July 22, 2011

vol. 1 i. 12Blue Ridge

Produced by Media Services division, Ext. 4155Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ussblueridgeView this issue online: www.issuu.com/ussblueridge

Blue Ridge is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the USS Blue Ridge. All news releases, photos or information for publication in Blue Ridge must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.

Commanding Officer: Capt. Daniel GriecoExecutive Officer: Lt. Cmdr. Kevin RalstonCommand Master Chief: CMDCM(SW/SS) David UnnonePublic Affairs Officer: Lt. j.g. Clinton BeairdEditor: MCC(SW) Katherine StromAssistant Editor: MC1(SW) Todd MacdonaldNewsletter Staff:MC1(SW/AW) Jerry FoltzMC2(SW) Brian DietrickMC2 Aaron PinedaMC2(AW) Steven KhorMC2 Joshua CurtisMC3 Colin SheridanMC3(SW) Alexandra Arroyo

On the cover: A photo illustration of 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Created by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Dietrick

Community Service Projects: Brisbane

Mater Children’s Hospital

Karingal Campsite

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors participated in a community service project July 13 while the ship visited Brisbane, Australia. The Sailors worked with members of the Scout Association of Australia at their headquarters at Karingal Scout Campsite and gave the main office a fresh new paint job.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors participated in a community service project July 14 while the ship visited Brisbane, Australia. The Sailors visited children at the Mater Children’s Hospital and shared coffee, tea and cookies.

Karingal Campsite photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor

Mater Children’s Hospital photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr

MC3 Mel OrrMC3 Cale HatchMCSN James Norman

July 22, 2011

vol. 1 i. 12

Blue Ridge

When a Sailor reports to his first ship, there are many things he has to learn. He may have heard about ship life, either in boot camp or from shipmates at a previous command, but now it’s time to roll up his sleeves and experience first hand what being a Sailor is really about. There are the simple things he has to learn: which side of the ship is port and which is starboard, where his shop is located, and what time chow is. There are the more in-depth items such as damage control, ship maintenance and his in-rate qualifications. On top of all of this, he is going to be given two books and a completion goal date. The sight of these two books, fresh, unmarked and with empty signature blocks, brings a feeling of nostalgia and a small smirk to the faces of those who have completed them. They know the long hours and dedication this shipmate is going to have to put in to in order to get all those empty blocks signed. It may remind those whose books are partly filled with signatures and hand-scribbled notes that persistence is key and maybe one less hour of TV tonight and one more hour of studying instead is probably a good idea. What kind of books can spark such emotion? The enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) personnel qualification standard. The ESWS program is designed to help Sailors learn their ship inside and out. It gets them out of their work centers and familiarizes them with parts of the ship they may not normally go. It ensures that all hands know how to respond in the event of an emergency and it also allows for the smooth completion of day-to-day ship operations. With USS Blue Ridge celebrating her 41st birthday this November it does indeed take all hands to keep her running smoothly, and the better the crew understands how she works the easier that job is. The ESWS program will give a Sailor that understanding. Two fresh faces aboard Blue Ridge, Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Kenneth Jackson and Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Derreck Quinn have just started down the road to ESWS qualification. Buckling down and doing what has to be done is nothing new for Jackson. Having made first class in only five years he knows a thing or two about setting a goal early and sticking to it, and within a few days of checking on board he jumped at the opportunity to get started on his ESWS pin. “A shipmate whom I work with volunteered to help me get started,” said Jackson. “She immediately took me around to get some signatures. I think we got quite a bit signed off that

first day. From there I was off to a very good start.” Quinn, who was also eager to start the lengthy qualification process, had a common reaction when he was handed his books. “When I actually saw the books and how thick they were, I just thought to myself, ‘Wow this is going to take forever,’” he said. But he brushed the thought aside and started forming a game plan right away. Quinn calculated in his head how many things he needed to get signed off. He made a commitment to go to ESWS training sessions, and if need be, go shop to shop to get the information and signatures. Getting the information and the signatures is only half of what Sailors need to do in order to become an enlisted surface warfare specialist. They also need to take and pass a written test and also pass not one, but two oral boards. The first class board is made up of first class and second class petty officers and the second board of chief petty officers. “ I’m actually a little nervous about the first class board,” said Jackson. “I figure once I get ready for that, I will be ready period.” Jackson said being ready means lots and lots of studying. If that means sacrificing liberty to work on getting his pin then that’s what has to be done. Like Jackson, Quinn knows he will need to sacrifice, he is not only willing to do what it takes, but he is also driven. “I want to get it done in under a year,” he said. Quinn certainly has the motivation. While it is mandatory for all enlisted Sailors aboard Blue Ridge to get their ESWS pin, his desire to become

ESWS qualified started before he reported. “My last command was a shore command, so a lot of us didn’t have it, and just walking around and seeing that ESWS on somebody’s chest, I told myself I definitely want one of those,” he said. “When I found out my next command was a ship I was like wow I can get my pin

now.” More than 30 years earning the pin has become more than just another qualification. For some, the silver insignia says something about a person.

“It makes a statement about that Sailor,” said Jackson. “It shows that they were able and willing to focus through an assignment with a certain degree of rigor until they accomplished the mission.”

For others it tells them who they can turn to if they have a question. “I definitely feel more comfortable asking for help from someone with his pin because I feel they have a better overall knowledge of things,” said Quinn. Line up ten different people and most likely you will get ten different answers on how to do the same

task. Jackson and Quinn are no different. Each has their own way on how they will tackle ESWS qualification. Jackson is taking the more methodical approach, choosing to conquer each section of the books at a time. Learning everything about communications and only then move on to engineering. Quinn is more like an investigator, taking in all the information he can and then later sitting down and arranging it in a way that makes sense to him. Regardless of the different courses they are sailing to get there, both will eventually arrive at the same port, and both have similar advice for Sailors just starting the ESWS voyage: It’s in your hands. “Be proactive,” Quinn said. “Go to the shops, find the people you need to find. No one is just going to give you the knowledge. You need to learn it.” Jackson said Sailors should get it started as soon as possible. “When you let things linger, life tends to put other priorities and time between you and your goal,” he said. “With something as involving as the ESWS pin, it’s best to just put your head down and

Surface Warrior On the Right CourseStory by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Curtis

Photo by MC3 Matthew Jordan

Photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda

Photo by MC2 Fidel Hart

What You’ll SeeThe Reef is literally swimming with wildlife. You will likely see dolphins, turtles, wmoray eels, coral trout, anemones, shrimp, star fish, sea cucumbers, sea whips, giant clams, barracuda, lion fish and puffer fish.

One of the main reasons people visit Cairns, Australia is to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The amazing array of marine wildlife and exotic colors that make up the Reef cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia

The World’s Largest ReefThe Great Barrier Reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching more than 1,600 miles and covering approximately 133,000 square miles.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been described as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Reef is home to more species of plants and animals than any other area of this size in the world. The combination of glorious, long white beaches and warm blue water sets a scene for paradise.

Cairns offers an ideal hub for day trips and overnight trips to the Reef. Some of the most exotic and rare diving and snorkelling in the world are a short distance from the city of Cairns and Port Douglas. The Great Barrier Reef is an exotic playground that is waiting to be explored by snorkellers and scuba divers.

Compiled by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Dietrick

What else to do...The city Cairns has an abundance of award winning restaurants, cafes, bistros, coffee shops, diners and pizzerias all within five square blocks of the Cairns Central Business District. No matter what time of day or night you want to grab a bite, there will be something open to satisfy your craving.

Many of Cairns’ best restaurants are found on the boardwalk at the Pier Shopping Center, along the Waterfront Esplanade or on Shields Street. Several of the five-star resorts in Cairns also offer fabulous restaurants. As long as you have closed-in shoes and a sleeved shirt, you should be good to go.

The Daintree Rainforest in Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to a huge range of plants and animals and all are found within an area of approximately 750 square miles, the largest chunk of tropical rainforest in Australia.

Get Your Tan On!Several beaches in Cairns are known locally as the Northern Beaches. Over the years, two of the beaches have developed into major tourist destinations with international five-star resorts and luxury accommodation. The two beaches are Palm Cove and Trinity.

Crystal Cascades is one of the secrets of North Queensland that locals like to hide from visitors. It is a secluded freshwater swimming hole that is hidden in a tropical rainforest. The water is cool and refreshing and there are picnic tables close by to enjoy lunch.

Paronella Park, a Spanish castle in the rainforest, was voted as Queensland’s “Number One Must Do” and has won multiple tourism awards. The park was built in 1929 by Jose Paronella and his men. They also built pleasure gardens, which accompany the castle, right in the middle of the rainforests of Cairns.

Cairns Night Zoo is a “must do” and is definitely a dinner with a difference! When the chef rings the cowbell it’s time for dinner. Their Aussie barbeque buffet includes juicy sirloin steaks, special sausages, chicken, fresh local prawns, salads, rice and vegetables, and delicious desserts. This is the most relaxed part of the night before everyone heads off on the wildlife tour.

* Information on this page is recommended by the writer and is not an endorsement by 7th Fleet or USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

“I went to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I wish I could be like them, eating and sleeping all day.”

“I attempted to see the Harry Potter movie. I enjoyed the night life and hung out with the locals.”

“I got to eat kangaroo steak which was very interesting. I liked how clean Brisbane was and there was a lot to do.”

“I did two COMSERVs. At one we got to work with local colleges and the other we got to visit with local kids.”

“I got lost on my way to the zoo and ended up having to walk four miles to get there.”

“I ate at the Pig & Whistle cafe and enjoyed the local scenery. The people seemed like they enjoyed having us.”

OS3 Kevin Waites

HT2 David Duperron ENS Laurel Fernandes

CSCS Nelson Sanpedro MM2 Tasha Martinez

ET3 Jonathon Kendall

SailorQ & A“How did you spend your time while on liberty in Brisbane?”

A ship’s binnacle list is a list of the ship’s crew who are ill. A binnacle is the stand on which the ship’s compass is mounted. The binnacle list gets its name from the practice of posting the ship’s sick list on the binnacle each morning for the captain.Know?Did You

Compiled by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman

The enlisted retention board (ERB) has many Sailors facing crossroads, but one Sailor strives to stay optimistic despite the sudden change in her life. Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jaimie Rossoll discovered shortly before the summer patrol that her final perform-to-serve look had been denied. “My chief took me out to the bridge wing and broke the news to me,” she said. “That day was very upsetting for me.” Rossoll said many people have helped her with planning for the future including Lt. William-James McEnerney, Ensign Matthew Deraps, and especially her leading chief petty officer, Chief Operations Specialist Damiean Williams. “You can’t replace OS2 Rossoll because she brings energy and ideas to the table that others don’t, and it’s disappointing to lose a Sailor like that,” said Williams. “She was truly affected by the news because she intended to reenlist, but I reminded her that with one door closing, another opens. I told her to keep doing her job, but also take the time to research and prepare for the future.”

Since that day, Rossoll has begun planning her life in the civilian world. She is taking a couple of college courses through the American Military University while she still has the opportunity to take advantage of tuition assistance. She is also looking into doing law enforcement and operations technology at the FBI Academy after she leaves the Navy. ERB was created this year to help alleviate overmanning in 31 ratings by reviewing 16,000 service records and choosing 3,000 Sailors

for separation, according to Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel. Rossoll, however, remains positive about the situation. “Yes, it stinks that I’m leaving but the Navy has been a good experience and I’ve been to many places,” she said. “I’m excited to be starting a new chapter in my life and I’m looking forward to civilian life. Just because the Navy didn’t work out for me, that doesn’t mean it was bad and maybe this just wasn’t meant to be.”

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr

Staying Positive Despite Unexpected Change

Photo by MC3 Brian Stone

With the recent implementation of instruction COMNAVSURFPACINST 4790.1F, changes to USS Blue Ridge’s (LCC 19) maintenance program were introduced to help the crew pursue the goal of ensuring the ship continues to maintain a superior material condition.

The Maintenance Material Management system is commonly known throughout the Navy as 3M. It is a program the Navy uses to track scheduled maintenance and ensure it is being done correctly in order to keep the ship operating properly and safely throughout her lifetime.

The instruction, implemented by Blue Ridge July 4, initiates changes that include more participation from department heads and division officers. It also changes the way chief petty officers participate in the system as well as overhaul the way maintenance is performed on the deckplate level.

According to command 3M Assistant, Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Gaylord Geronimo, the changes mean the crew will need to place more emphasis on the 3M system.

“Everyone is affected,” said Geronimo. “The standards have gone up, so naturally a higher standard will mean more time and effort for 3M.”

Some work center supervisors have already seen how the new changes have produced results to help them identify Sailors with performance discrepancies.

“The new system helps you see who knows what they’re doing when they perform their

maintenance,” said Emergency Repair 09 Leading Petty Officer and work center supervisor Damage Controlman 1st Class Danny Harris.

Harris said one of the changes that he sees as most beneficial, is that Sailors performing maintenance may be under direct supervision while performing maintenance.

“There’s an option for spot checkers to do real-time spot checks whereas before they typically went off historical performance,” he said. “This means that a spot checker can actually watch as the maintenance takes place and correct any discrepancies,” said Harris.

Harris said that although the new changes

mean a few extra steps, he sees how they will make maintenance people more effective.

“Traditionally they [maintenance people] may have had room for error during a spot check. Performing maintenance in front of the spot checker should help boost the confidence of the maintenance man, making them better equipped and more knowledgeable,” he said.

The program changes how chiefs contribute as well.

“The changes require the LCPO [Leading Chief Petty Officer] to sign the 13-week report accountability log,” said Harris. “It’s not saying the chiefs weren’t involved before, but it’s a new way to improve accountability and ensure maintenance is done on the division.”

Department heads will also feel the change. Traditionally, division officers and LPOs were the final step in supervising maintenance. With the new instruction, this has changed.

“Before the role of the LCPO/DIVO was to screen and approve the job before they are sent off the ship for their respective centers,” said Geronimo. “Now, they brought the department heads back in the loop, meaning the

job will not be sent off ship or 3MC will not approve the job unless the department head has reviewed and approved the job first.”

For more information regarding the new 3M instruction, go to the 3M library resources on the Blue Ridge intranet page.

3M CHANGES ENHANCE MISSION

Quartermaster 3rd Class Richard Worsham (left) and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Scott Kujawa perform maintenance on a ladder well as part of the ship’s general maintenance routine.

Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Pineda

IT3(SW) Shericka BrantleyBluejacket of the Quarter

HT2(SW) Cole FrenchJunior Sailor of the Quarter

MC1(SW/AW) Jerry FoltzSenior Sailor of the Quarter

Sailors of the Quarter

For more pictures, stories and videos... find us!Facebook.com/USSBlueRidge

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE FLEET

DA NANG, Vietnam (July 16, 2011) - Sailors from the guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) play a game of volleyball with Vietnamese sailors during Naval Exchange Activity (NEA) Vietnam 2011 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Katerine Noll)

DA NANG, Vietnam (July 17, 2011) - Cryptologic Technician Emily Ann Garciadelgado helps a young girl catch a football during a community service project for Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Vietnam. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Laurie Wood)

POHNPEI, Federated States of Micronesia (July 09, 2011) - Able Seaman Thomas Pearson of Royal Australian Navy, with help from Lt. Michael Bloir and Project HOPE volunteer Hanna Taylor puts four stitches in a Micronesian boy’s leg at Nanpei medical civic action project site for Pacific Partnership 2011. (Photo By Kristopher Radder)

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia (July 9, 2011) - Musician 3rd Class Camellia Akhami gives a little boy her drum sticks after the U.S. 7th Fleet Band Far East Edition’s performance at the opening ceremony for the exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix)

DA NANG, Vietnam (July 17, 2011) - Damage Controlman 3rd Class Ikenasio Ioane explains the P-100 portable pump to a group of Vietnamese Navy officers during a damage control training session aboard USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) in support of Navy Exchange Activity (NEA) Vietnam 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson)

INDIAN OCEAN (July 12, 2011) - Two troubleshooters give the all clear signal as an F/A-18 Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam K. Thomas)

Sailors of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff participated in a community service project July 13 while the ship visited Brisbane Australia. The Sailors worked with members of the Scout Association of Australia at their headquarters at Karingal Scout Campsite and gave the main office a fresh new paint job. Organized by Blue Ridge’s E-5 Leadership Organization (5LSO), more than 25 Sailors attended the project, and provided assistance to the campsite. “It is a great opportunity to give to the community,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Donnieray Aguilo. The project kicked off with a short speech by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland Maurice Law. He said there are 20 members who work and help run the Karingal campsite, while a total

of 31 million scouts are present worldwide. The campsite is protected by the Scout Association of Australia. Law believes what sets Karingal apart from other campsites is it offers many more activities and training programs than other campsites. “The campsite activities includes a school holiday adventure camp, canoeing, water safety, medical training, obstacle courses and rappelling,” said Law. “On an average year, we have over 56 thousand people use this site.” While at the site, Sailors chipped off old paint using hand tools and primed and painted the walls with rollers and brushes. Work concluded shortly before lunch just as the building was blessed with a fresh coat of bright yellow. Following the painting of the building, Sailors mingled with local volunteers and staff and were treated to a lunch that included sausage, steak,

oysters, shrimp, vegetables, and two 30 pound barramundi fish. After lunch, the Sailors went on a tour of the campsite grounds exploring the terrain and animals indigenous to the area. The Sailors and the staff at Karingal also posed for a picture together. Law believes in giving scouts as many opportunities as possible for their future. “To be effective citizens of tomorrow, we have to give them as broad a training as possible,” said Law. 5LSO president Ship Serviceman 2nd Class Dexter Lace said it was great to have major participation from both Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet Staff. “We set an example for the junior Sailors on leadership, teamwork, and initiative,” he said. “I hope the 5LSO organization continues to have more opportunities to organize events like this with foreign countries in the near future.”

Blue Ridge/ 7th Fleet Sailors help Local Scout AssociationBy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor