Blue Ridge (LCC 19) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 120 of the 1998 volume:

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' v..- ' • :.i .«£ i i iiiHf iii iy ii iimiiM .•• wmmmaums!?; y Suvi in irii Cor Bij USS Blue Ridge History C7F Fleet History C7F Bio Blue Ridge CO Bio C7F Chief of Staff Bio Blue Ridge XO PooitVuscts 8 C7F Flag Secretary Blue Ridge CMC C7FCMC Saipan Suva, Fiji Noumea, New Caledonia Brisbane, Australia Cairns, Australia Darwin, Australia Surabaya, Indonesia Singapore mgE Pt Phuket, Thailand Penang, Malaysia Hong Kong I Admin Intel Operations Communications Chaplain Supply Deck Medical FSA C2W Dental MarComDet Engineering Navigation HSL-51 Seventh J-Izet ' Pexsommem- -69 Exec N-l -Administration N-5-Plans and Pol-Mil 012-Public Affairs N-2 -Intelligence N-6 C4I 01 3-- Judge Advocate N-3-Operations Navy Band 014-Medical N-4-Logistics O ' b ' bs-x- ' EN ' hs— -79 Comrel Projects Steel Beach Picnic Homecoming At Work Sports Cruisebook Committee TSTA Every day activities In Memoriam Crossing the Line maaraBOfaan uss Ut r XUtt cc _ 19) H ' ST0 Unlike its World War II prede- cessor of the same name, which had to be converted from a merchantman to an amphibious force flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) represents a unique effort and achievement in the Navy ' s Command and Control ship design. Blue Ridge is a platform built from the keel up to accomplish the mission of command coordination. In this 18,200-ton ship are the facili- ties to direct and manage every phase of command and control operations. Blue Ridge represents the accumu- lated knowledge of four decades of the Navy ' s experience in the difficult problem of control and coordination. Initially conceived as an Am- phibious Command Ship in 1963, USS Blue Ridge was in the planning and design state for four years before construction finally began at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in early 1967. On Nov. 14, 1970, the ship was commissioned with the most sophis- ticated electronics system in the Navy, thereby enabling it to serve as a com- mand ship for the Amphibious Task Force Commander, Landing Force Commander and Air Control Group Command during amphibious opera- tions. From 1971 to 1979, Blue Ridge operated from San Diego, where it deployed to the Western Pacific and participated in the following am- phibious operations: Pagasa I; Pagasa II; Golden Dragon; Song Thank (for which Blue Ridge was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon); Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind (the 1975 evacu- ation of Sa igon in which Blue Ridge was the flagship). Blue Ridge earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for Operations Eagle Pull and Fre- quent Wind. Since October, 1979, Blue Ridge has operated from Yokosuka, Japan as the flagship for Commander, U.S. Sev- enth Fleet. Well suited to support a fleet commander, Blue Ridge deploys for several allied training exercises each year including exercises with U.S. Marine units,as well as with the Japa- nese Maritime Self-Defense Force. To stay on the cutting edge of technology, Blue Ridge continuously upgrades its command and control facilities, warfighting capabilities and methods of meeting the high visibil- ity requirements of a fleet flagship. s OKtktTK cvadk tflctt tHasvoxy The U.S. Seventh Fleet was es- tablished on March 15, 1943, when the Southwest Pacific Force was re- named. Today it is the largest for- ward-deployed U.S. Fleet and its area of responsibility includes the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet participated in several Pacific cam- paigns, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines during World War II as the Naval component com- mander under General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Com- mander Southwest Pacific Area. Af- ter World War II, on Jan. 1, 1947, the Fleet ' s name was changed to Naval Forces Western Pacific. On Aug. 19, 1949, just prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the force was des- ignated as U.S. Seventh Task Fleet. On Feb. 11, 1950, the force assumed the name that it holds today -- United States Seventh Fleet. Seventh Fleet units participated in every major operation of the Ko- rean War. Over the next decade the Seventh Fleet responded to numerous crisis situations including contin- gency operations conducted in Laos in 1959 and Thailand in 1962. During the Vietnam War, Sev- enth Fleet engaged in combat opera- tions against forces through attack carrier air strikes, naval gunfire sup- port, amphibious operations and mine warfare. After the 1973 cease- fire, the Fleet conducted mine coun- termeasures operations in the coastal waterways of North Vietnam. Two years later, ships and aircraft of the Fleet evacuated thousands of U.S. citi- zens and refugees from South Viet- nam and Cambodia as those two countries fell to opposing forces. In recent years, Seventh Fleet has maintained an active presence throughout its 52-million-square mile area of responsibility. Ships and aircraft of the Fleet take part in more than 120 exercises yearly, ranging from passing exercises with other naval forces to large, joint combined exercises such as Tandem Thrust. Since its establishment, Seventh Fleet units have promoted friendly relations through regular port visits to more than 20 nations. In response to the Aug. 2, 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, President George Bush directed Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet to assume addi- tional responsibilities as Command, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The Fleet Commander departed Yokosuka, Japan immediately and was joined by the remainder of his staff aboard USS Blue Ridge on Sept. 1,1990. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Com- mander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command exercised command and control of the largest U.S. Navy ar- mada since World War II. At the peak of combat opera- tions, more than 130 U.S. Navy ships joined more than 50 allied ships to form a multinational maritime force to conduct maritime intercept opera- tions, minesweeping and combat strike operations against enemy forces in Iraq and Kuwait. After a decisive allied victory in the Gulf, Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet relinquished control of Com- mander, Naval Forces Central Com- mand to Commander, Middle East Force on April 2 1 , 1 99 1 . The Seventh Fleet Staff then returned to Yokosuka. s OHtktTK WPK£ cvadk 3-lttt $30 Commander Vice Adm. Robert J. Natter Vice Adm. Robert J. Natter was born April 9, 1945, at his home in Trussville, Ala. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve at the age of 17 as a seaman re- cruit. Following one year of reserve enlisted service and four years at the U.S. Naval Academy, he graduated and was commissioned an en- sign in June, 1967. Natter assumed com- mand of the Seventh Fleet on Sept. 13, 1996. His service at sea, all in the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas, included de- partment head tours in a coastal minesweeper and frigate, and Executive Of- ficer tours in two amphibi- ous tank landing ships and a Spruance-class De- stroyer. He was Officer-in-Charge of a Naval Special Warfare detachment in Vietnam and commanded USS Chandler (DDG-966) and USS Antietam (CG-54). Shore assignments included Company Officer and later Flag Sec- retary to the Superintendent at the U.S. Naval Academy; Executive As- sistant to the Director of Naval War- fare in the Office of the Chief of Na- val Operations (OPNAV); staff mem- ber for the House Armed Services Committee of the 100th Congress of the United States; Executive Assis- tant to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (during Desert Storm Opera- tions in the Middle East); Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for officer and enlisted personnel assignments; and, before his assign- ment as Commander, Sev- enth Fleet, Chief of Navy Legislative Affairs. Natter was a distin- guished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and attended graduate school, earning a Master ' s Degree in Business Management and International Rela- tions. His personal deco- rations include the Silver Star Medal; Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (five awards); Bronze Star Medal with Combat V; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V; Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, and various unit and cam- paign awards. Natter is married to the former Claudia Kaine of Coronado, Calif. They have three daughters: Kelly Kaine, Kendall Alice and Courtney Elizabeth. s OHtktTK uss HC O PcUt Commanding Officer Capt. David K. Meier tao Capt. David K.Meier, a native of Baltimore, graduated from the Uni- versity of the South with a Bachelor of Arts in Politi- cal Science and was com- missioned through Officer Candidate School, New- port, R.I. in 1972. His sea tours have in- cluded Detachment Officer for Assault Craft Unit One, while serving in the West- ern Pacific with Com- mander, Amphibious Squadron Five; Antisub- marine Warfare Officer, USS Downes (FF-1070); Chief Engineer, USS Valdez (FF-1096); Executive Of- ficer, USS Sample (FF- 1048); Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 33; Commanding Officer, USS Valdez (FF-1096); and USS Trippe (FF-1075); and Executive Of- ficer, USS Peleliu (LHA-5). Significant shore tours have included attendance at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Ca- lif, (where he earned a Masters of Systems Technology, Antisubmarine Warfare). Capt. Meier was an instructor for the Combat Systems Department Head program, Surface Warfare Officers School Command; Warfare Ana- lyst for the Force, Structure, Resource and Assessment Directorate (J-8), Politico- Military Assessment Divi- sion, the Joint Staff; and the Naval War College, where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He recently com- pleted a tour of duty as Head, Amphibious Warfare Branch, Expeditionary Warfare Division on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. His personal awards include the Legion ot Merit; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Merito- rious Service Medal (three awards); and the Navy Achievement Medal. He is married to Hilary Burnham Famolare of New York City. They have two sons, Joseph William and David Kirk Meier Jr. s ontktrK evadk 7tttt five Chief of Staff Capt. Jon W. Greenert Capt. Jon W. Greenert, the son of Patrick and Aline Greenert, is a native of Butler, Penn. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering. Greenert ' s sea as- signments include Electrical Material Of- ficer, USS Flying Fish (SSN-673); Electrical Ops Engineering Of- ficer, USS Tautog (SSN-639); Executive Officer, USS Michigan (SSBN- 727) (gold); Commanding Of- ficer, USS Honolulu (SSN-718); and Commodore, Commander Submarine Squadron Eleven. His shore assignments in- clude Staff Fire Control Officer, Commander Submarine Force Pacific; Program Analyst, OPNAV Staff, Washington, D.C.; CNO Strategic Studies Group; and Head, Navy Program Plan- ning and Development, CNO Staff. While serving in com- mand of USS Honolulu, the ship was awarded the COMSUBRON Seven Battle Ef- ficiency E (1991 and 1992); the Antisubmarine Warfare A ; the Engineering E ; Anti-Sur- face Warfare A ; Supply Readi- ness E ; Communica- tions Readiness C ; and the Medical Readi- ness M . Prior to reporting as Chief of Staff of Sev- enth Fleet, he served as Commander, Subma- rine Squadron Eleven COMSUBPAC Repre- sentative, West Coast. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (three awards); the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); the Navy Commenda- tion Medal (four awards); the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards); and various unit and campaign awards. He is the recipient of the 1992 Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet Vice Admiral Stockdale Award. Greenert and his wife Darken have three children: Jonathan, 14; Brian, 12; and Sa- rah, 8. s OKtktTK wint DHMWHIBH USS Blue Ridge Executive Officer Cmdr. Pete Hackett Seventh Fleet Flag Secretary Cmdr. Matt Garside 8 C5 USS Blue Ridge OSCM(SW AW) Vince Balla Seventh Fleet ETCM(SW) Thomas H. Sheppard C OHtkcTK KwwyaflfVMWBW nrt Visit SSUTP X A Saipan high school color guard greets Blue Ridge as it moors at its first port on Southern Swing. Known as the Land of 24 Karat Sunsets, Saipan is comprised of several natural miracles of geology, biology and climate to create the fas- cinating chain of landfalls in the Western Pacific. The three main islands of Saipan, Rota and Tinian each have their own unique personalities. Saipan is the largest of the islands, being the center of activity, the capital and home to most of the big resort hotels and shopping venues. Right: Lt.j.g.John Duenas, a native of Saipan, greets his mother who watched the ship pull in. Right: OS3 Frederick Asa and HM3 Jacob Pizana found shopping and sightseeing a great way to start the cruise. s QHrnCTK WPK£ S {J XMMViy 8-11,1998 Below: Newly reported to Blue Ridge, AG3 Wendy Shultz takes a stroll on the beach before sunset. Left: SK2 Arturro Espanta is all smiles standing shore patrol in Saipan. tkt C dxtktn O U ' K£ wmm c.iffw««wfflaBM Hewn Sac ax CTA3 Jennifer Pigg enjoys the sun andbeach after a long Yokosuka winter. Welcome to Saipan! Miss Saipan greets Sailors as they depart the ship. An elementary school band performs during the welcoming ceremony. One of the many breathtaking views of Saipan. s onmcTK 10 SHEWS Sav ax Left: Remnants of World War II leave a grim reminder of the price of freedom. 1 Vice Adm. Robert Natter greets Miyuki Hill, Miss Teen Guam first runner-up, and her father. 11 s ontktrK W(K£ vrt Visit ¥$3$ According to Fiji legend, the Great Chief Latunasoba led his people across the sea to the new land of Fiji. Major credit for the discovery and recording of the islands of Fiji went to Captain William Bligh who sailed through Fiji after the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789. Fiji, richly endowed with forests, min- eral and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific economies. The Fiji islands are a photographer ' s dream with an endless list of subjects that include villages, landscapes, seascapes and traditional cer- Fijians surround the brow with anticipation of touring the ship while Sailors assigned to protocol look on in awe. s OKiktYK W(H£ 12 Jswuaxy 19-11, 199S 13 s OKtktTK WPKt tmm i ort Visit New Caiz ' boxm New Caledonia ' s capital, Noumea, home to more than 50 percent of the population, is a bustling cosmo- politan place. Originally founded in the 1850s, Noumea is said to mean sunrise in one of the 32 Melansian dia- lects and covers a 42-square kilometer peninsula. French is the official language throughout New Caledonia; however, English is taught in schools. Known as the Island of Eternal Spring, New Caledonia ' s climate is warm, and allows for swimming and sunbathing all year round. Right: Sailors fire a gun salute while entering Noumea ' s port. Right: Who says chiefs don ' t dance? During a dance ceremony on the main deck, New Caledonia natives performed a variety of dances and encouraged crowd participation, and AGC Ann Carroll took one up on his offer. s ontkcrK 14 24-27, 199H 15 s OKtktTK W(K£ mrntm msstrm m New CaMZboxva Left: A bird ' s-eye view of New Caledonians greeting the ship upon its arrival. Below: This monument in Noumea was created to pay gratitude to America for helping the island of New Caledonia retain its freedom during the Pacific War. s ontktrK WPH£ 16 New C izrbvwa Left: Seaman Francisco Bazavilvazo explores an old fishing boat, while Gunnery Sgt. Jose Deleon Jr. (below) takes in a breathtaking view atop a mountain. New Caledonian Sailors ready for inspection f) T h T Vf Hows ' ZaMt, SlusTxsiiua The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is Australia ' s largest city in the sub-tropics, enjoying an enviable climate of hot, brilliant summers and cool, mild winters. Many Sailors agree Brisbane is an ideal destination for visitors all year round. While Brisbane has the facilities of a modern city it retains a friendly, easy pace of life, surrounded by parks, gardens and beaches.The location was se- lected as a convict settlement in 1 824 and then closed in 1839. Brisbane was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, then the Governor of New South Wales. The area was opened to free settlers in 1842 and Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859. Brisbane is now Australia ' s third largest city and situ- ated on the southeastern seaboard of Queensland at the mouth of the Brisbane River. . s 18 3 MU513V 29- ZFEZXuaxy 3, 1998 MM3 Alan Griffin finds himself all wrapped up. PHAN Laura Wozniak wonders if she can take this little fellow home. r B ' X c Js r Ba tz ) t LusTxaivzi Fireman Aquarius Smith appears to be handling his sudden situation quite well. Did anyone bring oars? ' C outkc winF 20 r fc f xvs r ha iz, SlusTxaiisi RM3 Josh Boylati enjoys snorkeling in Brisbane. Above right: SK3 Patrick Patterson listens to some local street musicians. Above: GMSN Peter Rayon and SK3 Patricio Sullivan enjoy liberty at a Brisbane Amusement Park. Right: DP3 Louis Connelly prepares to take the plunge in the warm waters of Brisbane. 21 S ontktrK vrt Visit C W3VHS, SlUSTX.SiJ.ffSi Playing a native didgeridoo. f - ' L - jt % b. S3H   B H Ji ' W k v £«F ™ 1 flfe-  f lr - ' ' %Pl iiA Dazzling blue skies, long white beaches, coral reefs, vibrant green vegetation and warm perfumed air are the common ingredients of Cairns, Australia and the sur- rounding Tropical North region. Cairns was built out over the site of a sea-slub fishing camp when gold was found to the north in 1876, though it was the tin and timber resources that really established the town and kept it ahead of rival Port Dou- glas. The harbor was the focus of the norths fish and prawn industry and catered to tour- ism and marlin fishing after World War II. But with the discovery of the reef in the 1980s and the appeal of the local climate, tourism became the driving attraction and Cairns earned the reputation as a tropical version of the Gold Coast. These two young Australian lads enjoy their visit to USS Blue Ridge during one of the many ship ' s visits held throughout Southern Swing. s 0Htk.crh_ WfKt 22 Z ' B ' XU 3iy6 ' 10 t 1998 ■F Bb t%re« ( i RM2 Isaac, YN3 Major, RM1 Jackson, ET3 Massey, RM3 Jones, RM1 Bridgett and IS3 Lewis tackle some rapids in Cairns. wamm VBBHBBfflSam Cmoixs, SiusTXziioa Right:PH3 Ed Soto shows off the one that didn ' t get away during a fishing expedition to the Great Barrier Reef. C wkxs, Sinsrxaioa In Brisbane, Blue Ridge picked up a harbor pilot who helped navigate the ship through the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns. 25 S DHtkcTK dV t l sit £ xwm, SkKSTxaiva AGl(AW) Debra Finney is all smiles as she grabs hold of a baby crocodile. Early attempts to establish a British settlement in the remote Top End were slow and troubled, and very much motivated by fears that the Dutch or French would gain a foothold in Australia. Darwin (then known as Palmerston) was founded in 1869 and its early growth was accelerated by the discov- ery of gold nearby in 1 87 1 . After the gold fever subsided, development of the town slowed due to its inhospitable climate and poor lines of communication with other Australian cities. Modern Darwin has a population of 68,000 but still functions as a bit of a colonial outpost, serving mainly as a center for government administration and mining. It does, however, have a thriving coun- terculture, enlivened by its largely transient and multicultural population. , t J v iw « Just your typical, everyday Australian animal sighting. PttOULsmy 13-18, 1998 Sailors and Marines join forces to represent the Color Guard during Big Top Festivities. 27 C Oh OKtktTK mi HWUUMHUCM fo www, Siusrxsuva i 5 dhtktm. WPKt - 28 Ib zmw, ZAusTxaiva VVt visit Su%5ffi ya, C i r hvxzs r Ja Surabaya, Indonesia, is the capital of East Java province. With a population exceeding 2.8 million people, Surabaya is one of the country ' s principal industrial, trade seaport and maritime cities and is second only to Jakarta in size and economic impor- tance. Before World War II Surabaya was the most important Dutch Naval station in the Netherlands East Indies. Many harbor installations were dam- aged in World War II, first by the Japanese, who cap- tured the city in 1942, and two years later by the Al- lies. At the end of the war, it was seized by the Indo- nesian nationalists, briefly reoccupied by the Dutch, then incorporated into the Republic of Indonesia. Surabaya still bears the imprint of its Dutch heritage, with colonial Dutch architecture in the quaint neighborhoods, the Old Dutch Cemetery and Dutch houses along narrow area alleys, with origi- nal Dutch sign posts still standing. In downtown Surabaya, one could see many cars and motocycles, as well as bicycles, rickshaws and other push carts typical of their culture. s DKtkcTK WfKt - The Blue Ridge volleyball team enjoys a game with an Indonesian team. 30 pEKJOisuiy 21-23, 1998 LI3 Bradley Barnett rides a rickshaw in Surabaya. 31 S oidkem ort Visit SixqayvxE |Buf S .; - j B ■; % i Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company under the banner of Imperial Britain, the settlement once known in legend as Temasek and to be known in the future as Singapore, grew in strength as a trading and economic powerhouse under the steadying rule of the Union Jack. The advent of World War II and the failure of the British Army to protect the people of its colonies from the invading Imperial Japa- nese Army served to whip up the torrents of nationalism in Singapore ' s occupied territories. I I ■: W r fz r B f xna xy ZS-Mavicn I, i99S Left: ISl(SW) Roberto Montoto relaxes at the base pool in Singapore. Below: YN1 Finney and Sgt. Austin dance at the Singapore Bit Top. Above: Entertaining children at a Community Relations project in Singapore. 0S2 Mackey is all smiles in Singapore. 33 S OHtkcTK WIK£ drt Visit r VHavia i r b Phuket, the modern name for the is- land, means Crystal (or jewel-like) City. Phuket is located on the west coast, in the southern part of Thailand. Phuket ' s weather is typical of its lo- cation, strongly influenced by the mon- soon winds; is warm and humid, but pleasant all year long. There are only two seasons; the rainy season, from May to November, and the hot season, from De- cember to April. Top right: MS3 Eric Wall inquires on the local seafood dishes and has his meal prepared by someone else for a change. Right: Hiring a Tuk Tuk for a ride across the city or all day was the most popular means of transportation. Bottom: The beaches of Phuket are some of the most beautiful ones in the world. S OHmtrn 34 Mm icH -8,1998 Top: Blue Ridge is anchored out just a few minutes by boat to the beach. Left: RMl(SW) Tony Jackson (left) gives SN Latosha Hemphill advice on where to get the best deals on souvenirs in town. S ontkam WPKt Trtavmx ' b Right: SH2 Robert Reynolds, PH2(SW) Jett Dempsey and MSI Emmanuel Genavia stand shore patrol duty Middle left: GM2(SW) Bruce Butler is able to stretch out and enjoy himself after a long day ' s work on the ship. TT? ¥ | a Top: No one could go hungry with all the mobile food stands throughout the city. Left: Liberty boats kept Sailors and Marines going back and forth from the beach and the ship. S DHtktTK ■j 6 ■few r tHa c Jia i r b Left: QMl(SS) Dale Kerr and ET1 Brian Gauthier cruise the sidewalks of Phuket looking for good deals. Below: A short boat ride led Blue Ridge Sailors to the golden beaches of Thailand. 37 S ontkam wins: vrt Visit Jvlmgysoa Penang, The Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most culturally diverse places in East Asia. In the 1700s, Penang, which already had a thriving settle- ment of traders, was viewed as an excellent location for a harbor to repair ships damaged by storms dur- ing monsoon season. Penang is essentially populated by Asia ' s three major groups, the Malay, Chinese and Indians. Their cultural traditions flourish and their festivals continue to be celebrated with verve. Penang gets its name from the areca nut palm (the Pinang palm) which grows in abundance on the island. i a C OKtktTK Top and left: Penang offered many the chance to experience historic temples and landmarks from centuries past. Bottom: LI2(SW) Mark Gengantoca, PH3 Aaron McGrath and DM2(SW) Ed Arenas pose at a statue. ,-tubsc MgaiCH 9- 13, 1998 Temples scattered throughout the city display rich colors and embellishments Penang ' s architecture is famous for. The city museum was full of exotic reptiles and insects. PH3 Aaron McGrath handles an exotic tree snake at the city museum. 3 s OKtkem ort Visit The British Crown Colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997. The change of the flag only added to the uniqueness of this remarkable terri- tory: no other land has changed sovereignty in such a manner before. This small city of more than six mil- lion inhabitants is the world ' s seventh largest trading entity. The territory is a cultural wonder: a proverbial melting pot where Chinese from many regions mix with British, Americans, Indians, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans and people from every corner of the globe. The result is sometimes chaotic but provides a colorful blend of cosmopolitan influences against a backdrop of traditional Chinese culture. Hv i(j JKoxg- After almost three months of wearing summer uniforms, the crew shifted to wearing winter uniforms as QMS A Michael Allen wears while on watch on the bridge. s OKtktTK 4 MavwH 18-11, 1998 Ma (Left ) A foggy Hong Kong by day... 4 1 s DHmCTK ll III HillllHIIIMWIIIIIHIill Hv t(j Sio g- Foggy or not, Hong Kong is a beautiful sight to the Marines ofMarComDet as they man the rails while the ship pulls in for its last port visit of Southern Swing ' 98. S dntktrK wing 42 Xv uss tut O idtc Admin Officer Lt.Y.VFlores X-l Division PNSNLuz Godinez assists Sailors with questions about their orders when they check-in the Personnel Office. YN3 Gabriel Owens types the Plan of the Day in the Captain ' s Office. 4 3 Si ' bMOi I? Si ' bMVX X-2 Telling the Navy story is an esential part of any command. That is where X-2 comes is. X-2 is staffed by p hotographers, journal- ists, lithographers and draftsmen. The photographers shoot, process and print all photographic re- quirements for the ship and embarked staff. The journalists handle public informa- tion matters including news releases and media queries. They design and edit the ship ' s news- paper The Ridge Run- ner and familygram Family Ties, and also operate the ship ' s inter- nal television system SITE-400. Blue Ridge litho- graphers operate the print shop and print all materials on board. The printing ranges from for- mal invitations to ship ' s directives. They also provide all engraving for plaques and signs. The draftsmen provide layout assistance and design work on many special projects. porarily nent the naintain scipline. wide all he ship ' s s oumerK WPKl 44 CmiMKN JC5tfW tS Communications Officer Lt. Cmdr. D. M. Janson Joint Message Center While at sea, a ship ' s ability to perform its mission is directly linked to how well it sends and receives mes- sages. These messages can be verbal, written or visual communication. But whatever the method, the desired result is always the same: to provide and maintain a reliable, se- cure and rapid means of communi- cations with shore commands and ships so the Seventh Fleet Flagship Blue Ridge can fulfill its mission. Headed by Lt. Cmdr. D. M. Janson, the Communication Department ' s 90-plus Sailors sup- port all tactical external communi- cations and associated internal sys- tems around the clock. 4 5 S dutkem CVMMlt tfCaT JV tS Maintenance Q dntkrrn mexHt fisnH 23 zcx First Lieutenant Lt. Cmdr. C.S. Ellsworth Id® Ik ' ment and refueling at sea and weapon systems are under control of the Deck Department ' s First Lieutenant. With five officers and 130 Sailors, the traditional sea- manship skills of helmsman, lookouts, boat and gun crews are provided by the men and women Second Division S onmerK wins: JbtCX Above: BMC(SW) Jonathan Pavy contemplates another fine Navy day aboard Blue Ridge. Left: Ready...aim...ftre! 3rddiv fires the saluting battery . Left bottom: BM2(SW) John Jones demonstrates how to use a boatswain pipe. Bottom: BM2(SW) Charles Moody shows SN Ramon Saenz how to properly stow tools. HMMXI GMG3 Chehalis Waugh gives LTJG John Duenas instructions on how to handle a 9mm during gun qualifications on the flight deck. fctcx 1st Division S OKtktTK 5 om wing tktni czw The technicians who are responsible for main- taining radars, electronic countermeasures,the Naval Tactical System Afloat (NTSA), a wide variety of computer systems as well as closed circuit television and the local area network or LAN system are assigned to C2W. The NTSA pro- vides a constant track of contacts on a global scale. It can merge large amounts of data into selected dis- plays throughout the ship. C41 Cmdr. James D. Hankins S dutkt whtt TK Exg-gwEOumg- Engineering Officer Lt. Cmdr. William D. French A Division A ship is just a float- ing building plugged into a pier without the steam, wa- ter and electricity provided by the Engineering Dept. Eight officers and 120 Sail- ors work countless hours inport and stand watch six hours on and six hours off day and night while at sea to maintain and operate the two high pressure boil- ers which provide steam to the engine and dozens of other systems onboard. It takes approxi- mately 850 gallons of fuel to steam at 13 knots for one hour. The onboard capac- ity is one million gallons of diesel fuel which will keep us steaming 49 days with- neers make almost 100,000 gallons of fresh water each day which is heated into steam for the boilers, to quench the thirst of the crew, cook their meals and heat, air conditioning, hot B Division S OKtktTK than 460 lines, the engi- neers provide many local repair services. The air conditioning plants pro- vide chilled water to cool radar systems, machinery and electronic spaces in addition to crew berthing. Engineers in repair rates give us a self-reliance h increases our abil- o stay on station and meet commitments. They also provide damage con- trol training which en- ables us to isolate and contain fire, flooding or other damage. I Z {(j J 4tZ3l3XGr DCl(SW)CarlitoDacoco takes a trouble call in Damage Control Central. EM3 Donald McCarthy restows a firehose after conducting a routine inspection on it. §3 S onmerK wmt MM2(SW) Michael Demesa stands watch in the Engine Control Room. Z tq j itt ' X J iq Damage Control Central phone talkers during a General Quarters drill. Repair Locker 5 personnel ready to fight afire. R Division C outLcrK 3 WlKt 5 4 Iifirc ' E iq f j izz f xc iq w. yR 1 ■-«=]• MJ, ■ f fC H J t k v fl j£ — s _ __ ufl J L-ff| ' ; ' 5 4- jLSt H l Bk m ' ■ ' V k £ Division Repair Locker 2 manned and ready. S ontkerK wing $XTEl Intel Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Scribner ; ' : ■ The ships Intelligence Department is composed Ridge, it shares i nany of its personnel with the em- of highly trained personnel who operate the largest barked three star Stff flSl OTj fM Alffiv WninHftluK I network of computers at sea in the world. Intel data battle watch with constant updates. bases on board or ones they can be linked with by Intel is also the manager of the Local Area Net- radio provide in depth information from strictly un- work (LAN) com puter system which provides all de- classified to dealing with national security issues. partments with r nessage traffic, memos and a variety While the Intel department belongs to Blue of information se rvices. ■i mp s outkcrK WfH£ •J i K BHSttWSaKH H Crt ymvx ' s Of ce The Blue Ridge Chaplain ' s Of- fice oversees all religious ministry programs and community relations projects on board. Traditionally, chaplains conduct religious services, offer nightly prayer over the IMC, conduct Bible studies and other forms of religious education, and tend to the spiritual and moral wel- fare of all hands. The ships chaplain is available to the crew and their dependents for counseling on a variety of personal matters. The chaplain is also a liai- son between the ship and American Red Cross, the Family Service Center and Navy Relief. Additionally, the ships library is managed by Religious Programmers (RP ' s). The chaplain and RP s assure that professional, technical and per- sonal assistance in all matters, spiri- tual and religious, is avavilable to all crewmembers. Chaplain Cmdr. Timothy Sims S ontktrK Mtbucai Medical Officer Cmdr. Robert R Wilson A staff of one doctor and 16 hospital corpsmen provide on board medical care. The medical clinic has surgery, X-ray, phar- macy and immunization capabilities. Medical supervises related areas of environ- mental health, smoking cessation programs and physical readiness pro- grams. During battle condi- tions, corpsmen are sta- tioned at several battle dre ssing stations to give immediate care before routing injured to the medical clinic. The Medical Depart- ment has also provided immediate care to refugees and shipwreck survivors picked up by the crew. HM1(SW FMF) Ronald Maniece examines a patient during sick call. Tasked with caring for 1,000 crewmembers, Medical sees more than 500 routine sick call patients per month, accounts for more than 400 medications and 10,000 medical related supply items Blue Ridge stores on board. s ontktrK bzxrai Dental Officer Lt. Cmdr. Linda L. Lowrey The Dental Department augments medical in combat situations. One dentist and four technicians tend to the general dental needs of the crew and embarkees. The staff sees an average of 2,200 pa- tients each year and cleans more than 4,000 teeth annually. s ontktrK Navigation Officer Lt.j.g. Rachel J. Velasco Navgg TVox The Navigator with a crew of Quartermasters establish safe steaming distances and speeds around the clock. Equipped with modern satellite navigation aids, the Navigator and Quar- termasters also rely on sightings taken with sextants. The Sig- nalmen who also work for the Navigator are responsible for short range silent communications using pennants, semaphore or flashing lights. SMSN Nicole CutreW stands watch on the bridgewing. QMC(SW AW) John Trail keeps track of the SM2(SW) Maitland Sanders washes down ship ' s movement, the bridgewing. S ontktrK The Operations Department maintains an overall awareness of the environment Blue Ridge operates in. Through Combat Information Center (CIC) all surface and air contacts are monitored using one surface and two air search radars. The Tactical Action Officer (TAO), who stands watch in CIC, maintains an overall awareness of the immediate and distant contacts sharing this with the Officer of the Deck. CIC can maintain an Air Traffic Control facility that coordinates helicopter operations, including Black Beard Seventh Fleet Commander ' s embarked helo. OSSN Pio Stroligo relays information from the bridge to CIC. h OyEJuzryoMs Operations Officer Lt. Glenn E.Jehle OS3 Trondalyn Walker keeps track of all contacts. OS2 Thomas Studer monitors all contacts while on watch in the CIC. S ontkerK Suwiy Supply Officer LCDR Samuel Chinnapongse With hundreds of sys- tems on board to serve Blue Ridge COMSEVENTHFLT and embarked personnel, repair parts and consum- ables are essential. Logistics support belongs to the Sup- ply Department where four officers and 145 Sai lors pro- cure, store, contract sup- port, feed and pay the crew as well as provide on board sales service. As a flagship, Blue Ridge can embark more than 200 officers and 1,200 Sailors and Marines. Billet- ing, a division in supply is responsible for maintaining the officer accommodations and food service. Feeding the enlisted crew is also an around-the- clock task for supply which can store enough fresh pro- visions to last 2 1 days, or 90 days if the supplies are fro- zen or non-perishables. During an average breakfast at sea, the crew can consume 3,000 eggs, 30 pounds of cheese, on- ions, peppers and ham, 3,000 pancakes, and four gallons of syrup. Blue Ridge supply clerks are tasked with ac- counting for an annual budget of more than three million dollars, and a consumables and repair parts stock of more than 25,000 items. Official U.S. mail ser- vice in port and underway is also handled by supply. Postal clerks, on an average day, handle between 300 and 500 pounds of oncom- ing and offgoing mail. Blue Ridge ' s annual payroll of six million dol- lars is handled by Disburs- ing. The disbursing clerks W Jm TjK y ' ' . $w V 1 V j T • Ml fa. - a jm r i ■ IP y HV - § - S JD V q IM 1 1- u) KEB ' - ' - J 3 S 4 Division SH3 Joycelyn Lester does her part to ensure the crew always looks good. pay, audit and update nearly 1,000 pay records. They are responsible for the three shipboard ATM ma- chines which average $3,000 in daily transac- tions. Supply also manages the ship ' s servicemen divi- sion. These workcenters run the laundry, which washes 300 pounds of laundry and presses 45 sets of khaki ' s each day. They also cut six pounds of hair each day and sell an aver- age of $1,300 in snack and geedunk daily while at sea. s OKtktTK WtK£ B w Suy iy I52k g l Kgf S 3 Division S ontktrK Ml Suyyiy MSSA Lance Bray cuts up in Vegetable Prep. S OXtkeTK wikF 6 4 Swp ' pjy Vertical replenishments always 3 Roosevelt Reid is prepared to help all customers means work for Supply personnel. at the shi P s P ost °ff lce - 6 5 q5 OHtktTK W K£ WBH maM HOBI JAa f xCoM r b-Er MarComDet Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Schewighardt The mission of the Ma- rine Communication Detach- ment is to provide a unit orga- nized and trained to furnish communication-electronics support and assistance to communications personnel of the embarked Landing Force Commander. The MarComDet is di- vided into four sections: ad- ministration, communication center, radio and maintenance. Each section works closely with its Navy equivalent on a continuing basis to ensure communications requirements of any Marine Commander. The commanding officer of MarComDet acts as the Ma- rine Department Head and represents the Marines on all matters of a general adminis- trative matter. The MarComDet on board Blue Ridge is only one of two units of its kind in the entire Marine Corps. Q ontkerK HSI-S1 .1 c5 outkcrK U K£ vasuBsnuitai c5 itL oumcrh WlKk MMJum nwi VB BauBsmmtvmm emdk Fled: Zxtc vsio eventh Fleet Executive Department is f the Chief of Staff, Flag Secretary, Public Affairs, Legal, Medical, Flag Writer and several yeomen. During the course of a typical day at sea, Exec is the link between the Commander of Sev- enth Fleet and the staff. Exec supplies routine information such as muster reports and releases information through Navy channels and for pub- lic consumption. Public Affairs Officer Cmdr. Greg Smith fZ about the notable events the forward The Public Affairs Office , un- deployed staff is involved in, and the der the direction of the PAO, Cmdr. PAO provides release authority for Greg Smith, supports Seventh Fleet stories submitted by other ships as- in its mission defining the picture of signed to Seventh Fleet. They embark forward presence. fleet units to support exercises, opera- The staff arranges for media tions and port visits in the AOR. representatives and distinguished The staff photographer docu- visitors to come onboard at sea and ments the history of Seventh Fleet, in ports-of-calls and documents the including important meetings such as history of Seventh Fleet through sto- staff talks with other countries navies. ries and photos. The Public Affairs office also main- Journalists assigned to Sev- tains the Seventh Fleet homepage enth Fleet write stories exlusively (www.c7f.navy.mil). c5 ontktrK w kc «]B«HQ1«— gjUHWJI 3 G - jMEb3c u Judge Advocate Cmdr. Bruce MacDonald 0t3 The Judge Advocate is respon- sible for advising the Commander, Seventh Fleet on all legal matters af- fecting fleet operations. Areas of concentration include International Law, with special em- phasis on Freedom of Navigation and Rules of Engagement, as well as Mili- tary Justice and Administrative Law. v - r bM$ 4VSTxmyr) i Nl Lt. P. Caoile The Administration DeDa under the supervisioi jio ant Chief of Staff (AdmLno ion),Nl,is responsible for the coor- ination of Fleet-level administration id personnel matters and the for- n and administration c inel policies. tfl handles correspon peration orders and operation lans. The department coordinat personnel matters, wh ensuring Sailors rotate i rom assignments in Seventh Fleet The department also coord routine official travel, includii visits and embarks of fleet units 1 !echnicians, temporary duty perso ' id, Naval Reservists, dependents ai. other U.S. representatives. Nl serves as Personnel Securit rer for the staff. 71 ? out kern. win N-2 3 lTEll jq--E iC N2 Cmdr. Guy Holliday N2 department provides intel- ligence support to Commander, Sev- enth Fleet staff and subordinate units. The Intelligence Specialists of N2 work in several divisions which include Fleet Cryptology and Fleet Information Warfare (N21 N327). Fleet Cryptology and Fleet In- formation Warfare are both respon- sible for all Cryptologic and Informa- tion Warfare issues in the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility Fleet cryptology responsibili- ties include training, planning, equip- ment, policy, operations, security and cryptologic tasking, collection analy- sis and reporting. Fleet Information Warfare re- lities include the training, echnology, augmentation, rations, policy and the ectronic warfare, mili- y deception, operations security, ical operations and infor- arfa.re-related physical de- jiz 11 s tk out Kern win K S 7 2 .y$li ? OKtktTK WPH JV-J Ovtavarvo s Capt. Mike Miller N3 ' s main concern is the scheduling and transit plans of all ships that pass through the Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility. N3 handles diplomatic clearances for all ships in the AOR. On the average, about 48 diplomatic clearances come through N3 each month. Along with all that, N3 also tracks the amount of fuel that each ship burns per month. Flag METOC division moni- tors weather and oceanography. The Aerographer s Mates prepare and present briefs for Seventh Fleet, USS Blue Ridge and embarked staffs and commands using state-of-the-art technology. N3 consists of Current Opera- tions (N31); Long Range Schedule (N311); Fleet Oceanographer (N314); Surface Operations (N315); Air Operations; (N316); Warfare Shop (N32); Exercise Shop (N33); Korean Exercises (N331); EOD (N332); JTF Exercises (N333); Japan Exercises (N334); MPF Exercises (N336); and Reserve Coordinator (N337). Additionally, N327 works for both N2 and N3 organization based on which areas of information (Op- erations or Warfare) is being pro- cessed. If the information is opera- tionally oriented, it supports N2 so in this capacity N327 falls under N2. This occurs about 90 percent of the time. If the information is used in a warfare role (jamming, deception, destruction of command control sites), then it falls under N32 orga- At C OKtKtT The Logistics Department responsible for the promulgation of general logistics policies, plans and maintenance material readiness in support of Seventh Fleet. N4 Department also determines logistics require- ments and coordinates logistics policy with area com- manders; Commander, Third Fleet; Commander-in- Chief, Pacific Fleet; or higher authority on matters re- lated to Seventh Fleet operations. N4 is responsible for ordnance and readiness matters, for staff supply functions and also fulfills staff material and service requirements through the flagship supply department and supply activities ashore. N4 is N-4Mvg-vsTJcs N4 Capt. J. Graham Q ontktrK N5 ' Pl MS J 2 Jvl$M3T$l3iy SlFmvois unoinsunwausufflS2itfxarfHEuni(imnaK raiamK« M-6 C4V N6 Capt. G. Queen The Operations Specialists who worl in the Tactical Flag Command Center : sponsible for maintaining a database surface and subsurface units located i AOR. These units range from U.S. Navy and submarines to foreign navy craft, chant ships and fishing vessels. This dat is maintained in the Joint Maritime i mand Information System (TMCIS). Us there are more than 1,200 vessels 1 tracked within the system. Fleet Communications Office is respon- sible for the management of Seventh FWf ' « communications assets and for commu tion support for the Commander of Se Fleet and his staff. This includes satelli cess requirements in the EHF, SHF, UH1 commercial satellite band (Chall Athena). N62 handles frequency ma: ment for U.S. Naval ships in the Seventh AOR. N6 is also responsible for ensurir Address Indicator Group (AIG) and C tive Addresses (CADs) on messages an rect. N6 Department is presently invoh future communications support, such ; 21 (Information Technology for the 2 1st tury) and DMS (Defense Message System). Ji-62 77 S OKtktTK A slew of donated skateboards await distribution to school children at in Phuket, Thailand. Community Relations (ComRel) projects and •oject Handclasp are designed to assist the needy or iderprivileged in the various ports-of-call the Navy lakes throughout the world. During Southern Swing, Blue Ridge and SEVENTH Fleet Sailors participated in numerous ComRel projects ranging from painting and cleaning schools in Saipan to visiting orphanages in Hong Kong. Project Handclasp is a program where goods such as toiletries, clothes, toys and other needy items are donated by people and delivered by the Navy. Wherever there was a need, Sailors and Marines responded by volunteering their off-duty time to as- sist. ComRel projects were organized by the Chaplain ' s Department, under the direction of Chaplain Timothy Sims. During the cruise, approximately 200 Sailors rticipated in 15 ComRel projects. SH3 Alcontin sweeps up after volunteering to clean the St. Christopher ' s Orphanage in Fiji. S OHtkcTK WPKt C OH WPKt riwnmnaiimiiiniiiiiT ■ -- Left: LI2(SW) Mark Gegantoca scrapes paint off the side of the Commonwealth Health Center in Saipan. Below: HTl(SW) Lisa Robinson helps clean the ceiling of the St. Giles Hospital in Fiji. Lunch time!! Children at the Banchalung School in Phuket eagerly reach for treats being handed out by volunteers during a BBQ. This work is not so bad after all! S ontkerK WtH£ IvmCkzi Above: JOl(SW) Steven Galvangets ready to get down and dirty at the St. Christopher ' s Home. Left: The entrance to the Saint Christophers Home in Fiji. S OHtkcTK wing Above left: MSI Ariel Ortiguerra makes a friend at the St. Giles Hospital in Fiji. Above: Naval Reserve Chaplain Lt. Ron Camarda entertains residents at the Phuket Home for the Aged by playing a recorder. Left: These volunteers prove that Navy ships aren ' t the only places where they can chip paint. 82 twvrk [1 fn ■ U—l«V 5 OHtkcTK wmjt s Qutkcrn W MnKBHSaunWJMUa Sl taJExrOoi ' bEOi ofthz Ibz-e? r TV Z iTEOlU ig- (jNt TlCNZsOlEaJJU No wog would dare enter King Neptune ' s domain without a hearty breakfast of green eggs, sea slime, and octupus tentai ' Hfogs become SHtii a Ks, $a i. 13, 1998 SrEti zacH Blue Ridge and Seventh Fleet Sailors know how to break up the monotony of life at sea. Where else can you have a picnic in the middle of the Pa- cific Ocean? Steel Beach, that ' s where! Steel Beach offers Sailors the chance to relax, get some sun, have a barbecue dinner or just hang out with friends, while taking in the beautiful sights of life at sea. Below left: MU3 Todd French belts out a tune during the picnic. Below: OMCM(SW) Vince Bulla lends a hand on the grill. was transformed into a Steel Beach Picnic... a la Navy style! D1 S ontktrK s ontkcrK WIKC 3)2 Xug- y ■ 4 1)3 C OK WPKt tktTK HastKETh an Socman C ontKtn SVTT Zlll d s ontktrK Soccer 3 dutktrK VoutybaLi s OKtktTK rcryaay Slctiritits Right: Showing our guns to Australians during ship ' s visit in Cairns. Below: DPC Terrell Randall relaxes in Thailand. Below Right: MS3 Frederick Wall enjoys Cairns cuisine, instead of shipboard chow. ViceAdm. Natter shows you ' re never too busy to serve some fine Navy chow. S OHmCTK WPM EvERyfisiy SIctvvvtvzs Right: YNCS(SW) Jan Medley enjoys liberty in Thailand. S dKtktTK WfKg rtnjdccj Sidfrf-ticr s ontkern 1 4- Zvt ' xyi .y SicT ' JWJT ' jts S ontktrK WfKi MsfXCHll, 1998 - h  TjP D La. ' UDUH . i, ■M s sm M ■F ' fcPftt V MM M ... - : ' mam f-MM i mB ■ ' JB k 1 W! 1 4, H 1 iD7 5 ontktm wing: vmiHiiinmBSEV sgxmzwsi iVM-ECVMIXq! C outhm O wt ' xl s dntkerK tHoMzcoM g-! S OHtkcTK 1 1 Kf YHKgnHI rnistbddk CoTum-ttcc MWR Officer - Lt.j.g. Rachel Velasco Managing Editor -- PHCS(SW) James T. Christian Seventh Fleet Editor -- JOC(SW) Mary Camacho Blue Ridge Editor -- JO 1(SW) Steven Galvan Cover design: - DM2(SW) Bernard Cantollas Photographers : PH2 Jett Dempsey PH3 Laura Wozniak PH3EdSoto PHANAdam Eastman PHAN Johnny Parker Journalists: J02 Curt Melzer J02 Regina Gillis JOSNJohn Hickmon JOSN Michael New Other volunteers: Ensign George Stringham GySgt Jose DeLeon Jr. 0S3 Angela Current MM3 Robert Davis RM3 Joshua Boylan LISN Brian Turley S n y Ce nort o El 2 ' Kay in Anderson 1963 - 19BB JfeJlnoaJs y oai Zona mus S searcAi for answers? ow Zona mus S7 ose my m nd? t@ Ay mus Afe forever cAanae? C fnd ' a ' Ay J 7 fee so Af nd? -SZe -sLnoevs h aaia aays n A2app ' ness y na in seconds s aone. Stow many oos ac es o aAe} ow many woras ao on ? Jze L lnows 7 vic i ' m of conf as on SA a wor a Aa a ves no c amn. 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