Blue Ridge Departs for Patrol in 7th Fleet AOR

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Feb. 22, to patrol the 7th Fleet area of operations, strengthening and supporting strong relationships and partnerships throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

 Forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for 36 years, Blue Ridge provides advanced communications and command and control capabilities to 7th Fleet, enabling theater security cooperation and the coordination of fleet engagements within the Pacific.
 "A lot of the work we did in selected restricted availability (SRA) was to ensure that the ship is ready to go to sea and able to do the necessary tasks to allow us to have a forward presence," said Master Chief Charles Ziervogel, Blue Ridge's command master chief.

 Blue Ridge recently completed sea trials, allowing the crew to verify and ensure the operational readiness of the ship after an SRA maintenance period, undergoing repairs and the installation of new equipment.

 "Maintenance requires a lot of coordination with outside entities and it really removes us far from underway requirements and training," said Cmdr. Jason Eckhardt, Blue Ridge's executive officer. "It takes a great effort from all hands to understand that we are entering a much more dynamic and autonomous phase in the ship, where we are relying upon ourselves to ensure we operate safe and ensure mission accomplishment."
 Blue Ridge is currently manned by more than 900 crew members, including embarked 7th Fleet staff, the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC).

 FASTPAC Marines plan on participating in many joint exercises with foreign militaries while Blue Ridge visits foreign ports providing training in hand-to-hand combat and visit, board, search and seizure demonstrations.

 "They will also be learning from their counterparts," said Ziervogel. "This is why there are joint exercises; so we can learn from each other. That, in itself, will not only help strengthen ties in foreign countries, but it will also give them the trust and confidence they need to know that we're there to help them."

 While on patrol in the Pacific, Blue Ridge will not only be available to foreign militaries, but will also increase interaction within local communities. Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff will continue to solidify regional relationships through community service events, as well as theater security cooperation engagements.
 "We're here for 7th Fleet," said Ziervogel. "We are here for the Navy. We have become ambassadors to Pacific countries. Not only do we live and work on the ship, but we're going to take the place we live and work and show it to other countries. It's important that every single Sailor and Marine on board understands what our mission is. It's not just 7th Fleet's mission. It's what the bottom line is. It's the mission of everyone on board. We all have a part to play."

 As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Blue Ridge is committed to strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

Blue Ridge Conducts Sea Trials, Preps for Spring Patrol in 7th Fleet AOR

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka to conduct sea trials prior to initiating its spring patrol season in the 7th fleet area of operations, Feb. 16.

During sea trials, Blue Ridge will execute a series of exercises, testing every aspect of the ship and crew, from full power runs and boilers flexes to seamanship training including man overboard and abandon ship drills.

Blue Ridge spent the last six months in selective restricted availability (SRA), making repairs and improvements throughout the ship, ranging from major systems upgrades in Information Systems Department and Engineering Department to habitability upgrades.

"Sea trials is an opportunity to test the crew in all areas of the ship," said Blue Ridge Operations Officer Lt. Daniel Kohlbeck. "We just spent the last six months tied to the pier for renovations and repairs and now, we need to switch our mindset to being at sea. Sea trials will give us the opportunity to adjust to the high-tempo daily routine that being underway demands."

Throughout sea trials, the crew will be expected to maintain and demonstrate its high standards of operability and attention to detail. They will also be tested to show that the ship is ready for patrol season.

"Sea trials is our opportunity to fully test the ship in a safe environment," said Blue Ridge Chief Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Hartley. "Throughout dock trials and since the light-off assessment, the engineers are already fully engaged and ready to deploy. We will be doing a full power run to check that all of our systems work in tandem.

"The crews focus will be key in determining if there are any outstanding issues that need to be addressed prior to our deployment in support of 7th Fleet operations," said Hartley.

For many Blue Ridge Sailors, sea trials will be their first time spent underway and the first opportunity for them to familiarize themselves with life at sea, away from Yokosuka.

"It's my first time," said Yeoman 3rd Class Daniel Ross. "I'm pretty nervous and it's definitely a shift from shore command.

"Out at sea, the only people you have to rely on are your shipmates," he said. "I'm working to get my qualifications so I can contribute, especially my ESWS, but overall, I'm looking forward to experiencing life at sea and the challenges that come with it."

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for 36 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Blue Ridge is committed to strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

Talisman Saber 2013 Wraps Up Aboard USS Blue Ridge

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- The biennial joint U.S.-Australian exercise Talisman Saber 2013 concluded with a ceremony hosted by the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Cairns, Australia, July 29.

Talisman Saber is a joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Headquarters Joint Operations Command that incorporates components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force and other government agencies from each country.

U.S. non-government organizations (NGO) included USAID, Red Cross and Departments of State, Justice and Agriculture and Australian NGOs included the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Civil Corps and the Asia-Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence.

"TS-13 has been a great demonstration of the alliance between the U.S. and Australia," said Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your great performance during this important operation."

Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both nations' ability to work multilaterally and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. More than 70 different major training events were thrown at the combined team of watchstanders, analysts, planners, and managers, with a team of training observers watching closely.

"The most important thing I do as 7th Fleet commander is build relationships with allies, partners, and friends; with various naval peers in the region; with other service peers, Army and Air Force," said Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and TS13 commander. "That's Talisman Saber."

Providing command and control of the exercise from Blue Ridge, the combined task force supported each component of land, air, sea and special operations in the area surrounding Australia. Based on fictional scenarios, the exercise included combined Special Forces operations, parachute drops, amphibious landings, land force maneuvers, urban and air operations and the coordinated firing of live ammunition from a range of in-service weapons systems used by exercise participants. The fictional scenarios were designed to bring the different branches of the Australian and U.S. military together in a combined environment.

"For Australia it's been very valuable; the U.S. bringing to the activity and scale that we are not used to but we're comfortable working. So the layout of integration was high," said Australian Brig. Gen. David Coghlan, TS13 deputy commander. "Aboard the Blue Ridge, I had about a hundred Australian defense personnel who have integrated very well and throughout the fleet."

The closing ceremony took place aboard Blue Ridge and was a chance for Locklear to speak to both 7th Fleet and ADF members. The ceremony also included distinguished guests ble James Choi, crisis response control group lead for Talisman Saber, Niels Marquardt, U.S. consul general, and Australian Army Gen. David Hurley, chief of Australian Defence Force.

Talisman Saber included more than 27,000 U.S. and Australian personnel, was aimed at improving ADF and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. The exercise was designed to enhance multilateral collaboration in support of future combined operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. This exercise was a major undertaking and illustrated the closeness of the US and Australian alliance and the strength of the military-to-military relationship.

Blue Ridge on Patrol in 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for patrol Feb. 21.

Commanded by Capt. Daniel Grieco, Blue Ridge is manned by more than 700 Sailors, including embarked 7th Fleet staff and Marines from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific.

Blue Ridge will visit foreign ports to engage allies and strengthen partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. Sailors and Marines will also participate in several community service projects with partner navies and local aid groups.

"USS Blue Ridge is departing for a deployment throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations and will conduct port calls to strengthen regional ties while training to maintain the crew's sea qualifications," said Blue Ridge Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Zachary McCarty.

The Blue Ridge Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offers service members opportunities to visit local markets, theme parks, memorials and other cultural sites during their time off.

"I can't wait to go shopping," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Lorena Cardoza. "Also, I'm looking forward to taking cultural tours and relaxing on the beach."

While Sailors will get the chance to enjoy rest and relaxation opportunities, Blue Ridge will be fully operational during the patrol. Blue Ridge will provide advanced communications capabilities throughout the 7th Fleet, supporting theater security cooperation, fleet coordination and engagement goals during the patrol.

The leader in bold, forward-presence at sea, Blue Ridge has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 33 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, Blue Ridge is instrumental in forging partnerships in the region while leading the fleet with its advanced shipboard communications systems.

USS Blue Ridge readies to provide aid to Japan

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian A. Stone

SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- 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.

USS Blue Ridge, 7th Fleet Visits Manila

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) visited Manila, Philippines, Aug. 4.

While in port, the ship plans on strengthening ties between the United States and Philippines through shipboard tours, activities and community service projects.

Blue Ridge's Commanding Officer Capt. Rudy Lupton believes that the visit to Manila will be a rewarding experience.

"Manila is an exciting port of call for the crew," said Lupton. "Our Sailors are looking forward to relaxing, participating in community service projects, enjoying the local culture and experiencing the best that Manila has to offer."

The Sailors will also have the opportunity to go on Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours and rest and relax in the city dubbed "The Pearl of the Orient."

For some, the port visit will be the first time that they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in such a rich, diverse culture and tradition.

"This port visit is pretty exciting," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Chris Silk. "I will get to do a little golfing, sightseeing, try the local food and maybe even meet Manny Paquiao."

For others, a port visit to Manila gives them the chance to see family and friends. Many of Blue Ridge's and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailor's roots stem from Filipino heritage and the visit lets them feel at home again.

"It's a mix of feelings when I get to see my family because, like many other times I've seen them while in the Navy, it was unplanned, but exciting," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Edgar Tandoy.

One of the ship's planned community relations projects in Manila will be a Habitat for Humanity project, where Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors will be able to help build a daycare and learning center.

"I am excited that I will be able to help others clean up the environment," said Ship Serviceman Seaman Quinton Lewis. "If I am able to help others by making a learning environment possible, then that is the best feeling in the world."

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Blue Ridge Arrives in Jakarta

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josh Huebner, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors and Marines of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, 1st Company pulled into Jakarta Apr. 11 to the sound of the Indonesian army band playing "Anchors Aweigh" to greet the 7th Fleet amphibious command ship.

Capt. Rudy Lupton, commanding officer of Blue Ridge, was treated to traditional Indonesian dance performances while visiting with dignitaries of the Indonesian military and local Jakarta community.

The 7th Fleet band is scheduled to perform a free show to foster cultural exchange at the Mango City Square Mall. "I don't know what to expect because I've never been here before. We're going to do a 'far east tradition' show at the mall. We'll be playing with our big band and our brass band," said Musician 3rd Class Danielle Clark, who plays the flute, piccolo and baritone saxophone for the 7th Fleet band. "These shows are great because it gives us a chance to interact with the people and see them smile," said Clark.

Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff Sailors will join locals during community outreach projects in Jakarta. More than 40 Sailors and Marines are scheduled to visit Rumah Singgah Orphanage to participate in charity work. "It's a wonderful chance to learn Indonesian culture and about their lives. We have an opportunity to meet and play with kids and really be ambassadors for the ship and 7th Fleet," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Quartez Scipio, who will attend the event. "Everyone's really excited to go. We opened sign-ups and had all of the seats filled in under 30 minutes," said Scipio.

Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Mar. 1, for a spring deployment to further positive relations with regional partners. The ship has made port visits to Busan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The 19,000-ton ship can carry more than 1,300 crewmembers and serves as a command and control ship for 7th Fleet operations. Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. The U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of forward-deployed U.S. Fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

USS Blue Ridge Arrives in Otaru

OTARU, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) pulled into Otaru, Japan, Feb. 5 for a scheduled port visit.

During the crew's visit, Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet Sailors and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team-Pacific B-1 will be given the opportunity to explore and enjoy Otaru, while also taking part in the internationally renowned ice festival held in nearby Sapporo.

The crew will also participate in a series of community outreach projects such as washing dishes and serving tea at the ice festival, eating lunch with foster children from Kosho Gakuen Foster Home and providing an opportunity for interested Japanese visitors to tour Blue Ridge and share cultures during an open-ship event.

"This is my second visit to Otaru," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Hollingsworth. "I'm going to go out and take pictures at the ice festival. It's the only place to see anything like it."

"Historically, the crew has always been excited to visit Otaru during this season," said Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Rudy Lupton. "It's also exciting because this is our first port visit since the end of last year's fall deployment. It's a great opportunity for our Sailors to get out there and experience a unique part of Japanese culture they wouldn't find anywhere else."

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa with an operating detachment in Sasebo.

Blue Ridge Arrives in Singapore

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Singapore Oct. 29 for a scheduled port visit as part of the ship's fall 2009 deployment.

The 7th Fleet flagship's approximately 1,000 crew members and embarked staff will have the opportunity to enjoy visiting one of the world's most vibrant city-states, while fostering friendship and cultural relations.

"Singapore and the United States have a long history of working together in this region, and this port visit gives us the opportunity to build on that excellent relationship," said Capt. Thom W. Burke, Blue Ridge's commanding officer. "The crew is looking forward to experiencing the hospitality and culture."

While in Singapore, Blue Ridge's crew and embarked 7th Fleet staff will see the island city-state during scheduled tours and participate in several community outreach projects.

"Blue Ridge has been here several times in recent years," Burke said. "Our visits to Singapore have always been a great way to show the relationship that exists between the U.S. Navy and this great city."

Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 2 for a fall deployment to further positive relations with regional partners. The ship has made port visits in Guam, New Caledonia, Sydney and Cairns, Australia, and Port Kelang, Malaysia.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Blue Ridge Arrives in Cairns

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived in Cairns, Australia for a scheduled port visit as part of the ship's fall deployment to further positive relations with regional partners Oct. 12.

The amphibious command ship crew and embarked staff will have the opportunity to enjoy an area of Australia known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

"The crew is full of anticipation about the Cairns visit," said Capt. Thom W. Burke, Blue Ridge commanding officer. "We just finished a week-long visit to Sydney, which was a sensational port visit. Now we are anxious to get out and see more of Australia, especially this beautiful city and its surroundings."

While in Cairns, the 7th Fleet flagship will take in the sights during the numerous scheduled tours, participate in community outreach projects, and welcome local Cairns residents for guided tours of the ship, all in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

"The U.S. and Australia have a proud, longstanding history of working together," Burke said. "Visiting Cairns is an outstanding opportunity for Blue Ridge to experience this breathtaking place."

Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 2 and visited Guam Sept. 12-14, New Caledonia Sept. 23-26, and Sydney Sept. 29 to Oct. 6.

Blue Ridge serves under commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

USS Blue Ridge Visiting Sydney Australia

Sailors man the rails as amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives pierside in Sydney Australia. During the 7th Fleet flagship's scheduled port visit, Sailors will participate in community service projects and explore the sights of the city. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ben Farone/Released)

Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Staff Embarks ROK Command Ship

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and Republic of Korea Ship Dokdo (LPH 6111) moored at Busan. Blue Ridge is in Korea for exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Mitchell/Released)

By Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Several members of the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet staff, including the Amphibious Force Commander embarked Republic of Korea Ship Dokdo (LPH 6111) as part of exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) last week.

During the week of the pierside embark, American personnel experienced day-to-day life working aboard a Republic of Korea naval vessel.

Amphibious staffs from both nations worked together to develop plans and execute operations in a computer simulation driven exercise aimed at supporting a turnover of operational control (OPCON) of the defense of ROK in 2012.

"Moving toward Korean OPCON in 2012, an embark such as this enables us to work and train side-by-side with our Korean counterparts in their command and control environment," said Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, Amphibious Task Force Commander. "The ROK military is outstanding at all levels, and it was a pleasure to see them in action on Dokdo."

The vessel, commissioned into the ROK Navy in April 2007, has a state of the art operations center that proved extremely capable for coordination, communication and command and control.

"Living and working aboard Dokdo gave us a unique opportunity to train and learn from our Korean counterparts as they prepare to assume operational control of the defense of the ROK in 2012," said Lt. Col. Evan Holt, embarked U.S. personnel and Amphibious Force 7th Fleet plans officer.

UFG 09 is part of a series of annual U.S.-Korean bilateral defensive exercises designed to evaluate and improve combined and joint coordination, procedures, plans and systems for conducting contingency operations between ROK and U.S. forces.

Navy Ships Visiting Busan

Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) are moored pier side at the Republic of Korea Navy Base Oryuk-Do in Busan. The strike group arrived March 11, while Blue Ridge pulled in March 5. Pictured from left are the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Schwarz/Released)

7th Fleet Flagship Arrives in Korea for Joint Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The amphibious command and control flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), arrived March 5 in support of the commander of U.S. 7th Fleet and his staff, who are participating in the joint military exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2009.

A majority of embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff Sailors will spend time directly engaged in the exercise.

While in Busan, Blue Ridge Sailors will ramp up damage control, engineering, and force protection training efforts while preparing for the ship's various inspections in the coming weeks.

Sailors will also participate in community service projects in Busan at the Hee-Rak-Won Children's Welfare Foundation and Blue Bird Retirement Home to strengthen existing relationships within the South Korean community.

Sailors will also have the opportunity to go on shopping trips to Osan sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation office as well as tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the area that separates North and South Korea.

In addition to the community service projects and MWR activities, there are several sporting events scheduled between Blue Ridge and Republic of Korea Sailors in basketball, volleyball and soccer.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

USS Blue Ridge Conducts SAR Exercise

Members of the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) search and rescue boat crew look on as a search and rescue swimmer is lifted from the ocean during a training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew D. Jordan/Released)

Blue Ridge Enhances Comms, Improves Capability

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Months of planning to create the Navy's most sophisticated at-sea communications platform went on-line Oct. 10 aboard amphibious flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with increased command and control capabilities.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Baehr, the flagship's communications information systems officer, the estimated $3.5-million project was necessary to upgrade the aging hardware and dated software to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.

"You have to evolve to maintain your communications abilities," explained Baehr who is also the communications department head. "With new technological advances being made almost every day, upgrading our equipment allows us to take advantage of the new features and improvements that have been made in our field in recent years."

With an increase of information traffic on the ship's networks, the upgrade was necessary to keep up with work flow.

"On an average day, Blue Ridge moves 60 Giga-bytes of data and significantly more during exercises," said Baehr.

To meet the demands of the communications ship, 30 new servers were installed as were 472 individual work stations or personal computers. Windows XP and Compose 3.0 network client user software also had to be loaded onto the more than 1,200 work stations throughout the ship to make it all work.

"The new install also brought Blackberry services to the ship — the first ship in the Navy to have such capabilities on board," said Communications Systems Engineer Matthew Tuttle, a DoD support contractor from L-3 Communications Corp., supporting Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

Blackberrys are handheld PC devices that enable their users to access their e-mail, programs and retrieve data resources remotely from anywhere in the world.

The Global Command and Control System Maritime (GCCS-M) or "geeks" was also improved upon from maritime to joint (GCCS-J) capability during the upgrade to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with the same geographical common operational picture as Commander, Pacific Fleet and Commander, 3rd Fleet.

According to Baehr, this joint capability is another first for an afloat Navy platform.

For SPAWAR, L-3, and the communications department aboard Blue Ridge, the project called for unique solutions to their unique environment's problem.

"One of our unique responsibilities is to maintain operability for 7th Fleet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year… so the big challenge here was to perform the network upgrade during a timeframe that would not inhibit 7th Fleet's operational capability," said Baehr.

"SPAWAR and L-3 came up with some newer ways of doing things like loaning PCs and loaning servers to minimize our down time," said Baehr.

Jay Barlis, the Blue Ridge SPAWAR/C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) ship's superintendent, and Tuttle both believe thorough planning and communication between all the agencies and ship's force involved attributed to a seamless transition.

"It was a team effort between SPAWAR, L-3 Corp., and ship's force," said Barlis.

"SPAWAR began planning for this upgrade four months ago and continued adjusting the plans as needed."

Tuttle noted that L-3 had two hardware experts and seven software experts assisting with the install, and Baehr had 60 information systems technicians (IT) working 12 hours a day, day and night shift, for three weeks to make preparations for the install.

"Normally an install this large would take at a minimum 120 hours to complete," said Baehr. "However, with the great help from SPAWAR, L-3 and a foundation of ship's force making all the necessary preparations, we were able to complete the network upgrade in only 58 hours. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in the Navy."

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Thom W. Burke and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Blue Ridge Conducting Spring Swing Tour

The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji on its final stop to Shimizu to complete a six-week Spring Swing tour in the Pacific rim area of responsibility. Blue Ridge made port visits to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines fostering goodwill among PACRIM nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heidi McCormick