July 8, 2011

vol. 1 i. 11

NavigationKeeping Blue Ridge on Course

ummerafetySBRISBANE

A big city with a small town attitude

NoumeaCOMSERV

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 PinedaMC3(SW) Alexandra ArroyoMC3 Mel OrrMCSN James Norman

On the cover: Quartermaster 3rd Class Louis Gonzales takes a navigation reading as the ship pulls into Noumea, New Caledonia.

Photo by MC3 Mel Orr

RECENT EVENTS

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Quinton Lewis washes wheel chairs during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corspman 3rd Class Paul Amores cleans a wheel chair during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Yeoman 2nd Class Kimhong Sar removes a dead branch from a bush during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ernesto Edeza (left) and Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Legaspi (right) watch Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Florencio Stamberger peel a local fruit during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors pose for a group photograph with nurses during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 5, 2011) -- Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Justin Cayetano cuts away dead branches during a community service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor retirement home in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Community Service Project: NoumeaLittle Sisters of the PoorPhotos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr

July 8, 2011

vol. 1 i. 11

NavigationKeeping Blue Ridge on Course

ummerafetySBRISBANEA big city with a small town attitude

NoumeaCOMSERV

Navigation is a fundamental skill-set in the Navy. The technical craft dates back thousands of years to a time when humans first began exploring the open seas. Aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), there are a group of Sailors who continue this time tested skill as the ship carries out its mission. Made-up of seven enlisted Sailors, and one officer, the operations department navigation division is in charge of keeping Blue Ridge on track and on time. “Being in the navigation division, our responsibilities include the safe navigation of ports, oceans and getting us from point A to point B as safely and timely as possible,” Navigator, Lt. Joshua Virgadamo said. The job of navigator is offered to second tour officers who attend a school teaching them the ins and outs of navigation. Following the school, they are sent to their new command with the ability to navigate and assist the officer of the deck (OOD) with the ship’s course of passage. The ship’s quartermasters (QMs) are assigned with assisting the OOD and navigator while underway as quartermaster of the watch (QMOW). They are also tasked with computing times of sunrise and sunset, conducting weather observations, determining the cause for compass and gyro error and keeping constant position of the ship via visual and electronic means. To help safely get the ship to its next destination, QMs utilize a variety

of tools including everything from charts to sextants to measure and track the ship’s correct course of passage. Quartermaster 3rd Class Albert Francisco said that as a quartermaster, charts are the bread and butter of their rate. During sea and anchor evolutions they are constantly logging bearings, measuring distances and marking dangers within the water.

“Knowing that you get to physically see something actually come out of your work really feels good,” Francisco said. As the Navy continually upgrades its equipment, the navigation team revises the way the ship travels its course. The voyage management system (VMS) will be installed and tested during a future ship’s restricted availability. It will phase out the use of paper charts by using an electronic

chart display and information system. “Once we switch to this new electronic navigation system I think I’ll miss the charts,” Virgadamo said. “There will always be this kind of old romantic mystique to it—being a Sailor and having your paper chart laid out, with divider and pencil in hand making fixes on your own,” he added. In addition to being the navigators for Blue Ridge, the QMs are

Navigating the WayStory by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman

also in charge of the many flags for the ship. On Sept. 1, 2004, QMs

took on the responsibilities of the phased-out rating of signalman, which added the task of sending and receiving messages via flashing lights and semaphore. Quartermaster

1st Class Andrey Mihaylohvski, navigation division leading petty officer, said visual signs are always necessary. “If you’re in a foreign port and don’t have a cell phone, how would you know if you were supposed to come back to the ship unless you saw the papa flag up?” The hard work of the QMs aboard Blue Ridge often goes unseen. Their work usually takes place on the bridge in the wee hours of the night as they stand the watch. According to Mihaylohvski, if you’re a quarter master, this is the best ship to be on to practice your skills. “On the Blue Ridge you really get a chance to grow as a QM considering we go to so many ports,” he said. “It takes a lot of chart preparation and we’re constantly having to make sure the flags are clean and ready to go.”

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Aaron Pineda

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN James Norman

It may be Australia’s third largest city, but for the longest time Brisbane was seen as something of a cousin to Sydney and Melbourne, a sleepy country town hiding behind a big city facade. In recent years, however, Brisbane has stirred from its slumber and is casually emerging as one of the most desirable places to live in Australia. Of course locals have always known that Brisbane offers the perfect lifestyle and it doesn’t take visitors long to understand why. Despite the transformation into a sleek, cosmopolitan city, complete with world-class art galleries, a booming live music scene and a fabulous cafe culture, Brisbane still retains the laid-back, easy attitude of a small community. No doubt the lazy subtropical climate, gently curving Brisbane River and rich culture flavors of its many neighborhoods also have something to do with its appeal. People love Brisbane because it’s a ritzy city with a down-to-earth attitude and home to some of the friendliest locals in Australia. The temperature will be 65 to 72 degrees with chances of rain while Blue Ridge is inport. Be sure to dress accordingly.

Riverlife Adventure CenterOpened in 2005, this diverse center offers a wealth of river and land based activities. Group kayaking lessons along the Brisbane River are held daily.

South Bank ParklandsLocals and day-trippers swarm South Bank Parklands on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is an enormously popular area with blooming arbors, cafes and restaurants, picnic spots, tropical gardens and walkways.

A big city with a small town attitude

things to do and see around the city

Alma Park ZooThis friendly zoo lies 15 miles north of the city center and is home to a large number of exotic and indigenous animals. You can enter the koala enclosure daily and take as many photos as you like for free, and if you’re brave, hold a snake or baby crocodile at the reptile presentation.

Lone Pine Koala SanctuarySituated a half mile southwest of the city center, Lone Pine was established in 1927 as the world’s first koala sanctuary with just two koalas: today there are 130 and it’s still the world’s largest sanctuary of its kind. You

BRISBANE

can hand-feed kangaroos and emus or get an up-close look at wombats, Tasmanian devils and other native animals.

Story Bridge Adventure ClimbFast becoming a Brisbane must-do, the bridge climb offers breathtaking views of the city. The 3,000 foot climb takes place on the southern half of the bridge and reaches heights of 260 feet above the Brisbane River.

Top Shots Fun ParkThey have two of Queensland’s best 18-hole mini golf courses. These courses wind around gardens, waterfalls and a picturesque pool with a cafe courtyard. The rides include blaster boats (like bumper cars on water with spray guns), extreme vertical trampoline, indoor rock climbing wall and their newest attraction, the inflatable waterslide.

Capalaba Park Shopping CenterIt features major retailers Kmart, Target, Kohls, Woolworths and over 110 specialty stores which include a great proportion of national retailers.

TukkaIf you don’t mind eating animals that are on the Australia’s coat of arms, this market restaurant serves them up with flair. Emu and kangaroo filets are main courses, or for something lighter, chow down on the Tasmanian possum entree. Tried crocodile? Here’s your chance.

AUSTRALIA

1.06 USD5.30 USD10.60 USD26.49 USD53 USD106 USD

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1 AUD5 AUD

10 AUD25 AUD50 AUD

100 AUD

CURRENCYCONVERSION

SAY WHAT?!AUSSIE SLANG

G’dayHow ya goin’? CheersNo worriesGrab a feedMateAussieBottle shopFootyBloke

HelloHow are you?Thank youYou’re welcomeTo eatMale friendAn AustralianConvenient storeRugbyA Guy

BickiesBillabongBushCossieJumbuckRipper

MoneyWater holeRural areaBathing suitSheepTerriffic

When you are in an English-speaking country overseas, it is not safe to assume that they use the same words as we do to describe things. Here are a few words of Aussie slang to help you navigate your way while in Brisbane.

* Information on this page is recommended by the writer and is not an endorsement by

7th Fleet or USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

Caption This Photograph!RULES: Provide the funniest caption and you get to pick a movie to be played on Site TV. Submit your captions via email to MC1 Macdonald NLT July 15th. Captions must be in good taste and not contain any offensive language or racial/ethnic/religious slurs. We will announce the winner along with their caption in the next issue of Blue Ridge.

“When did Daft Punk check onboard?”

“We would go to South Beach, Staten Island and wait until 10pm to watch fireworks.”

“In Puerto Rico, we would go to the beach to have a picnic and watch fireworks.”

“I watched fireworks with my little brother in the back of a dump truck.”

“Watching fireworks at the Washington Monument in D.C.”

“A bunch of fireworks that were laying in the bed of a truck were accidently lit. They went everywhere!”

“My daughter was born on July 3rd, 2003. My ship pulled into port the next day and I was able to see her.”

ENS Wanda Colon

ENFN Jonnary Pagan ITSN Erick Martinez

CSC Duane Adams EN3 Kenneth Caldwell

DCC Ernest Thomas

SailorQ & A“What is your most unforgetable 4th of July memory?”

In the days of old, when a tailor boarded a sailing ship in port, the crew knocked off early, broke out rope yarn and mended clothes and hammocks. At sea, one afternoon per week was reserved for mending. Since it was an afternoon for rest from usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed “Rope Yarn Sunday.” Over time, rope yarn has come to mean early liberty unless you are standing watch.Know?Did You

Sailors reporting to USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) have a new program to help them accomplish shipboard qualifications in less time. A two-week period during command indoctrination is dedicated to complete Basic Damage Control 306, Advanced Damage Control 308, Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Maintenance Man, first aid and stretcher bearer training before they are sent to their respective divisions. Chief Navy Counselor Charles Tibbets said the idea for the program came about when Blue Ridge leadership was brainstorming to maximize training efficiency. “This will provide Sailors with the minimal level of training to assist the ship with damage control and it also meets the DC training prerequisites for enlisted surface warfare specialist,” said Tibbets. The first part of the program starts with damage control basics, DC 301, and is taught by Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jimmy Carroll. Damage Controlman 1st Class Scott Hoffman continues with chemical, biological and radiological training before the course shifts gears and focuses on the shipboard 3M program. After completing 3M-301, the medical department provides first aid and stretcher bearer training. Tibbets commented on how the training will help Sailors make an impact after checking aboard. “After receiving 3M [301] training, they will be able to start working on preventive maintenance the moment they check into their division,” he said. Along with helping Sailors finish their qualifications, Tibbets also said they will know the damage control and 3M systems better from hands-on demonstrations. “It’s helping the Sailors get familiar in case of a fire,” said Tibbets. “They also get to tour the repair lockers and see the gear vice reading about it in a book.”

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Pineda

Blue Ridge Streamlines Command Indoctrination

Compiled by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman

The Naval Safety Center’s (NAVSAFECEN) annual summer safety campaign began Memorial Day weekend and materials are still available to help Sailors and Marines prepare for their upcoming off-duty and recreactional activities. NAVSAFECEN has presentations, booklets, videos and other materials to help service members and their families plan for summer fun. Visit www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen for details. Here are some tips to staying safe this summer:

• Sunblock should not be traded in for tanning oil... EVER! Cases of melonoma have been increasing every year since 1992.

• Stay hydrated! Dehydration can lead to heat stroke, especially when participating in sports or working outside. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body further.

• Always swim with a buddy. If you can’t swim, learn. Obey lifeguards and all posted signs at beaches and swimming pools.

• It takes 30 minutes for sunblock to fully soak in and protect you from UV rays.• Don’t overindulge when drinking alcohol and avoid high-risk summer activities when intoxicated.• ALWAYS look both ways before you cross the street. Streets in the summer are usually busier than normal.

This summer the U.S. Navy has already lost six Sailors, four to motorcycle crashes and two to drowning accidents. Have a great summer and stay safe!

Summer Safety: Live to Play, Play to LiveMessage by Naval Safety Center

Blue Ridge Prepares for ULTRA- AStory by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Foltz

The 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is taking advantage of its summer patrol to prepare for Unit Level Training A (ULTRA-A) certification. Designed to test the ship’s operational commitment to security, ULTRA-A is a check sheet driven certification that evaluates the ship’s total ability to defend against external threats and security breaches. “In previous years, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) was a small component of the ship’s much larger certification, ULTRA-S,” said Lt. j.g. Timothy Gressett, Blue Ridge’s anti-terrorism officer. “Since September 11th, ATFP has been revamped into its own certification which thoroughly evaluates the ship’s ability to defend itself.” As part of the qualification, all security watch standers are trained in both basic and advanced reaction force sentry courses and weapons familiarization and qualifications. Training and level of knowledge needs to be consistently checked and verified with all watch standers standing armed watches to ensure they are proficient enough to defend the ship if a situation arises. Prior to inspection, gear, which

includes search lights; bomb detection equipment; undercarriage vehicle mirrors; training weapons; riot gear; small boat exclusion zone gear; and non-lethal weapons such as collapsible batons and pepper spray will be inventoried and verified in good working condition. “Besides material checks and equipment, the major element of ULTRA-A preparation lies in training,” said Gressett. “Like damage control or engineering, the ship is evaluated on 16 different drills based off real-world scenarios that watch standers could potentially face, from improvised explosive device drills, small boat attacks, hostage situations, civil protests and security breaches to the pier and to the ship.” Gressett stated that when things go wrong they usually go wrong quickly. Training on these scenarios with watch standers ensures they’ll make the right decisions to avoid casualties and protect the ship and its crew. Blue Ridge’s Anti-

Terrorism Training Team (ATTT) guides them along the way. “The training team is the single most critical element to the preparation of ULTRA-A,” said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Ronald Cloutier, Blue Ridge’s ATTT leader. “The team focuses and molds watch standers into effective reaction elements with a muscle memory that only comes from continuous training.” Gressett said behind the scenes each member works diligently studying and preparing to ensure the watch standers are receiving the best possible training.

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN James Norman

NEWS FROM AROUND THE FLEET

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PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE FLEET

KURE, Japan - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived in Kure, Japan on June 24 for a port visit, after kicking off a 2-day at sea midshipman foreign exchange with Japan Maritime-Self Defense Force June 22. A total of 40 U.S Navy and JMSDF midshipmen took part in the exchange with 20 midshipmen assigned to embark Lassen and Japan Maritime-Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Harusame (DD 102). Lassen and Harusame used the 2-day transit to train the midshipmen and increase interoperability by conducting

several exercises including divisional tactics (DIVTACS), replenishment at sea operations and tactical signaling drills. The midshipmen learned about 7th Fleet’s surface naval operations and interacted with Lassen’s crew learning basic shipboard seamanship, damage control, engineering and combat systems. They also experienced a wide range of at sea evolutions including a pre-aim calibration fire of the Mk45 5-inch gun, helicopter operations in the form of the rarely conducted forward vertical replenishment on Lassen’s foc’sle and took turns practicing ship handling maneuvers

during man overboard drills. “Not all these midshipmen will join the surface forces,” said Lassen’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Chip Wrye. “But they received valuable training that will prepare them for life in the navy once they are commissioned.” Upon the completion of the at sea phase of the foreign exchange, the midshipmen departed in Kure for three days of seminars, tours and cultural events to strengthen the bonds between the midshipmen and teach the U.S. Navy midshipmen about Japanese culture and heritage.

USS Lassen Hosts Midshipmen Foreign ExchangeStory by Ensign Sean Brophy, USS Lassen Public Affairs

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (July 5, 2011) - Sailors assigned to USS Ford (FFG 54) prepare the ship to depart Vladivostok, Russia following a port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 3, 2011) - Sailors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) make a hard right turn in a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) during a routine RHIB drill. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 2, 2011) - Divers with the Philippine Naval Special Operation Group and U.S. Navy Mobile Diving Salvage Unit One are lowered into the water during a salvage exercise aboard the USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50) for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Clowney)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 1, 2011) - Musician 2nd Class Anthony Smouse, a member of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band Orient Express, lets children at Santa Lourdes Elementary School play his French Horn during a community service project for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katerine Noll)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 2, 2011) – Damage Controlman Fireman James Morris, left, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Jack Morris, right, brothers from Tampa, Fla. watch as an SH-60B helicopter from the Warlords of HSL-51, touches down aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mikey Mulcare)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 1, 2011) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jackie Velasco, from Los Angeles, center, instructs Air department Sailors on proper firefighting techniques during a general quarters drill aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob D. Moore)