the pier in Yokosuka, on the gig, to the ship. Also I liked the CIWS on the ship. Cedric Jones, 8: Mount Fuji was nice to look at as we were leaving. 1 also liked playing video games and sleeping on the racks. The Blue Ridge sponsors a Tiger Cruise annually so each Tiger or guest can see how his Dad or sponsor lives and works aboard ship. The program is especially important for Navy sons because it helps to show them why Dad is away from home so much. During the one-and-a-half-day cruise the Tigers were exposed to a wide variety of activities. They visited and had explained to them virtually every space aboard ship, from the bridge pilot house to the main deck areas and the engine rooms. The newly installed Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) proved to be one of the more popular items on the boys ' agenda. Ricky Eddington, 8: I liked playing the video games and looking at the guns on the main deck. I ' d like to come and visit again. David Bright, 16: I had no problems with seasickness. I enjoyed it and especially playing the video games in the game room. Eric Lee, 15: I thought it was fun. The Big Brother assigned to us did a real good job. Also, I thought the ship was very clean. Upon completion of the Tiger Cruise, each Tiger received a group photograph and a certificate for his scrapbook. Robert Haskins joined SA S. De Jesus and his friends on the mess decks for a meal during the Tiger Cruise. 82 Tiger Cruise The Tigers and their Dads, sponsors, and Big Brothers gathered in the Crew ' s Training Room for a group photo. Standing, left to right: Jerry Fontilla, LT K.J. Carron, DP3 J.L. Montgomery, Capt. T.B. Plummer, RMSN R.W. Fuller, OSCS D.A. Berner, M.Sgt. J.E. Tharp, FCC T.C. Verrett, ETCM F.E. Trousdale and Lance Cpl. R.H. Miller. Sitting, left to right: Marvin Fontilla, Cedric Montgomery, Kurt Plummer, Joseph Couto, Robert Hasklns, David Berner, Brad Tharp, Sheadrick Eddington, Kyle Plummer, David Bright, Eric Lee, James Verrett. (Not pictured: David Heidt, Steven Heidt, Lee-Anthony Cronin, Cedric D. Jones, Louis Hatcher, D.L. Hatcher, Dino Frederico, William K.Coxe III). DP3 James L. Montgomery and his son, Cedric, make a selection for lunch. Captain J.H. Heidt shows his sons, David and Stephen, the view from the bridge wing. 83 Port Visit CEBU, MANILA, SUBIC BAY - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CEBU The port of Cebu, Philippines is not frequently visited by the Flagship. Nonetheless, our October ' 85 port visit proved to be very enjoyable. Once again, the Civic Action Team of 30 sailors and Marines volunteered their off-duty time to spread Blue V f goodwill. The team responded to a request from a local school for assistance in repairing their buildings and refurbishing desks and cabinets. A number of supplies were delivered here also, through Project Handclasp. Cebu also offered some unusual souvenirs. Vendors at the gate sold a number of articles made of various types of sea shell. The most popular seemed to be the conch shells with paintings of Blue Rldfiednd the smaller cowrie shells, beautifully polished and brightly colored by nature with the Flagship carved on it. The paintings and carvings also included the dates of our visit. Local craftsmen also offered numerous animals made entirely of shells. I A group of happy students pose for the camera following repainting of their school. HeF IJioslarlatf Itesepeop (jiallprovinci I ' liiirclifonk leamraemlje near Manila ai Sodyinpainir Lsieuliei ii pusneuancsr I Marines in un ItieRagsh ' asanespecii 3i1inle(lCi Mrs in and; ' ' ' Use which f ip ' ssofiball fcHiiijiS :oyrs iiiie , busloads of F, A few members of the Civic Action Team posed with some of the students of the Mambog Elementary School following the Civic Action and Project Handclasp projects. In the photo are (back row) OSSN Michael Posche, IS2 Steven Prentiss, ET1 L.C. Whitman and CPL Joaquin Maza, and (front row, center) SKCM Rodolfo O. Reyes. 84 Philippines MANILA The Blue Ridge v s ' ned Manila, Philippines in October ' 85 and January ' 86. The Flagship moored in Manila at 0900 on October 23 to start a three-day port visit which, in addition to protocol and official functions, included Civic Action and Project Handclasp programs under the direction of the ship ' s Human Resource Office. These people-to-people projects included visiting a small province just outside Manila and repainting the church for the local people. Additionally, Civic Action Team members visited the Mambog Elementary School near Manila and were assisted by an enthusiastic student body in painting and repairing items within the school. Later, the Blue RidgeC ' ivk Action members presented the school with a truckload of books. Excited youngsters pushed and shoved to be able to assist the sailors and Marines in unloading the textbooks. The Flagship ' s second port visit to Manila in January was an especially exciting and event-filled occasion which included Civic Action and Project Handclasp programs, tours in and around Manila, and a Manila-to-Subic Bay cruise which featured the USO show. Kings Company. Our ship ' s Softball team also brought home a trophy. Blue RidgeSpeddl Services set up some outstanding tours while the ship was in Manila. On January 17, busloads of Flagship personnel set out for Pagsanjan Falls, Blue Ridge personnel Man The Rails as the Flagship pulls into the capital city of Manila. IS2 Steven Prentiss and CPL Joaquin Maza unload textbooks for the Mambog Elementary School. The students eagerly helped with the work. Corregidor and Bantangas. Pagsanjan Falls is said by many to be the prime attraction of the Philippines. We enjoyed a leisurely boat ride along the river through some of the most beautiful tropical settings in the world. After a break for lunch, it was time to shoot the rapids. This is a must trip for anyone coming back to Manila. Corregidor, the Rock, offered a memorable experience beginning with a zip across Manila Bay in a hydrofoil hoverferry to the historic fortress that gained world fame for the courageous American and Filipino defenders who stemmed the advance of Japanese forces during World War 11. The Philippine Experience included a trip to beautiful Batangas and an insight into the Filipino people and their culture. This area is famous for its Barako Coffee, small mats, Balisong (pocket knives), Panocha (peanut brittle), and much, much more. All hands who took part in the tours have gained a new appreciation of the Philippines and its people. While in Manila, the ship ' s Civic Action Team, led by a group of 30 sailors and Marines, went on a painting project at the Manila Cerebral Palsy Home. The men repainted the entire outside of the home, a job which its director said had been needed for some time. 85 ■B Port Visit During the Flagship ' s Civic Action Project in Manila on January 1 7, FCC Thomas C. Verrett presents a Blue Ridge ship ' s plaque to Dr. D.J. Tablin, Director of the Elks ' Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Center. XWCS JO vi-vi Local townspeople assisted the Blue Ridge Civic Action Team with the repainting of their modest church. The problem was that there were more volunteer workers than there were paint brushes. L LT James Jenkins and LTJG Thomas Edelson enjoy a cold one with new friends In Manila. YN2 Mark A. Clark and PN2 Harry Thomas browse over some fresh fruit at a street vendor ' s stand. Philippines Shipmates on liberty. SN Mike Griffin, RMSN Tim St. John and MMFN Louis Rivera know the Punch Line. Do you? 87 l )rt Visit VIP GUEST CRUISE I In the early morning hours of January 19, 1986, 250 VIP and personal guests began arriving at the pier in Manila to board for the transit to Subic Bay. The weather was pleasant and an exciting schedule had been planned for our guests. This included performances by the Seventh Fleet Band, Far East Edition, and a steel beach picnic featuring steaks, salad, hot dogs, hamburgers with all the trimmings, and of course, lots of soft drinks. The Marine Drill Team proved to be a crowd-pleaser, as it usually is. There were also several fly-bys of VC-5 aircraft from Fleet Composite Squadron Five. Guided tours of the Flagship were also provided. Areas the guests were shown included the pilot house and bridge wings. Amphibious Command Center, the library, medical and dental areas, and the forecastle. The highlight of the day, however, was the USO Show, Kings Company. This group of four young men and four young ladies from various parts of the U.S.A. and Canada put on a show that, for a short while, took us all back home. Their repertoire included everything from the latest in rock and ballads to pop, country and commercial jingles, which everyone found delightful. And at one point the young ladies coaxed sailors and Marines from the audience to help in a song and dance routine. It proved to be just as much fun for the audience as it was for the volunteers. During the break between their shows, the Kings Company members, who said they all work at various amusement parks in the States when they aren ' t on the road, had lunch with the crew on the main deck and signed autographs. We were all sorry to see them leave Blue Ridge upon arrival in Subic Bay. Personal guests and invited officials board the Flagship in Manila early in the morning. The one-day transit to Subic offered a variety of activities. y . K The Seventh Fleet Marine Silent Drill Team performs for a capacity audience on the main deck of the Flagship. r Philippines 2 PACIFIC TOUR 1985-86 1932 HIGHLAND AVENUE CINCINNATI, OHIO 45219 King ' s Company, the highlight of the Manila to Subic Bay Cruise. 89 Port Visit Only a few are chosen. Some lucky crew members got the chance to get on stage with Kings Company. Here working on a song and dance routine are (left to right) Cheryl Keel (from Charlotte, NC), BMSN Robert A. Pryor, Christy Tarr (Okenoe, Mich.), 083 Steven Waltner, Kim Powell (Virginia Beach, VA), Sgt. Larue Marone (who told Kim he was from Green Beach) and Carol Marvin (Ontario, Canada). 90 Jk Philippines The sun was out and the weather was warm, a nice day for a shipboard cruise. Guests and crew members sought out shade wherever they could find it— in this case, under the missile launchers. SH2 Pedro Tllos totals the purchase for guests in the Ship ' s Store. The store was opened to the guests during the Manila-to-SubIc cruise. 91 Port Visit SUBIC BAY On January 24, 1986, the Flagship ' s Project Handclasp Team visited the St. Thomas School to spend time with the students and deliver Project 1 landclasp booi s and school supplies. The Project Handclasp Team also made a special delivery on behalf of a Japanese SRF worker in Yokosukt named ito-san. Ito-san contacted the Flagship and said he knew of the St. Thomas school and wished to donate boxes of clothes — could the ship deliver them for him? It was done and greatly appreciated by St. Thomas School students and staff. DT2 R.H. Horton passes boxes of clothes to students of the St. Thomas School who were helping the Blue Ridge Project Handclasp Team unload at the school. I I OiargapoCit a kind. The la Jeepneys, , I 16 warn and tootiteamot 92 i Philippines ' •ipiiidsaidlie ' ■oiOMieljoxes ' M ' ltwas 5 V ' ml Olangapo City, outside the Subic Naval Station, is one of a kind. The faces change, but little else does. Colorful Jeepneys, a wide selection of food and shopping, and the warm and friendly people have made this city a favorite among WESTPAC sailors and Marines. .L Baseball has been said lo be ihe Great American Sport. It is also a favorite on the Blue Rid c. While in Subic, the Blue Ridge A Softball Team took part in the 24-26 January 1986 Fleet Invitational Tournament, and they brought home the bacon! Under the coaching of SKCS K.J. Schrader and EWC S.L. Baggs, the Flagship ' s A Team never left the winner ' s bracket until they lost to the USS Frederick n the semifinals. The Blue Ridi:eihcn took on the Frederick agmn for the championship, and with 0S2 Dave Young hitting two home runs and SK3 E.L. Bradford hitting one, the Blue ?«(£, ' ( ' trounced the Frederick, 1 1-2. 0S2 Young hit five home runs during the tournament. The games and the scores were as follows: USS Blue Rid.w 25 USS Reeves 8 USS Blue Rulw 8 USS Midway 7 VSS Blue Ridi e 19 USS Frederick 2 USS Frederick 3 USS Blue Ridge 1 VSS Blue Ridge 11 USS Frederick 2 93 ■■U S Highliiihts MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATED ABOARD THE BLUE RIDGE On January 20, 1986, while in Subic Bay, the Blue Ridgelook time to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King ' s birthday was January 15, and Congress passed a bill in 1985 setting aside the next Monday following his birthdate as a day of national remembrance. Aboard the Seventh Fleet Flagship, a memorial service in commemoration of Dr. King was held on the forecastle at 1 300. That evening. Blue Rid,i;eMess Management Specialists outdid themselves in preparing a special meal on the Mess Decks. The menu included Southern fried chicken, barbecued spareribs, seasoned black-eyed peas with ham hocks, corn on the cob. Southern-style corn bread, and blueberry pie with ice cream. CAPT John H. Heidt, Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridge, addresses the officers, crew members and guests who joined together on January 20 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. mu ' II BMC(SW) Ronald Duplessis speaks to those assembled during services in honor of Dr. King. 94 ID Commemoration r YN3 Kevin Taylor read from First John, Chapter 1 5 for assembled Flagship personnel and their families and friends. The Blue Ridge Gospel Choir raised their voices in worship and in memory of Dr. King. 95 Commemoration The Subic Chapel Choir visited the Flagship during the King observance on the forecastle while the ship was in Subic Bay. After all have joined hands in saying the Lord ' s Prayer, CAPT Charles R. Parker steps toward the podium to deliver the benediction that ended the King memorial service. 96 ! i Highlights RESCUE OF FISHERMEN At approximately 1700 on February 6, 1986, while operating west of Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, the Blue ? (4 ' e sighted an adrift fishing boat. The fishermen were waving and displaying a distress signal from their mast. Captain John H. Heidt ordered one of the ship ' s boats to investigate and render assistance. Upon reaching the fishing boat the Blue ?;V(i, ' P sailors found the engine disabled and were told by the fishermen that the boat had been adrift since February 1 . After nearly two hours of work on the engine it was deemed unrepairable. The fishermen indicated that they were willing to abandon their boat. It was then that the sailors learned the fishermen had not eaten in two days. The men, from Santa Cruz, Zambales, in the Philippines, were embarked on Blue Ridge, checked by the medical department, and given dinner. Later that evening the Blue J e transferred the fishermen to a Navy tug in the vicinity of Grande Island, Subic Bay. The Blue Ridge ready lifeboat comes alongside a disabled Philippine fishing boat to render assistance. The fishermen were adrift 64 miles west of Subic Bay and had not eaten for two days. 97 f HiKhlii hts TEAM SPIRIT ' 86 One of the most important events of the Flagship ' s schedule is the annual Team Spirit exercise with the Republic of Korea. Team Spirit ' 86 was a joint, combined exercise involving military forces of the United States and the Republic of Korea. Twenty-eight ships, 218 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, and 28,000 Seventh Fleet Navy and Marine Corps personnel were involved in the exercise, which officially began March 9 and ended March 26. A series of exercises were conducted as part of Team Spirit ' 86. These exercises encompassed a broad spectrum of naval warfare areas and gave U.S. and Republic of Korea sea service personnel training in mine-laying, explosive ordnance disposal, discharge of cargo under simulated battle conditions, and amphibious warfare, including a major assault on the Southeastern coast of the Republic of Korea. The Blue Ridge acted as a command and control platform for the staffs of Commander Seventh Fleet, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, and Landing Force Seventh Fleet. Team Spirit ' 86 was the largest such exercise conducted in the free world this year. This was the eleventh Team Spirit exercise. The first was conducted in June 1 976. On the following pages, a look at some of the men and the jobs they were doing during Team Spirit ' 86. All the jobs may not have been exciting, but all were important to the successful completion of the exercise. 5 Enibafliii they wail foi The USS Blue Ridge and USS Dubuque (LPD-8), tied up across the pier from the Flagship in Okinawa, embark Marines. r Team Spirit This Marine made his embarkation a family affair. Embarking IVIarines take a break as they wait for further instruction before boarding the Blue Ridge. Embarking Marines salute as they cross «j the brow to board the Blue Ridge for the Team Spirit exercise. 99 Hii hliiihts A Marine takes a look at his new home for the next few weeks prior to embarking. 100 1 Team Spirit HM2 R.T. Timones administers oxygen in the ship ' s operating room to PC2 T.M. Partlow, who simulates smoke inhalation resulting from a simulated fire during M .LA: ' CDR Ronald Burke, Catholic priest attached to Commander Amphibious Squadron 3, conducts Mass in the ship ' s library on March 23 during Team Spirit ' 86. 101 Hii hlii ifs Team Spirit The strain of long days and realistic training shows on the faces of Blue Ridge Medical Officer LT F.T. Thorn, MC, and HM2 M.E. Brown as they go through the arriving casualties. LT Thorn and his medical team quickly go over a casualty to determine the extent of injuries. Stretcher bearer teams respond quickly to get casualties to the ship ' s medical teams as the chopper lands. 103 Hiiihliiihts t BM3 Charles J. Green II guides in one of the many helicopters that landed on S ue ff dge during Team Spirit ' 86. Vice Admiral McCarthy and Captain Heidt on the bridge wing of the Flagship. 104 Seneijic r Team Spirit Left to right: DK3 D.C. Imber, YN3 R. Workman and BT3 R.A. Taylor were phone talkers in Damage Control Central during GO. i«d86. SMSN CD. Reynolds peers through the big eyes binoculars as part of his lookout duties during a Team Spirit General Quarters off the coast of Pohang, Korea. PCSN R.A. Goff updates the ship ' s battle damage reports on the plot board in Damage Control Central during a General Quarters drill. 105 Hiiihlii hts V Members of Repair Locker 7 (front to back) HTFN Mark A. Eisenhardt, MR3 Todd A. Berryhill, SN Timothy McKenny and SK3 Luis F. Robayo man the hoses as a safety precaution during the ammunition onload.  fresh lniil Seaman Allen R. Roland can tell you about how cold it was while standing the Ready Lifeboat Watch. BMSN Thomas E. Beard and BM3 Matthew C. Diller were prepared in their proximity suits with rescue gear in hand in the unlikely event of a helo crash during flight operations aboard the Blue Ridge. 106 .J FN S.M. Spence, BT3 T.M. Hahn and MMFN B.A. Koch in OBA gear during General Quarters. As members of Repair 5, they investigate and fight fires that might occur. Team Spirit A fresh fruit vendor in Pohang, Korea, one of many traditional scenes we saw during Team Spirit. A merchant in Pohang, Korea prepares his wares for the sailors and Marines who will soon be coming ashore after exercise Team Spirit 86. 107 Fort Visit KOREA: A FAVORITC PORT CALL On February 15, 1986, the Flagship anchored out in Inchon Harbor, the site of McArthur ' s famous landing of U.S. troops on September 15, 1950 in a successful attempt to outflank the North Korean invaders. While Vice Admiral McCarthy, Commander Seventh Fleet, and Captain Heidt were involved in a number of official meetings and protocol events with Korean civilian and military leaders, Liberty Call was passed for the crew. Though the Flagship has been to Korea many times before, it remains a favorite port call with old hands and became an exciting experience for newly reported personnel. Since we weren ' t due to get underway until the 1 9th of February, All Hands had sufficient time to enjoy this land where old and new blend into a comfortable and colorful mixture. Liberty began and ended with a boat ride to Fleet Landing. From there, everyone scattered to find their own form of relaxation. Some took advantage of the many tours offered. The Korean peninsula is wild and craggy country, with steep granite mountains, deep wooded ravines, and wild, wind-swept coasts, perfect for Blue V . e bicyclists. The city of Inchon, with a population of approximately 646,000 offered the shutterbug a wide variety of photographic opportunities. It is located in northwestern South Korea on a low and almost fiat coastal plain, 1 2 miles south of the mouth of the Han River and about 18 miles southwest of Seoul. More adventurous souls took advantage of the ship ' s tour to Panmunjom, the site 35 miles north of Seoul where meetings are held between American and South Korean representatives of the United Nations Military Armistice Commission and North Korean negotiators, to discuss the cease-fire that halted the Korean War in July, 1953. Panmunjom straddles the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which cuts across the peninsula, dividing it into North Korea and South Korea. The heart and soul of Korea, though, is its old capital, Seoul. It is a city that offers something for everyone: palaces, ancient gates, winding alleys and modern high-rise hotels and office buildings situated along wide, busy boulevards. You can walk through downtown Seoul and pass women in charming Korean national dress, window-shopping in modern department stores, as you make your way to shop at stalls where haggling over prices is expected. Perhaps the favorite shopping area with Flagship sailors and marines is the shopping district known as Itaewon in Seoul. A quick stop at the USO across the street from 108 Yongsan Compound, location of the U.S. Forces Korea and Eighth Army Headquarters, for a cup of coffee, a game of pool or to catch up on some of the latest newspapers and magazines from the States, then on through Yongsan Compound, up the hill and you are in shoppers paradise— Itaewon. Everything you could possibly want is for sale, from stuffed toys to leather goods, shoes, boots, mink blankets. ..and the list could go on. Shopping in Itaewon is an experience not to be missed. You find something you like, but don ' t show interest. You kind of pick it up, distractedly, while looking at other goods. You finger it, then toss it back. You look around a while longer, ask about this or that, then casually ask the price of what you really want. The stall owner, experienced and crafty, plays the game. They name a price. What! Are you kidding? You make a counter-offer. They are mortified by your attempt to starve their children, grandparents and relatives, waiting in a cold house. You walk away. Later, you return and the real haggling begins. Eventually, you walk away with your item, both you and the stall owner satisfied that one has out-foxed the other. All too soon it was time to weigh anchor and return to the routine of life at sea. Korea is a favorite port call, whether it is Pusan, Pohang, Seoul or Inchon. We knew we would return. i — i Inchon A view of downtown Inchon, Korea from Inchon Station. PHAN Phillip J. Blanco and OSSN Michael J. Posche observe some of the produce and dried fish in a small marketplace in Inchon, Korea. J 109 Hii hliiihts ADDITIONAL ANNIVERSAIUES PEi Vice Admiral Paul F. McCarthy Jr. was joined on the Mess Decks on Saturday, March 1 5, 1 986 by Seventh Fleet Command Master Chief, JOCM (SW) Daniel L. Hansen and MSC (SW) Ronaldo Blazo in a cake cutting commemorating the 43rd anniverary of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific. _P|_B H m HH M 1 I K ' l K H 1 I B H Kr ' l Hr ' ■ I ' H aBiiM I IH .. I HH Wk 4 I HL ' ' H H ■■ ■ T 1 Supply Corps: 191 Years mk H of Service to the Fleet H Captain D. Hunter, Supply Q ii H m m I HI Officer for Commander H Seventh Fleet; Captain H to mK r F Hs — H J.H.Heidt, Flagship CO.; F JH vhm mg J  . HL,. .J gjjjiiil 1 and LCDR M. Jones, Blue Jj B ' ■ M m H V fl H Ridge Supply Officer cut • : ,_Jf, ; W the anniverary cake . ; • , celebrating 191 years of f service to the fleet by the m U.S. Navy Supply Corps. f ' The ceremony took place M on the Mess Decks on m: March 1 7, 1 986. T ' I; indShip ' sRi Wdilionallv. Mraimsiralii Masltr-Al-A Command M Force, US, P (DAT), TtieAdmi personnel for ifsassigi de:Yeor Career Coua 110 Ship ' s Company ADMINIS1RATI0N DEPARTMENT The Blue Ridge Adminislralion Department comprises personnel serving as Executive Assistants and the support personnel. The Adminstrative Department Head coordinates the activities of the ship ' s administration offices, which include the Administration Office, the Personnel Office, Education Services Office, Legal Office, Post Office, Print Shop, Photo Lab, SITE TV and Ship ' s Radio (KBLU) and the Public Affairs Office. Additionally, the 3-M Coordinator is in the Administration Department as is the ship ' s Master- At- Arms Force, Command Career Counselor, Command Master Chiefs Office and the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Dependents Assistance Team (DAT). The Administration Department also provides clerical personnel for several other offices throughout the ship. Ratings assigned to the Administration Department include: Yeoman, Personnelman, Postal Clerk, Navy Career Counselor, Master- At-Arms, Lithographer, Photographer ' s Mate, Journalist, and Illustrator-Draftsman. The X-1 Division encompasses offices responsible for the management and administration of personnel and official records, and providing welfare services to all hands onboard Blue Rkige. The Command Master Chief is the Commanding Officer ' s Senior Enlisted Advisor. He keeps the Captain informed on matters regarding the morale and well-being of the crew and assists crewmembers when they feel they have need for an ear higher up the chain of command. X-2 Divison provides a number of services, including photographic, lithographic, drafting and illustrations, public affairs and internal information and entertainment through the ship ' s SITE Television station, radio, the underway newspaper, and the quarterly magazine. The Lithographers operate one of the Navy ' s largest shipboard Print Shops. Classified documents, the Plan Of The Day and just about any other printing requirement CWO W3 CM. Dunn, Admin. Dept. Head Graphics Officer. CW02 Brian F. McSheffery, Ship ' s Secretary- Ship ' s Company necessary to support the ship. Commander Seventh Fleet stafTor the staffs of other embarked commanders are produced quickly and profe ssionally by the Blue Ridge Print Shop crew. One of the smallest and busiest shops in X-2 Division is the Drafting Shop, where Illustrator Draftsmen support the ship and all embarked staffs through a variety of services ranging from mechanical drawing, free hand illustrations, and layout and design of a multitude of posters, forms and flyers. The Blue Ridge Photo Lab provides a wide variety of photographic support to the ship and embarked staffs. This includes everything from official Navy portraits, passport and visa photos to accident incident photography for reporting purposes. They photograph all official functions and are the core of the Blue Ridge Protocol Team, organizing and executing honors for ceremonies and protocol events for the Commanding Officer and for the Commander, Seventh Fleet. Command Master Chief ' s Office (Left) MMCM(SW) Harvey Schwark; (Right) YN3 Kevin Taylor. Command Career Counselor (Left to right) YN3 Bobby W. Pearson; NCC John M. Austin; LI2 Frank Medina. 3-M Office (Left to right) HTl Eddie S. Ferrer, DPSN Roman F. Grothaus IH, QMC(SW) Edward L. Flores, ETCM Frank E. Trousdale. n I (Lefi)TOL ' ftfeil; 112 Ship ' s Company (ill YN3 Kevin Legal (Left) Office YN3 Leslie C. Scott; (Right) YN2 Michael T. Viado. Personnel ESO (Sitting, left to right) PNl D.C. Solis; PNC E.G. Dulay; PNl S.L. Trubey. (Standing, left to right) PN3 M.R. McCracken; PN3 D.K. White; PNSN T.L. Payton; SN K.D. Graham; SN A. Quezada. it f[CM Frank 1 JjNlTEDsSg VM nitf nW r 1 Ji H H „, -.ij ' H t ij mM Admin Offlce (Left to right) YN3 T.J. Meyer; YN3 M.J. Robinson; YN3 M.E. Popham; YNl J.A. Turner; CW02 B.F. McSheffrey. Post Office (Left to right) PCI Robert G. Cochran; PC2 Tony M. Partlow; PC3 Michael D. King; PC2 Kenneth D. Woodson. 113 Ship ' s Company MAA (Sitting, left to right) FCl D.M. Ati ins, MAC J.C. Morillo, BTl J.H. Clark. (Standing, left to right) RM2 J.K. Smidt, MAI R.G. Meyer, SK2 S. Eddington, OSl J.T. Manning. Photo Lab (Front row, left to right) PHAN P.J. Blanco, PHAA Melvin V, Lempiainen, PH2 John R. Bishop, PHC E.R. Smith, PH2 D.A. Mugglin. (Back row, left to right) PHI Bruce M. Gray, PHAN Charles P. Cuddy, PH3 W.A. Purcell, PH2 Tom H. Normandeau, PH2 Paul R. Marcoux. Site TV (Sitting) J03 Charles M. Bell Jr. (Standing, left to right) ICl David R. Lammers, IC2 Dan M. Childs, JOC Daniel J. Guzman, PH3 William A. Purcell. Printing Drafting Shop (Left to right) LI2 Andrew L. Farmer, SN Edward West, SN Robert Saffari, DM2 David N. Weaver, LI3 Charles A. Post, Lie Robert L. Morris. f P TeamiDAi Navy men as The Naval establi: aadthi Surface Fori yokosuk. N.WSURff theirdepend Sialf.Comm H 114 1 Ship ' s Company NAVSURFPAC DAT TEAM H ut simply, we are here to help people to solve m their problems. That is how YNC(SW) Michael A. Gruhlke, Officer in Charge, NAVSURFPAC Dependents Assistance Team (DAT) describes the mission of the twelve to fifteen Navy men assigned to his team. The Naval Surface Force Pacific DAT was established during 1970 to provide assistance to personnel and their dependents who are assigned to units of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan under the Overseas Family Residency Program. Currently, according to YNC(SW) Gruhlke, NAVSURFPAC DAT provides services to personnel and their dependents assigned to Commander Seventh Fleet Staff, Commander Destroyer Squadron 15 Staff, USS Blue YNC(SW) Michael A. Gruhlke takes a call from a family member with a question on EML orders. Ridge {LCC- 9),l]SS Reeves (CG -24), USS Towers (DDG-9), USS Cochrane {DDG-2 ), USS Oldendorf (DD-972), USS Lockwood{¥¥- OM), USS Francis owmomy(FF-1067), USS A:; A (FF-1087), and USS A: jox(FF-1052). The well-being of a man ' s family while he is at sea and providing assistance for dependents is the reason for the DAT ' s existence. In addition to assisting the Wives ' Clubs and Ombudsmen with such important activities as Phone Trees, getting the word out concerning Hand Carry Mail, collating and stapling newsletters and notices, the Dependents Assistance Team ensures that they receive the latest information on news or changes that affect everybody, such as restrictions on Environmental and Morale Leave (EML) and even demonstrations at the main gate. According to Chief Gruhlke, some of the assistance and services provided to dependents by the Dependents Assistance Team include: • Assistance in obtaining permanent housing in Yokosuka, Yokohama, Atsugi and Nagai. In this regard, the DAT maintains a close liaison with the Housing Referral Office. • Arranging for utilities (including telephone services) for private housing and government family housing, with assistance in delivery and or pickup of express shipments and personal vehicles. • Rapid communications with the sponsor for urgent matters by transmitting a naval message to the sponsor ' s command. • Assisting dependents in obtaining driver education classes and testing for motor vehicle operator permits. For this a required traffic safety lecture is available on video tape for viewing at the DAT office after normal working hours and on weekends. • Assisting in registering POV ' s by delivering completed registration paperwork on scheduled trips to the Yokohama LTO and picking up the completed POV registration paperwork from the Yokohama LTO for dependents. • Assisting dependents in obtaining visa application forms and visa information required for travel in the Western Pacific area. • Assisting in obtaining dependent military I.D. cards with verification from the command. • Providing assistance in obtaining House Guest I.D. cards for family members and or friends who wish to visit the sponsor dependents in Japan. NAVSURFPAC DAT is located on the first floor of Building G-67, adjacent to Berkey Field and across the street from the Base Chapel. 115 Ship ' s Company dir YNC(SW) Michael A. Gruhike, Officer in Charge, NAVSURFPAC Dependents Assistance Team (DAT) musters his team for C api;- byship-tii ' i dosepiowm [iieeiwiihoif llasshipiies- TheCterl. responsible t( Besides Re Paikeralsotii Office and itii j Special Scmt AccoidinE ' mateilhappe OS2 David L. Eastburg assists SH1 ArchDoble with visa applications while ENS Ken Burrell handles an incoming phone call. 116 Ship ' s Company CHAPLAIN ' S DEPAR1MENT Captain Charles R. Parker, USN, is the Blue Ridge Seventh Fleet Chaplain, coordinating chaplain and lay-reader coverage for all religious faith groups in the ships of the Seventh Fleet. Most of this coordinating is done by correspondence or by ship-hopping when fleet exercises bring other ships into close proximity. Sometimes Chaplain Parker is able to meet with other chaplains and lay-readers when the flagship ties up in such ports as Subic and Yokosuka. The Chaplain ' s Department aboard Blue Ridge is responsible for a wide variety of services in addition to those relating to religious activities of the command and for ministering to the spiritual needs of ship ' s personnel. Besides Religious Program Specialist (RPs), Chaplain Parker also has in his department the Human Resources Office and the Drug and Alcohol Program. The ship ' s Special Services Office also comes under Chaplain Parker. According to Chaplain Parker, RPs are the guys that make it happen. In addition to daily administrative work, they have to know how to rig Protestant, Catholic and Jewish altars for services and which vestments to provide for visiting clergy. Probably one of their most important functions is to assist with the troubles of their shipmates in total confidentiality. They must, and do, hold everything they hear and see in total confidence. Like many other jobs in the Navy, it ' s not a ' nine-to-five ' job, continues Chaplain Parker. The RPs have to take their liberty when they can get it. They have to blend with what is happening in the religious program. For example, Friday nights are Jewish services, Saturday nights we have Catholic Mass and Sunday mornings, Protestant services. The Chaplain ' s Office also maintains the Blue Ridge library, the largest afloat, with over 8,000 hardback volumes and an unnumbered amount of softback books. There are over 800 tapes of all types of music and eight stereo players for use by members of the crew. Newspapers are also available, along with over 65 different magazines. Within the Chaplain ' s division, FCC Thomas C. Verrett is the Blue RidgeHuman Resources Officer (HRO) and Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA) to the commanding officer. Chief Verrett ' s team is responsible for the popular and highly visible Civic Action and Project Handclasp programs the Flagship conducts in nearly every port visited. Less visible, but equally important , is the team ' s work in the areas of spouse and child abuse, equal opportunity and ship habitability. They also oversee the training and functions of the Command Training Team, responsible for crew training in Navy rights and responsibilities and the Command Assessor Team, keeping a finger on the pulse of the ship ' s compliance with CNO directives relative to equal opportunity. Ti CAPT Charles R. Parker Chaplain (Left to right) RP3 Gregory P. Kiner, CAPT Charles R. Parker, FCC Thomas C. Verrett, 0S2 Ralph A. Peak, RPSN Murrell D. Garr Jr. Not shown: 0S2 Paul L. Porch. 17 i Ship 5 Company COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT B ristling with antennas, Blue Ridge is literally a lloating communications station at sea, operating around the clock, keeping Commander Seventh Fleet in touch with his ships. Besides COMSEVENTHFLT, the Communications Department provides communications support for Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet (CTF76) and Commander, Landing Forces Seventh Fleet (CTF79) during amphibious landings in the Western Pacific area. Blue Ridgeis virtually unlimited in her ability to communicate. She is unique in the capability to link with two satellites that provide global communications instantly. To ensure that the message traffic gets to the right place at the right time, COMM employs the Message Processing and Distribution System (MPDS), by which messages are automatically distributed to locations throughout the ship through a system of computers and terminals. Yet, despite the technology, COMM ' s greatest asset remains the officers and enlisted Radiomen who run the department. LCDR Robert P. Yankle Communications Officer g K fe i w 1 4i r Y M V... , — ■iKJMJ y ■ , Km l .f ' COMM ' s CT Division is responsible for all the paper traffic that comes in over the communications circuits. They are the ones who plug the traffic, a never-ending process of sending, receiving and reproducing the same high-quality product. The sailors of CR Division are the patchers, the people who keep the circuits up and going. CR makes sure that all the tactical and satellite circuits are operational. An additional branch that serves under the CR Division, dubbed CX, provides the manpower for ship ' s support such as working parties, the Dependent ' s Assistance Team (DAT) and 3M along with their duties as maintenance personnel for the entire department. Concerning maintenance, COMM employs four qualified Xerox repairmen as well as a teletype shop which is responsible for maintaining the 100 teletype machines on board. Additionally, COMM maintains the ship ' s Military Amateur Radio System (MARS), as well as providing Class E message service to the crew. Communications Office (Left to right) RMC R.-R. Duero, RMC K. Laman, LCDR R.P. Yankle H, LTJG Michael P. Bellando, RMCS(SW) N.W. Knox, RMC R.H. Wynn. CTl hardt LQrson. Cain,RM3 ToniG.Hii ■Zenglei, Spencer. R mi invF: S r.Ri Smith, Rv 118 I itaKi Ship ' s Company CTl (Standing, left to right) RMCS(SW) Norman Knox, RM3 Osborn Blount III, RM 1 Sylvester Williams, RM3 Richard E. Smelka, RM2 Ralph E. Harris, RM3 Thomas L. Carson, RMSN Jimmy R. Greene, RM2 Aaron W. Cain, RM3 Billy J. Felder, RM3 Jose J. Trujillo, RM2 Toni G. Hickson, RMSN Richard W. Fuller, RM3 Victor V. Zengler, RMSN Morris W. Roy, RM3 Allen W. Spencer, RMl Ralph C. Juckett, RM3 Robert A. Kinne, RMSR Kenneth S. Johnson, RM2 Timothy S. Lewis, RM3 William J. Holland, RMl Matthew A. Smolko, RMSN Paul D. Addicott, LTJG Charles Cronin. (Kneeling, left to right) RMSN Dennis J. Schillinger, RMSN Tony R. Loyd, RMSN Wade V. Daniels, RM3 Johnny F. Sayre Jr., RM3 Vincent E. Siler, RM3 Cardinal Sanker, RMSN David P. Jobbers Jr., RM3 Derek L. Smith, RM3 Dennis K. Crofutt, RMSN Anthony C. Ferrell CT2 (Front row, left to right) RMSN Wayne L. Sarrge, RM2 Leroy Pledger, RM3 Jonny S. Hazelton, RM3 Leonard Appelbaum, RM3 Darrell D. Mandrell, RM3 Russell D. Sanders, RM3 Larry D. McGuffee. (Back row, left to right) RM3 Matthew J. Lenihan, RM3 Vincent N. Apadoca, RM3 Mark L. Ciaccia, RM3 David W. Fleet, RMSN David Kozak. 119 I Ship ' s Company tm f :. - - ■ 9 1 ?J ?«;£ n U ||yii|M h m fHWk P Hf ci lfj B H Ji i H feflflCi H 1 CT3 (Front row, left to right) RM3 James James D. Keys, RMSN Derek J. Vitola, RM3 Stevie H. Boyer, RM2 Kenna D. Peterson, RMSN Williams J. Burns. (Back row, left to right) RMl Alan L. Kolackovsky, RM3 Lawrence E. Jakobs, RM3 Ronnie L. Turner, RMSN Theodore R. Perry, RMSN Steve P. Surtman. CRl (Kneeling, left to right) RM3 Kip Kelly, RM3 Joseph Bruzuchski, RM3 Henry Stone. (Standing, left to right) RMl John Wells, RM2 Gerry Dixson, RM2 Kelvin Martin, RM3 Rick Swartzfager, RM3 Larry Tolbert. CT4 (Front row, left to right) RMl Ronald R. Durousseau, RM3 Kalen L. Stephens, RMSN James T. Dolar, RMSN Therron Walker, RMSN RMl Gary D. Williams. (Back row, left to right) RM3 Anthony McQueen, RM3 Dexter Grey, RM2 Toni G. Hickson, RMSN Steven McGhee. CR2 (Kneeling, left to right) RM2 Samuel Walker, RM3 Daniel Ceithamer, RMSN Mark Aquinngol. (Standing, left to right) RMSA Rodney Sinova, RM3 Brian Barnes, RM3 Craig Bozman, RM2 Donald Turner, RM2 Carmen Deh. CR3 (Kneeliii|.li lefiionghil RMJEfrem Sieve Fodro I i i 120 Ship ' s Company Mi Joseph lefiionglill TollMi. rllM3 Tjii Banes. ijUCanien CR3 (Kneeling, left to right) RMl Nilio Salazar. (Standing, left to right) RM2 David Cabell, RMl Brian Temple, RM3 Efrem Williams, RM3 Douglas Tillotson, RM2 Steve Fodrocy. CR5 (Kneeling, left to right) RM2 John Rice, RM3 Rodney Pringle, RM2 Raymond Smith. (Standing, left to right) RM2 Harry Hussian, RM3 Eric Dewitt, RM3 Richard Loeb, RM3 Randy Jacobson. CR4 (Kneeling, left to right) RM2 John Loranger, RM3 Shawn Kind, RMl Darryl Smith. (Standing, left to right) RMSN Timothy Kane, RM3 Richard Hourigan, RM3 Joseph Ostroski. CR6 Kneeling, (left to right) RM2 Mark Gholston, RM2 James Whittington. (Standing, left to right) RMl Martin Dunlap, RMSA Arnold Lane, RM3 Anthony Ferrante, RM2 Robert Whitmore. 121 Ship ' s Company DECK DEPARTMENT The art of working with line and canvas has always been a distinguishing feature of the historic sailor. That distinction is still found in today ' s professional seaman: the Boatswain ' s Mate. Under the supervision and direction of the ship ' s First Lieutenant, the skills and manpower of the Boatswain ' s Mates and rating strikers are exercised both inport and underway through Deck Department ' s three divisions. First Division has the responsibility of maintaining the ship in all aspects of preservation and replenishment. Additionally, the division takes anchoring, mooring, canvas work, and small boat operations. Second Division takes a hand in preservation, mooring and underway replenishments, with added duties in the ship ' s demanding flight quarters schedule. They also maintain and run the Admiral ' s Barge. Besides the Boatswain ' s Mates, there is an additional group of experts who make up the triad of the Deck Department team. Responsible for the internal security and external defense of the ship is Third Division, Weapons. The Weapons team maintains and operates Blue Ridge ' s armament systems. Fire Control Technicians maintain the radar transmitters, computers and launching system that can put a Sea Sparrow missile into the heart of a threatening target. Meanwhile, Gunner ' s Mates man the ship ' s two twin 3-inch 50 caliber rapid fire gun mounts. Additionally, the GMs maintain, operate and store all the ship ' s small arms and ammunitions, besides handling all small arms training, which is a ship requirement for inport watches. Weapons is also responsible for the ship ' s security force. Lt. Clifton F. Garrison Deck i Deck Department Office (Kneeling) YN3 Christopher J. Cecere. (Standing, left to right) LTJG David S. Pautsch,LTChftonF. Garrison, CW04 Danny R. Duncan. 122 Ml) HainiiKij %«! Ship ' s Company I 1st Division (Front row, left to right) SN Randy A. Rubidoux, SA Anthony Isaac, SA Michael Veches, SN Bruno Oroyan Jr., SA Jerry Winkcompleci . (Middle row, left to right) BM3 Jimmie L. Banks, BMSA Charles A. Bodie,SN David W.Rothert,SA Michael W. Caruso, SA Darryl S. Davis, SN Thomas L. Smith, SN Allen R. Roland, SN David C. Maughan, SN Michael J. Griffm,BM2 James B. Shows, LTJG Robert Anderson. (Back row, left to right) SN Lester C. Wilkerson, BM3 Robert U. Aikens, SA Gregory Hughes, SA David Dale, SN Jerome B. Pettus, SN Kevin Chastain, SN Enoch L. Washington, SN Douglas M. Leake, SA Glenn Healy, SA Brian Hatcmon, SA JefferyJ.Oterson, BMl John D. Dickeson, BM3 Alan D. Kohlruss. 2nd Division (Kneeling, left to right) BM3 Joseph L. Brooks, BM3 John P. Gurba, BMl George D. Wetherbee, SN Joseph J. Hammel, SA Ross D. Walker, BMSA Jeffery T. L ' Ecuyer, BM3 Mathew C. Diller, SN Lawrence H. Branski, BM3 Woodrow Smith. (Standing, left to right) SN Kent E. Brewer, SA Michael G. Luzzi, SA Mark A. Russo, BMSN Donald H. Kishimoto, SA Brian Williams, SA Duane W. Chase, BM3 Charles J. Green, BMSN Joseph D. Marino, SA William A. Roberts, SN Paul D. Beauvais, BM2 Timoth L. Banks, SA Stacy J. Bryant, SA Edgardo C. Torres, SA Tony A. Lewis, Sn Antonio O. Young, SA Angel L. Cintron, BM2 Maurice B. Greene, SN Timothy McKenney, BM3 Roger K. Lyford, AN John D. Jones. 123 ? Ship ' s Company 1st, 2nd 3rd Division Officers CPO ' s (Left to right) FCC James A. Teal, ENS David P. Wood, FCl William R. Wyatt, GMGC Timothy L. Cox, GMGC(SW) William H. Capps, BMCS William S. Penick, LTJG Robert D. Anderson. Techniciin. andmair. disinbuii-. depanincnii 3rd Division (Kneeling, left to right) FC3 Donald R. Patterson, FC3 Thomas L. Crawford, GMGSN Larry Johnson Jr., FC2 Mark F. Shields, FC3 Darryl L. Rogers, GMGSN Joseph L. Denaughel, FC3 Curtis L. Waggoner, FC3 James J. McClung. (Standing, left to right) GMG3 Mark A. Babutzee, GMG3 Mark D. Cavic, GMG2 Peter J. Bono, GMG3 James L. Cromwell, GMGSN Scott C. Powers, FC2 Timothy L Bryant, FC2 John D. Lukus, FC2 John J. Morber, FCSN Scott A. Vaden, GMGSN Dirk W. Scofield, FC2 Mike Quinlivan, FC2 Lance W. Jochem, FC2 Ray Burrhus, FCSN Bill J. Rossetti, FC2 Michael J. Rubark. 124 CkidL HTO HessinjB X Ship ' s Company ENGINEEraNG DEPARTMENT Engineering Department is comprised of six divisions: A, B, E, M, R, and ER09. Ratings represented in the department are Machinist ' s Mate, Boiler Technician, Electrician ' s Mate, Interior Communications Electricians, Hull Maintenance Technician, Machinery Repairman, and Enginemen. Engineering Department is responsible for the operation, care, and maintenance of all propulsion and auxiliary machinery, for control of damage, for operation and maintenance of electric power generators and distribution systems, and upon request from the head of a department, for accomplishment of repairs that are beyond the capacity of repair personnel or equipment of their departments. LCDRNealS. Miles Engineering Officer Chief Engineer ' s Office (Left to right) HTCM(SW) Robert J. Hessinger; LTJG Michael T. Webster; LCDR Neal S. Miles, (Chief Engineer); YN2 Gary W. Hecht. 125 m u Ship ' s Company A Division (Kneeling, left to right) SN H.W. Kendrick, MR3 T.A. Berryhill, SN B.F. Norman, FN L. Rivera, ENFN P.C. Schroeder, ENFN M.E. Bryant, EN2 L.A. Coverdill. (Standing, middle row, left to right) LTJG G.P. Duncan, ETSN D.E. Briese, MM3 G.T. Redman, MM3 H.I. Serrano, EM3 D.G. Garden, MM2 B.J. Williams, MM3 R.L. Harrison, MR3 A.R. King Jr., MM2 W.E. Carroll, MMC S.P. Keehn. (Standing, last row, left to right) ETSN R. Ferreira, MM3 S.A. Jensen, FN J. A. Grant, SN M.S. Walker, RM3 B.A. Ward, FN M.P. Cokus, ENFN L.O. Ray, EN3 M. Taylor, SK3 J.R. Simmons. B Division (Kneeling, left to right) BTFN J.W. Magann, BT3 N.S. Bailey, BT2 B.K. Lebeng, BTl E.E. Delrosario. (Standing, left to right) BTl W.E. Brakebill, FA D.E. Parks, BT3 M.R. Downing, BTC(SW) M.L. Brewer, BT3 BE. Clary, BT3 T.H. Hahn, FA G.A. Murphy, BT3 F.E. Parker, FA N.A. Kemp, FA C.L. Proffitt Jr., BT2 S.I. Green, BTFN D.R. Lovre, BT3 J.P. Devine. E Division (Sitting, front row, left to right) EMI Jojo C. Vicencio, EM3 John P. Haschker, EM2 Reynaldo B. Baguso, EM3 Francisco R. Delatorre, EM3 Nerias Wright. (Back row, left to right) EM3 Rodolfo A. Salazar, EM3 Mark D. Troutt, EM3 Carlito F. Plojo, EM2 Apolonio E. Barrera Jr., EMFN Keith E. Steinbock, EM2 Robert T. Erickson, EM3 Darrell G. Garden, CW02 David R. Stevens. 126 Ship ' s Company E Division (cont ' d) (Sitting, left to right) ICFN Marcus A. Kimble, IC3 Zachary G. Dash, IC3 Gerald B. Jones. (Middle row, left to right) IC3 Javien Soto, IC2 Daryl W. Tacey, IC2 Jerry A. Peterson, IC2 Randall J. Resconsin, IC2 Peter J. Arment, IC3 Gene R. Staten. (Back row, left to right) ICFN Daryl E. Lewis, IC3 Robert J. Magnolia, ICFN Reinaldo Garcia Jr., IC3 Thomas D. Huber. M Division (Front row, left to right) MM3 A.T. Lee, MM3 F.P. Solorio, MM3 B.R. Mason. (Middle row, left to right) MM 1 M.W. Johnson, MM3 R.L. Marshall, LTJG A.K. Samora. (Back row, left to right) MM2 C.R. Golleher, MM2 R.L. Teats, MM3 L. Bailey, MMFN B.A. Koch, FN D.D. Crawford 127 Ship ' s Company M Division (Front row, left to right) MM2T.G.Turley, MM2 A.M. Abuy, FN S.M. Spence. (Middle row, left to right) MMCJ.C. Abenes, MM3 E.J.Ganch, MMFNP.J. Hazlett. (Back row, left to right) FA L. Boyd, FN R.W. Smith, MM2 R.W.Allen, MM2 B.J. Williams. M: situation™ leralional ' ,eSialIof( support to if Force Comn T e ' f ' p ntellijeme anjeofiKc TheDPv System iMl over200, R Division (Sitting, left to right) HTFN Charles A. Hayes, FN Darren B. Epperson, CW04 William J. Bauman, HT2 Doug R. Mason, HTFN Richard A. Demers. (Standing, left to right) HT2 Gary W. Apache Jr., HTFA Timothy A. Rodriquez, HTFN Michael Coats, HT3 Philip W. Gould, FA Rob A. Thompson, HTFN Mark A. Eisenhardt. ER09 Office (Left) OSCS(SW) Dwight A. Berner, (Right) HT2 Philip W. Gould. 128 Intelligeg l ' -aelE Ship ' s Company INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT anned by Intelligence Specialists and Data Processing Technicians, the Intelligence Center provides timely information about the world situation and Soviet Naval disposition that could affect our operational readiness. The Intelligence Center supports the Staff of Commander Seventh Fleet on a variety of projects, and during amphibious operations forms the core of the Joint Intelligence Center to provide the requisite support to the Amphibious Commander and Landing Force Commander and their staffs. The IS portion of the Center maintains the Intelligence Reference Library, sorts and processes large numbers of messages that come into the center, and generates intelligence reports and messages in support of a wide range of intelligence activities. The DPs operate the Naval Intelligence Processing System (NIPS) computer and maintain its data base with over 200,000 intelligence records. This in turn supports operational planners in tactical and strategic environments. LCDR Michael P. Pflueger Intelligence Officer Intelligence (Sitting, left to right) DPC Dennis J. Forbes, LCDR Michael P. Pflueger, LT Robert A. Silk, ISC Dale W. Dyer. (Standing, middle row, left to right) DP3 Christopher Hawkins, IS3 John R. Silvey, DP3 Mat J. Carman, ISSA Michael E. Heidbrink, IS2 Steven G. Prentiss, DP3 Lee B. Conner. (Standing, back row, left to right) DP3 Peter Alvarez, DP3 Miguel Fernandez, DPSN Paul E. Speich, ISl Jerry Pughese, ISl Chuck Eggers. 129 Ship ' s Company MARCOMDET The Marine Communications Detachment (MARCOMDET) aboard Blue ? a ' ,?e performs a myriad of tasks. When the Landing Force Commander comes aboard with his staff, MARCOMDET acts as liaison between his communications people and the ship ' s communicators. They also provide personnel to help run the Joint Navy-Marine Corps System Control Center that is used during exercises. They use VCC-Two multi-channel radio equipment to provide ship-to-shore telephone communications for the Landing Force Commander. But providing communications is not all that MARCOMDET does. There are four Marine Corps units aboard Blue 7?W e. ' MARCOMDET, which is ship ' s company, the ship ' s Marine Detachment; Commander Seventh Fleet Allowance; and the Permanent Nucleus Landing Force Staff (Third Marine Amphibious Force). MARCOMDET provides complete administrative support for all Marine Corps personnel aboard Blue Ridge. MARCOMDET provides all the services that ship ' s Administration or Personnel Offices provide to the sailors, including pay. MARCOMDET also takes care of all PMS assignments to Marines and they provide supply support. Many of them have collateral duties as Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor, Career Planner and Command Historian, and they provide the men for Colors. There are only two Marine Communications Detachments in the Marine Corps: the one on Blue Ridge and one on Mt. Whitney. A tour of duty on the flagship for a MARCOMDET Marine is normally two years. 1 Corps I ineoitj; ail opetaii ' . overbo; aiu. Captain Toby B. Plummer Commanding Officer MARCOMDET (Front row, left to right) SGTJ.M. Patton,CPLJ. Gonzales, Capt T.B. Plummer, SOT J.F. Maza, CPLJ.P. Lapalme, GYSGTJ.S. Siegel. (Back row, left to right) MSGT J.E.Tharp,SGTA.C. Goodwin, SGT R.L. Brasley,CPLK.D. Denton, CPL R.S. Anderson, SSGTC. A. Lambert. TubercuK ' PrograiTi, ; Prateciion P TkeMedtt mainfuKDO ' tteaimniio I andisundei :r,Whi ervironmen asailofsshi 5 I 130 Ship ' s Company MEDICAL DEPARTMENT i p o keep as many men at as many guns as many days I as possible is the mission of the Medical B Department. (From the Handbook of the Hospital Corps.) The Hospital Corpsman, under the direction of the Medical Officer, is responsible for the treatment and care of the sick, injured, control of disease and injury, shipboard sanitation, promotion of physical fitness, medical support during amphibious operations, and first aid self aid training for the crew. The Medical Department is intimately involved in support of numerous shipboard operations, including fiight quarters, unrep vert-rep, man overboard, sea and anchor details, and FAM firings. The department oversees the continuing operation of Tuberculosis Control Program, Asbestos Surveillance Program, Weight Control Program, and Respiratory Protection Program as it relates to affected ship personnel. The Medical Department Cardiac Arrest Team, whose main function is to respond and render immediate treatment to a person in cardio-respiratory arrest, is composed of Hospital Corpsmen well trained in the field of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and emergency medicine, and is under the direct supervision of the ship ' s Medical Officer. When Code Blue is sounded, each member immediately responds to the scene and is ready to perform their specific assignments. Shipboard medicine is not just a health clinic. It is an environment where shipmates can receive medical care in all phases of health with consideration to its application to a sailor ' s shipboard life. Lt. Franklin T. Thom Medical Officer Medical (Left to right) HNRoyT. Inzinna, HMl Josef M. Bartruff, HM3 Thomas E. Gille, HM2 Herbert H. Haynes, HMCS(SW) Jesse Lowder, HM2 Dennis J. Fellin, HM2(SW) Michael E. Brown, HM2(SW) Maurice Avren, HM2 Jackson L. Senseney, HMl Scott A. Pearson, LT Frank T. Thom. 131 Ship ' s Company DENTAL DEPARTMENT Ih The Blue Ridge Dental Department provides professional dental services to the over 1 ,000 men aboard ship. The Dental staff provides much of the routine and emergency dental care available lashore including X-rays, dental prophylaxis, preventive dentistry, limited prosthetic repair, endodontics, oral surgery, and routine dentistry. During special evolutions, such as receiving casualties by helo and rescuing boat people, the Dental staff works closely with the Medical Department to provide emergency medical services. In addition to COMSEVENTHFLT Staff and ship ' s company, the Dental staff provides dental treatment to CTF-76, CTF-79, and U.S. DoD and military families in Hong Kong. LCDR David P. Cote Dental Officer Dental (Sitting) LCDR David P. Cote. (Standing, left to right) DN William R. Martin, SN Michael L. Jenkins, DT2 Russel M. Horton, DN Terry L. Phillips. I 1 Ttie - am ]k ' mi ' ' LTMichael Ship ' s Nir 132 Ship ' s Company navigahon department The Blue ? J e Navigation Department is responsible for the safe navigation and piloting of the ship and for the operation, care, and maintenance of navigation equipment, charts, publications, and records. The ship ' s Signalmen and Quartermasters carry out a variety of complicated and demanding tasks such as plotting the ship ' s course and position, ensuring proper operation of the steering gear (except the steering motors), and preparing reports and records pertaining to compasses, hydrography, oceanography, and meteorology. The two divisions are a tight-knit department which takes pride in accomplishing their mission under sometimes hectic conditions. LT Michael J. Coomes Ship ' s Navigator Signalmen (Kneeling, left to right) SM2 Daniel F. Austin, SMSN Roland J. Roeder, SMSN Brian Donahue, SMSN Willem B. Klumper, SMSA Paul L. Drummond. (Standing, left to right) SMI William G. Tucker, SM2 William D. Sides, SMSN Corby D. Reynolds, SM3 Emmet Monroe, SMSN James L. Jenkins, SMSN Jay D. Massey, SM3 Louis Castillo, SM2 Mollis G. Freshour, SMCM(SW) E.E. Toulou. Quartermasters (Kneehng, left to right) QMSN James D. Hatch, QMSN Jerry G. Guccione, QMSN John C. Brewster. (Standing, left to right) QMSN Michael F. Sheen, QM2 Joe W. Leighton, QM3 Patrick N. Stull, QMl Craig A. Stevens. 133 Mgi ! Jttl Ship ' s Company OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT OD Division is composed of Data Processing Technicians and Data Systems Technicians (DP ' s and DS ' s). The DS ' s are responsible for computer and associated equipment maintenance of the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), the Message Processing Distribution System (MPDS) , including the Ames Optical Character Reader (OCR), and the Amphibious Support Information System (ASIS). They are also responsible for the maintenance of the Naval Intelligence Processing System (NIPS) and the ship ' s Xerox 860 word processors. The DP ' s assigned to OD Divison operate the ASIS system during Navy-Marine Corps operations, such as the major amphibious exercise Team Spirit, and to maintain various shipboard data files. Some of the DP ' s are assigned temporarily to other divisions aboard Blue Ridge. The DS ' s conduct their preventive and corrective maintenance on the installed Data Systems around the clock, in port or at sea. OE Division is manned by Electronic Technicians, Fire Control (Missile) Technicians, and Interior Communications Electricians (ET ' s, FTM ' s and IC ' s). They are responsible to the Electronics Material Officer for the planned and corrective maintenance and preservation '  Jll Mil of all radar systems, communications systems, and TV systems on board. These complex systems are vital to the support of Blue Ridgeand the Commander Seventh Fleet. The ET ' s maintain hundreds of transmitters and receivers covering the entire radio spectrum, from high frequency to satellite communications, thus providing Blue Ridgeand the embarked staffs with the capability of both local and worldwide communications. Additionally, the ET ' s maintain all surface and air search radars. The IC ' s are specially trained in SITE TV systems and the secure Closed Circuit TV briefing systems in the Flag Command spaces. Early detection, identification, and tracking are some of the primary responsibilities of the Combat Detection Center (CDC) on Blue Ridge. Operations Specialists and Electronic Warfare Technicians (OS ' s and EW ' s) man the CDC spaces, and take part in the detection, tracking, identification, evaluation, and reporting process accomplished in CDC. Five steps are involved in this process: gathering information, then processing it, then displaying the information, followed by its evaluation by the CDC Watch Officers, and finally the disseminaUon of As_ k K ' U H i ' ■ , ini ■ ■ nil : - CDR Iver J. Rivenes Operations Officer LT Joseph R. Montgomery Electronics Material Officer 134 Ship ' s Company the material to the appropriate watch stations. The NTDS system on board Blue Ridge are designed to provide a real time picture of events to warfare commanders by speeding up the process of information through specially programmed computers. Input actions initiated by the OS ' s and EW ' s through NTDS consoles activate the computers to determine the course, speed, altitude, size and closest point of approach of designated contacts. NTDS is a very diversified system and is used in all warfare areas. 01 Division employs the use of their specialists in surface tracking, air operations, helo controllers, electronic warfare, and by keeping an up-to-date library of navigational charts and naval warfare publications. (Left to right) ETCS(SW) Fr ancis S. Conroy A. Clark, CDRIverJ OPS Office , YN2 Mark Rivenes III. OD Division (Sitting, left to right) DPI Stanley W. Edwards, DPSN Leslie A. Potts, DPSN Dene C. Snyder Jr., DPI Reo A. Woodruff. (Standing, left to right) DP2 Daniel Flores, DP2 Steven McGhee, DPSN John C. Schmidt, DPSN Mark E, Pyle, DPSN Scott A. James, SN Elmore L. Brown, DP2(SW) Harold E. Palmer. DS Shop-OE (Kneeling) DS3 John Plum. (Middle row, left to right) DS2 Claude Ferrell, DS3 Steve Francis, DS3 Ronald Benton, DS2 Davin Laine. (Back row, left to right) OS3 Patrick Sullivan, DS3 Kurt Stovall, DS3 Steve Compton, DS3 David Quick, DSl Linwood Whitman. Not pictured: 0S3 Michael Izzi. 135 wummmM Ship ' s Company t s fr OE Division (Front row, left to right) ET2 Richard Mall, ET3 Steven M. Cook, ET3 Joshua C. Anderson, ET3 Enrique Oritz, ET3 John R. Schaefer, ET3 Lewis A. Daniels, ET3 Scott Nur. (Back row, left to right) ETCS Francis S. Conroy, ET3 Ford G. Davis, ET2 David S. Poole, ET3 Champe J. Stoakes, ET3 Timothy L. Tichy, ET3 Kevin Frasnelly, ETl D.R. Pfaff, ET2 Byron U. Bustamante. OiDinsii IKoeetet Caideron. 0S3Ray[ David M. OE Division (cont ' d) (Front row, left to right) CW03 Dennis L. Fork, ET3 Craig Hackler, IC2 Dan M. Childs, ETSN Taylor S. Shorey, FC3 Stanley E. Henry, ETC James Doyer. (Back row, left to right) FC2 Don G. Hamann, FC3 Raymond F. Chapman, ET3 Daniel M. Coleman, ET3 Thomas L. Lord, FCl Ty R. Howard, FCl Chris C. Horner. Not pictured; ET2 Kuklis, ETSN West. % lUiriB ' ' neeiini 136 Ship ' s Company OI Division (Kneeling, left to right) 0S3 John A. Landaker, 0S3 Jeffrey J. Beaulieu, 0S3 Roger N. Harris, 0S3 Robert W. Calderon, OS3 Lance A. Aguire, LTJG David K. Carlson. (Standing, middle row, left to right) OSC Charles Wilson, 0S3 Ray Dillabouga, 0S3 Jose Coronado, OSSN John R. Lang, 0S2 David E. Young, OSSN James M. Philipps, OSl David M. Mack, LT Richard M. Kluber. (Standing, back row, left to right) OSSN Michael J. Posch, 0S3 Leonard Vaillancourt, OSSN Gary W. Stanley, 0S3 Michael Hentchek, OSl Dennis Brant, CW03 Phillip J. Gray. OI Division (cont ' d) (Kneeling, left to right) 0S2 Kenneth Moore, 0S3 Kelly Cottle, OSl Scott Stevens, 0S3 Patrick Nealon, 0S2 Phillip Harris, OSSN Chris Velez, OSSN James R. Twombly. (Standing, middle row, left to right) 0S2 Reginald Fitzpatrick, 0S3 Dave Graves, 0S3 Troy Burrows, OSSN Timothy Schilling, 0S3 Scott Moore, 0S3 Steven Waltner, OSSN Milton Harmon. (Standing, back row, left to right) OSl Richard Thomas, 0S2 Brian A. Knudson, 0S3 James Williams, 0S3 Thomas Sweet, OSSN Reginald Lewis, 0S3 Rick Farr, OSSN Ken Bucher, 0S3 Toby Meyers. 137 Ship ' s Company SUPPLY DEPARTMENT Supply Department is five divisions working together to serve the ship. S-1 Division is primarily responsible for two major areas of operation. One area is the financial administration of the ship ' s OPTAR. S-1 is responsible for the control and reporting of all obligations, expenditures, loans, and augments of OPTAR funds. The second major area of operation is what is commonly referred to as GSK. This involves the order, receipt, stowage, issue, and expenditures of repair parts, consumables, and equipment used aboard Blue Ridge. S-1 Division manages over 30,000 different line items which are carried in 12 storerooms. S-2 is the Food Service Division, which consists of 40 Mess Management Specialists and 28 Food Service Attendants responsible for the receipt, storage, preparation and service of food, and sanitation in the Enlisted Dining Facility, CPO Mess and First Class Lounge. Functional support includes bakeshop, vegetable preparation room, refrigeration and dry provisions storerooms, galleys, and sculleries. Our Mess Management Specialists feed over 272,000 rations per year. All personnel concerned are dedicated to the pledge of excellent patron service and continuously endeavor to provide such services through new and innovative ideas. S-3 Division is responsible for the operation and management of the ship ' s retail and service activities including the ship ' s store, soda fountain, game and soda vending machines, Officer CPO Enlisted barber shops, laundry dry cleaning plants, and the special order program. Their mission is to supply the crew with a convenient and reliable source of health, comfort and luxury items at the lowest possible price and to provide barber, laundry and dry cleaning services necessary for day-to-day living. Profits from the retail activities are the source of the ship ' s Welfare and Recreation funds, which provide a host of benefits for the crew. Although one of the smallest divisions aboard, S-4 Division, Disbursing, is the most popular when it comes to providing for the crew members ' financial needs. The Disbursing Division performs many dufies which include maintaining pay accounts, holding paydays amounting to over one-half million dollars per month, coordinafing foreign currency exchange, and many other accounting services. S-5 Division is responsible for the tasks and services provided for the officers embarked on board Blue Ridge. These responsibilities include maintaining staterooms, preparing and serving meals in the Wardroom and Cabin Mess, and catering for various protocol functions. The Mess Management Specialists of S-5 Division apply their many skills toward upholding Blue Ridge ' s reputation as the Five Star Hotel of the Seventh Fleet. LCDR Michael A. Jones Supply Officer f (SilliiijJ Defuznu MS2DIV Jiinli MSSN Wara righOLT OiTw Flwd: 138 Ship ' s Company GSKS-l (Sitting, left to right) ENS Jeffery T. Gardner, SKC Meliton C. Reyes, SK3 Ricci K. Boulware. (Standing, left to right) SK3 Delmer H. Wallen, SK3 Craig S. Chapman, SK3 Perry L. Hockless, SK3 Brent A. Falla, SKSN Prospera T. Rivera, SK3 Erik J. Robinson, SK2 Daniel L. Bardo, SK3 Abraham V. Sanchez III, SKI Peter L. Gould. Not pictured: SK2 Tony C. Duro, SK2 Donald R. Emerson, SK2 Sheadrick D. Eddington, SK3 James R. Simmons, SK3 Luis F. Robayo, SK3 Warren K. Jefferson. S-2 (Sitting, left to right) MS2 Edgardo M. Deguzman, MS2 Conrado M. Baiuyot, MS2 David S. Johnson, MS3 Jamie M. Jumbelick, MSSN Kevin J. Meers, MSSN Raymond E. Mallard, MSSA Wayne L. Phillips. (Standing, left to right) LT Jim A. Hajek (Food Services Officer), MS3 Fred E. Bascom, MS3 Floyd L. Schwerin, MSSN Sergio N. Castellanos, MS2 Jerry Royal, MSC(SW) Ronaldo D. Blazo, MSSN John Slattery, MSSN David M. Bruce, MSSA Rick D. Gierczak, MSSA Donald R. Fritz, MS3 Tim F. Albano, MSCM(SW) Hermenegildo F. Bayona. Mess Deck FSAs (Sitting, left to right) SA William L. Cenkner, SA Roger D. Martin, SA Mark J. Hemelgarn, SN Larry A. Stirling, DS3 Gary W. VanMeter, PNSN Daniel S. Boyer. (Standing, left to right) SM2 William D. Sides, FA Kevin F. Gipps, SHSA Lonnie Creacy, SA Richard H. Haire, SA Darren S. Brandon, SA Robert W. Looney, RM3 Ronnie Turner, SA Ty Kelley, SN Shawn J. Brennan, RM3 Johnny F. Sayer, SA Raymond Jones, HTFA Louis W. Tanghe, QMSN Mo Creech, LI2 Andrew Farmer. 139 Ship ' s Company li (Kneeling, left to right) SHI Leonido T. Casapao, SH2 Samuel M. Cook, SHSN Kevin A. Ross, SHSN Jeffery L. Dokes, SH2 James E. Carter, SH3 Arnold Pauline, SH2 Pedro P. Tilos, SHI Arle D. Doble. (Standing, left to right) SHCS Kenneth J. Schrader, SH2 Eladius L. Fredrick, SH2 Oscar T. Montenegro, SHSN Lindsey R. Bondy, SH3 James T. Robinson, SHSN Bruce A. Robinson, SH3 Willie Cardona, SH3 Daniel T. Cordova, SH3 Leonard T. Walsh, ENS Mark Hogenmiller. S-4 Disbursing (Sitting, left to right) DKl Rodney P. Detera, ENS Mark E. Hogenmiller, SN Steve Nakama, DK2 Rolando D. StoDomingo. (Standing, left to right) DK3 Jamie Gonzalez, DK3 Carlos V. Herrera, DK3 Jeffery W. Routier, DK2 Clyde W. Alexander, DK3 Donald C. Imber. 140 Ship ' s Company f fltonpl V5H3 James kiish,ENS S-5 Wardroom: Billeting (Sitting, left to right) MS3 Jody R. Franklin, MS3 Paul P. Smith, MS3 Zachery Faulkner, MS3 Ken Salmon, MSI Oscar Fedrico. (Standing, left to right) MSC(SW) Ronaldo D. Blazo, RM3 Larry McGuffee, ISSN Dane Chastain, RMSA Kelvin McGhee, FA Charles Bruton, DPSN John Schmidt, RM3 Vincent Siler, SK3 Delmar Wallen. fi S-5 Wardroom (Sitting, left to right) MSSN Randall S. Parker, MSSN Joel Johnson, MSI Diony Lagg, MS3 Rosalito Cruz, MS3 William Lewis. (Standing, left to right) FN Michael R. Hisel, 0S3 Robert English, SH3 Jerome Watkins, SN Ulysses U. Mixon Jr., MSSN Melson Gordillo, MSSN Almazar Victor, MS3 Gilbert R. Luna Jr., MSC Reynaldo C. Abelardo. 141 = COMSE EN THFL T Staff FLAG ADMINISTRATION I The Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration Flag Secretary and the Fleet Administrative Assistant conduct their daily business from the Flag Administration Office. The Flag Secretary is double-hatted as Assistant Chief ofStaff for Administration. The Flag Secretary manages all internal administrative matters for the staff, serves as Executive Officer for Staff enlisted personnel matters, and is an aide, performing such duties as directed by the Fleet Commander or Chief of Staff. As Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration, he oversees all personnel and administrative matters within the Seventh Fleet. The Flag Secretary also serves as the principal point of contact for USS Blue Ridge ' s Executive Officer for all matters regarding Staff Flagship relationships and interface. The Fleet Administrative Assistant is responsible for overall management of the Flag Administrative Office, assignment and training of all Staff Yeoman, and monitors personnel and administrative matters within the Fleet. In this capacity, he reviews naval messages and controlled classified and unclassifed material processed by the office. He also serves as the COMSEVENTHFLT Staff Command Security Manager and assists the Flag Secretary as necessary. Flag Administration Department receives and processes incoming and outgoing correspondence and publications for Seventh Fleet Staff. This includes personal awards for Fleet units and personnel. Assisting in processing this huge volume of official mail are the Flag Administration Supervisor, Reports Tickler, Directives and Supply Yeoman, Correspondence and Supply Yeoman, Top Secret Control Officer and the Assistant TSCO. The Officer Records and Travel Yeoman provides full service to Staff officers transferring to or from the Staff. He also administers Temporary Additional Duty travel matters. This includes preparing TAD orders, arranging complete air and ground transportation and assisting in the preparation of the travel claim at the end of the TAD trip. The Chief of Staffs Writer provides direct administrative support to the Chief of Staff and assists the Flag Secretary. He provides immediate response on urgent and sensitive matters, coordinates fitness report preparations, and administers the voluminous message traffic between the Staff and the Fleet Commander during the Fleet Commander ' s numerous TAD trips within the Fleet. GOO (Left to Right) LT Richard W. O ' Sullivan (Flag LT), YNCS(SW) Craig S. Meyers (Flag Writer), CDR Craig P. Sackett (Flag Sec), YN2 Ray A. Robinson (Chief of Staff Writer), YNSN Kevin McAboy (Flag Sec. YN). ri 142 COMSE VENTHFL T Staff ' Bardsfor ipfovidesfiii wilieSiair.He ninvd ' lelADirip. . ' .-im ' icderdunni Fleet Administration (Kneeling, left to right) YN3 William M. Mahan, YN2 Michael Murphy, YNl Harold Mclver, YN2 John A. Dos, YN2 Richard Ayres. (Standing, left to right) SA David Smith, SR Michael G. Danapas, SN Michael Wagner, SA Raphael Alvarez, SR Edward Staten Jr., SR Manuel Delgado, SR Anthony Beason, SR Marlyn J. Miller, SN Mathew Edwards, SR Jeffery Sewell, SN Douglas A. Herritt, SR Martin D. Schroeder, CDR Ronald O. Prestidge, SA Stephen Ruggirello. CDR John R. Henriksen Fleet Judge 143 COMSE VENTHFL T Staff LTR (Left) Don C. Eddington (Fleet Science Advisor); (Right) Gregory N. Mitchell (ASW Consultant). Fleet Scheds (Front Row, left to right) QM2(SW) Brian L. Parker, QM3 Dennis Dickerson, QM2 Norman L. Graham. (Back Row, left to right) OSSN William J. Sanders, LCDR Joseph T. Fisher, QM2 James T. Malloy, 0S3 Joseph D. Nickerson, OSSR Richard G. Rowland. Flag Mess (Sitting, left to right) MSSN Keith Wilkens, MS3 Phillip D. Norander, MS2 Raul Ganacial, MS3 Neil Nault, MSSA Jose Coyt, MSI Manvelito A. Manimtim. (Standing, left to right) MS3 Garry Timmons, MS2 Christopher J. Houston, MS3 Peter M. Cherico, MSSN Chandika Persaud, MS2 Robert A. Fluery, MS3 Deswin E. Farrell, MSCS(SW) Manuel Sapinoso, MS2 Carlito T. Abejar, MS2 Ricardo Sibal, MSSN Douglas Metcalf, MSSN Willie Davis. Flag Weather (Kneeling, left to right) AGl Bob Mugler, AG3 Bo Kelley, AGl Jeff Liss, AGAN Mike Ferguson. (Middle row, left to right) CDR Frank Woolridge, AG2 Jim Kemp, AG3 Rick Alence, AG3 Chuck DelaGarza, AG2 Rich Koenig, AG2 Mark Kalinowski. (Back row, left to right) AGAN Mike Mitsak, AGAA Derek Hansalik, AGl Richard Harrison, AG2 Charles Godfrey, AGAA Mike Horn. Not pictured: AGCS Eugene Himes. I S.Libb Fred m Dav Wrte [ Ednard lefi Frenii qm: c Will 144 « COMSE VENTHFL T Staff iiw. ■ i i l illA iiMKldle i ' Jim rjra,AG2 jt.iefiio r.AG.U lil N22 SSES (Sitting, left to right) CTOC Roger R. Lebel, LT Richard S. Libby, LCDR John M. Davis, CDR Harry W. Whiton, CTAC Leon A. Kates, CTRC(SW) Domenic A. Frederico, CTOC Daniel A. Libby. (Standing, second row, left to right) CT03 Vernon J. Browning, CT03 David L. Thies, CT02 Lynn S. Hukee, CTOl Jack V. Wrbanich, CT03 Anthony M. Grant, CT02 Robert D. Dasilva, CT03 Douglas E. Myers, CT03 James L. Edwards, CTOSN Michael L. Kern. (Standing, back row, left to right) CTOl Charles L. Durley, CTOl Marc E. Frentz, CT03 Jeffrey J. Pooley, CT03 Jeffrey M. Stahl, CTM3 Jeffrey B. Nofsinger, CT02 Richard D. Froman, CT02 Craig Taylor, CTA3 Harry R. Torres, CTM3 Wayne E. Daly, CTMl Frederick M. Gholson, CTM2 Neil M. Howard. N4 (Left to right) CAPT Don L. Hunter, SKI Elpidio C. Aspuria, SK3 Eddie L. Bradford, SKCM(SW) Rodolfo O. Reyes, LT Derrick S. Boone. N2 (Sitting, left to right) LCDR Daryl L. Chapman, LT Arthur C, Griffm, CAPT Robert W.B. Stoddert, LCDR Evan D. Robinson, LCDR David J. Maresh, Capt(USMC) Fred H. Grant. (Standing, left to right) YN3 John P. Holguin, ISSN Dan L. Rathburn, IS3 Donald P. Weatherman, IS3 Robert F. Hand, IS2 Harvey Jones, IV, ISSN Tim M. Starnes, IS2 Vincent M. Gabriele, ISSN Nick L. Heitzman, IS3 Dean E. Cole, DM2 Milton B. Streeter, IS2 Stephen D. Waters, N3 (Sitting, left to right) YNl Stephen C. Rothrock, CDR Lawrence V. Fairchild, CAPT James A. Marshall, CAPT Raymond C. Schroeder, CAPT Robert J. Branco, CDR Paul R. Statskey, CDR Herbert L. Jones. (Standing, left to right) YN3 Pedro V. Hernandez, EWC James H. Velotas, LCDR John L. Ross, CDR Dunbar Lawson, LCDR David L. Crow, Mr. Robert E. Sullivan, CDR Thomas A. Chiprany, Major Terry L. Morin, YN2 John J. Lewandowski. Not pictured: CAPT Edward K. Kristenson, MAJ John L. Stiles, CAPT Ricard G. Eacott. 145 COMSE £A THFL T Staff (Sitting) CDR Rick F. Renzelman Jr. (Standing, left to right) RMCS J. Foster, LT Tom Stroble, RMSN Dan S. Gelinas. Members ot the I S Seventh Fleet Band, Far East Edition are, standing left to right: SN Raymond L. Southern, MUl Thomas C. Wholley, MU3 Jeffrey W. Schortgen, MUSN George R. McClinchy, MU2 Richard M. Kawamura, MU3 Richard K. Barnett, MU2 James W. Lamb, MU2 Alan A. Bell, MU2 Tony A, Townsend, MU2 Keith N. Gardner, MU2 Walter L, Larkins, MUCS James C. Cabralda. Seated left to right, MU2 Romoulo R. Fabunan, MUSN David S. Shilling, MUl John E. Engman, MUl Robert A. Jones. (Left to right) YN3 James A. Broome, CAPT Ray Addicot, YN3 Pat Brown, CDR Jim Kenney, CDR Nick Koblyk, LTCOL Jude Shea, LCDR Ron Neyer, LCDR Bob Hardee, YN2 Gonzalo M. Silva, CAPT Ralph Zunich, COL Tom Campbell. Helo Det (Kneeling, left to right) ADl Dennis R. Bell, AA John A. Halverson, AMS3 Jack C. Bozeman, AMSAN Joseph S. Null, AE2 Michael J. Thomas, PRl Terry R. Jacque. (Standing, second row, left to right) LT Timmothy Eason, AE2 Dennis M. Burke, YNl Stephen Funderburk, AD3 John A. Moore, AMS2 Tony F. Felber, AEAN Paul Bernard, AME2 William Koeing, ADl Joe Tuck, CW02 Morton, LT Charles E. Fuller. (Standing, third row, left to right) LCDR Charles Hilton, AEC Charles Deal, AT2 Gary Freedman, AZl Steven Sheffield, AN Steven E. Staufenbiel, AMS3 Ronald Frarck, AD3 Christopher Willis, ATAN Robert A. Frew, LTJG Andy Maletich. 146 COMSE VENTHFL T Staff STAFF PAO The Seventh Fleet Public Affairs Office assists Commander Seventh Fleet in organizing, coordinating and providing public affairs direction to Seventh Fleet forces afloat in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The staff Public Affairs Office maintains contact with national and international news media throughout the Seventh Fleet ' s area of responsibility. The office drafts speeches, prepares guidance for a variety of fieet exercises and distributes public affairs policy guidance for the fleet. The office also coordinates advance planning for flagship visits to foreign ports and other projects as assigned by the Seventh Fleet Commander. Besides being technical advisor and special assistant to Commander Seventh Fleet, the office also maintains liaison with public affairs offices of fleet and shore commands, other branches of the armed forces. United States Information Service representatives, and other government agencies. The Public Affairs Office is charged with overall coordination and responsibility for USO DoD entertainment in the Indian Ocean, Project Handclasp, media visits to the fieet, the Seventh Fleet Band and the Fleet Hometown News Center program. Flag PAO (Front row, left to right) LT T.L. McCreary, LT Leo H. Leary III, CDR Joseph W. McGrath, JOC Albert S. Burghardt, (Back row, left to right) YN3 Ronald E. Messier, J02 Mark A. Everts. 147 t COMSE i:. THFL T Staff MARINE DETACHMENT The Marine Detachment, Flagship Fleet Commander, USS Blue Ridge, comprises three guard sections and a headquarters section. The Marine Detachment ' s primary responsibility is to provide security for the Commander Seventh Fleet and his flagship. Other missions include providing protocol and ceremonial support for both Commander Seventh Fleet and the Commanding Officer, USS Blue Ridge and assisting the Weapons Division in manning the ship ' s 3 guns. The MARDET Marines are primarily infantrymen by trade and are continuously trained in this area, maintaining that honed edge which is the heritage of all Marines. Sea duty is the oldest, and was the original duty of Marines. The Marine Corps was formed to serve aboard naval ships as Soldiers of the Sea. Since that time. Sea Duty has proven to be one of the most rewarding tours a Marine can serve. Captain Eldon W. Bingham Commanding Officer MARDET (Standing, left to right) LCPL G. Guevara, PFC E.M. Haseltine, LCPL M.R. Nelson, LCPL S.W. Lord, LCPL R.H. Miller, LCPL K.W. Brightmon, LCPL A.R. Wilson, LCPL R.K. Reedy, LCPL A.G. Frischen, LCPL T.R. Peterson, PFC J.E. Rickards, LCPL B. Brailsford, LCPL B.K. Lyon, LCPL F.L. Westmoreland, PFC H.L. Tate. (Sitting, left to right) CPL G. Henderson, CPL R.F. Ascencio, SGT L.M. Marone, Capt E.W. Bingham, GYSGT E.L. Mayfield, SGT S.E. Boyce, CPL R.Q. Campbell, LCPL L Alvarez. 148 1 Design and production by OFF DUTY Publications Ltd., 1 4 F Pack Commercial Centre, 8 Shelter St , Causeway Bay. Hong Kong, Tel: (5) 777215. Printed in Hong Kong. LCPLRH ' The Military Leisuretime Magazine uT FOR REFERENCE ONLY - I ' i -fTS — imn I