For all parents, loved ones of a Sailor that is currently serving or has served on the Flagship of the 7th Fleet... The USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).
Blue Ridge Welcomes 26th Commanding Officer...
Story Number: NNS131028-01Release Date: 10/28/2013 8:36:00 AMBy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hendricks, USS Blue Ridge Public AffairsYOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) held a change of command ceremony Oct. 28.Capt. Richard McCormack relieved Capt. Will Pennington as commanding officer. Pennington served as commanding officer from July 31, 2012 to Oct. 28, 2013."My time aboard Blue Ridge has been a unique experience," said Pennington.…
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USS Blue Ridge Strengthens Ties with Visit to Manila...
MANILA, Philippines (March 18, 2014) Sailors man the rails as U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) arrives for a port visit. Blue Ridge port visits represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelby Sanders)
By MC2 Phillip Pavlovich
Posted March 17, 2014
MANILA, Philippines - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Manila for a port visit March 18, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Philippine navies.
While in port, Blue Ridge crew members and embarked 7th Fleet staff personnel will continue to enjoy an historic relationship with their Filipino counterparts through military-to-military exchanges, guided ship tours, receptions and athletic events.
Many Blue Ridge Sailors will have the opportunity to reconnect to their shared heritage with the Philippines by visiting relatives and interacting with the Republic of Philippine Navy (RPN).
"The long-standing alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines has contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region for more than 60 years," said Lt. Cmdr. Wilfredo Eslao, the ship's administration officer, who was born and raised in the Philippines. "We're tied together in more ways than one, and I'm proud to be a link between these two great nations."
Sailors and embarked Marines from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific will have opportunities to experience the country's rich culture and history through tours coordinated by Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Additionally, Sailors will compete with RPN sailors in friendly games of basketball and soccer.
"Sports are the perfect way to interact with people from other cultures," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Smith, Blue Ridge sports coordinator. "Even if no one talks to one another, after spending time sweating it out on the field or court, you still feel like you really know each other."
Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 34 years. As the flag ship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge is vital in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
Blue Ridge Departs Jakarta...
Story Number: NNS130618-02Release Date: 6/18/2013 11:57:00 AM
By Mass Communications Specialist Second Class (SW) Jeff Troutman, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Jakarta, Indonesia, after completing a four-day port visit June 18.
The amphibious command and control ship is currently deployed to the South Indo-Asia Pacific region, engaging allies and strengthening partnerships.
In addition to immersing themselves in the local Indonesian culture, Blue Ridge crew members and 7th Fleet staff Marines, from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific, had the opportunity to participate in a friendly soccer game and engage with the citizens of Indonesia during a "Big Top" ceremony on the ship's main deck.
"The opportunity for Blue Ridge to visit Jakarta presents us with a more in depth engagement with the Indonesian navy," said Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Bringing my entire staff here allows us to have direct staff talks with the Indonesian navy, which is very important. Our specialty is security - maritime security in particular. From security comes stability, which is why 7th Fleet teams with strong partners like the Indonesian navy: to provide greater stability to the region."
Despite a day of rain and inclimate weather, the Blue Ridge soccer team were able to participate in a friendly game of soccer with Indonesian sailors and marines.
"Before the game started, we were afraid the rain would cause the game to be cancelled," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Victor Trujillo. "The rain ended up making it that much more fun and competitive. You could see that everyone from both teams had the biggest smiles on their faces. Sporting events like this are always a great way to bring people together and create bonds between two countries."
Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 34 years. As the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is vital in forging partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Mandela Gbieor, Yeoman 3rd Class Joseph Hollen and Seaman Joseph Barnett stow the national ensign as U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departs Jakarta, Indonesia, after a four-day port visit. Blue Ridge port visits represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the South Indo-Asia-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Babin/Released)
My son went aboard the USS Harpers Ferry LSD 49 on 3 March 2013. He called last night so excited from going out Thursday and his first experience out on the ocean. Hearing the excitement in his voice made me so proud that he made a good decision and path for himself.
ORAL SEA (July 22, 2011) The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), front, conducts flight operations while underway with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD-42). Blue Ridge and Germantown are in the Coral Sea supporting Talisman Sabre 2011, which enhances joint combat readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Australian air, land and maritime forces. The exercise is focused on crisis action planning and execution of emergency response operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr)
From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SEA OF JAPAN (March 18, 2011) -- Aviation boatswain’s mates remove chocks and chains from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter as it prepares to take off from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)
USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (March 18, 2011) - At 2:46 this afternoon, U.S. Seventh Fleet personnel embarked on the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) along with Japan Self Defense Forces personnel throughout Japan, observed a moment of silence marking one week since that a 9.0 mega-earthquake struck off the eastern shore of Honshu. The moment of silence also marked a transition in mission as Japan ended rescue efforts and took on a new mission of sustaining life. Seventh Fleet remains committed to this relief effort, with 12,750 personnel, 20 ships, and 140 aircraft participating in Operation Tomodachi. Seventh Fleet forces have delivered a total of 81 tons of relief supplies to date.
After offloading Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel and vehicles in Ominato, USS Tortuga (LSD 46) departed en route the vicinity of Hachinohe where she will serve as an afloat forward service base for helicopter operations. CH-53 Sea Stallion aircraft from HM-14 attached to Tortuga delivered 13 tons of humanitarian aid cargo, including 5000 pounds of water and 5000 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), to Yamada Station, 80 miles south of Misawa.
USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of Akita prefecture this afternoon. Marines of the 31st MEU continue have established a Forward Control Element (FCE) in Matsushima in order to coordinate disaster aid planning with officials already on scene. They will move to Sendai tomorrow.
The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group to include the cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), and the combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) along with the guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Mustin (89) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) continue Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations off the east coast of Iwate Prefecture. Three U.S. Navy liaison officers are on JS Hyuga to coordinate U.S. operations with Japan Maritime Self Defense force leadership.
Helicopters from HS-4 and HSL-43 with the USS Ronald Reagan strike group, and HSL-51 from Carrier Airwing Five in Atsugi, delivered 28 tons of food, water, clothes, medicine, toiletries, baby supplies, and much needed kerosene to displaced persons at fifteen relief sites ashore. For two of the relief sites serviced today, it was the first humanitarian aid they have received since the tsunami a week ago. Eight of the sites serviced made requests for specific aid, including a need for a medical professional.
Carrier Airwing Five (CVW-5) completed the relocation of 14 rotary-wing aircraft normally assigned to USS George Washington from Naval Air Faculty (NAF) Atsugi to Misawa Air Base in northern Honshu. The aircraft are now positioned for quick response to humanitarian mission in northeastern Honshu. Additionally, CVW-5 tactical aircraft which are non-essential to the relief mission have been relocated to bases in Okinawa and Guam in order to open ramp space at Atsugi.
USS Cowpens (CG-63) continued its northerly track to rendezvous with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. Cowpens is expected to join the Strike Group overnight. USS Shiloh (CG-67) got underway from Yokosuka to deliver relief supplies to the Strike Group.
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), flagship for the United States Seventh Fleet, remained in the vicinity of Okinawa to conduct transfers of supplies and additional personnel to augment the staff.
All Seventh Fleet ships, including USS George Washington and USS Lassen which are currently conducting maintenance in Yokosuka, are increasing their readiness posture in order to be prepared to conduct any tasking ordered. This includes the recall of personnel and the cancellation of leave.
Two P-3 Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) conducted two aerial survey missions or ports and airfields in northern Honshu today. CTF-72 embarked two liaison officers from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force on each mission. Aerial imagery captured on these missions is shared with Japan. VP-4 has established a detachment in Misawa with two aircraft and four aircrews.
By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian A. Stone
SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 12, 2011) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Noel Arceo, left, observes and underway replenishment between U.S. 7th Fleet command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). Blue Ridge loaded another supply of humanitarian assistance/disaster relief kits to ensure the crew is ready to provide humanitarian assistance in support of earthquake and tsunami relief operations in Japan as directed. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron M. Pineda)
SOUTH CHINA SEA - Seventh Fleet command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Sailors and embarked 7th Fleet staff members are preparing for humanitarian aid and disaster relief support operations while sailing toward the eastern coast of mainland Japan March 13.
Blue Ridge Sailors loaded a humanitarian aid/disaster relief (HADR) kit while moored in Singapore Friday night and set sail Saturday morning. Shortly after departing Singapore, the ship completed replenishment-at-sea operations with USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), receiving fuel and additional supplies.
“I’m amazed at the things we’ve achieved in such a short time,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Lonnie Gillilan, who led the recent on-load preparations aboard Blue Ridge. “We’ve all been pulling together, no complaining. I’m very impressed.”
Sailors worked past midnight Friday, loading equipment to allow Blue Ridge to provide fresh water and supplies during HADR support operations.
“It’s giving me a sense of accomplishment to know that the work we’re doing could help people out,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Patrick Ramos, who helped push crates of supplies from the flight deck.
Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jonathan Howton, a leading petty officer aboard Blue Ridge, has experience conducting HADR support operations in conditions similar to those location in Japan affected by the recent tsunami.
“I was aboard USS Iwo Jima when we provided aid to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina,” said Howton. “In a disaster situation you have to prepare for the unknown. You never know what’s going to happen.”
USS Blue Ridge is uniquely equipped and able to perform amphibious command and control operations and is ready to support assigned HADR relief efforts.