Blue Ridge enhances friendship during Indonesian visit

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Everett Allen | Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Tobias Hitch, left, and Damage Controleman 3rd Class Kevin O'Connell do pushups and squats at the 2014 "Murph" challenge while U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) visits Jakarta. The "Murph" challenge is named after Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy and consists of his personal workout: completing a two-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups and 300 squats with a 25-pound vest in the fastest time possible. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)  

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

05.28.2014

Courtesy Story

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hendricks

JAKARTA, Indonesia - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) along with embarked 7th Fleet staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific departed Jakarta after completing a three-day port visit May 28.

While in port, Sailors and Marines hosted Indonesian military leadership and local nationals for guided ship tours, participated in soccer and volleyball games with members of the Indonesian military sailors, while several Marines and Sailors spent Memorial Day commemorating Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy with a fitness challenge at the U.S. Embassy.

The challenge, otherwise know as the “Murph,” was Murphy’s personal workout and consists of each participant completing a two-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups and 300 squats while wearing a 25-pound vest in the fastest time possible.

“The 'Murph' challenge is very difficult,” said Marine Cpl. Billy Lawson. “But it felt good to challenge ourselves in honor of a fallen hero on Memorial Day. We challenge ourselves daily to emulate his dedication to country and service.”

Despite a day of heat and heavy humidity, Sailors were able to spike a few volleyballs and scored a few goals against their Indonesian military counterparts.

“Getting out to play soccer is always fun,” said Chief Damage Controlman Devon Williams, goalkeeper for Blue Ridge soccer team. “Having a friendly competition with other militaries added another element to the excitement. It also makes me happy to see Sailors getting out and embracing the culture and mingling with our allies.”

Several Sailors volunteered their time to share their every day experiences on Blue Ridge with Indonesian local nationals and Americans living abroad through guided tours aboard the ship.

“It was a rewarding experience to be able to provide locals and American expatriates a glimpse of what it’s like to live and work on a U.S. warship,” said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Brad Leslie.

As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan region for 34 years, strengthening allied ties through community service projects and conducting joint military exercises with regional nations.

• Date Taken: 05.28.2014
• Date Posted: 05.28.2014 06:23
• Story ID: 131284
• Location: JAKARTA, ID