Blue Ridge heads south and embraces Fukuoka

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Rafael Figueroa-Medina | U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Commanding Officer Captain Will Pennington awaits the arrival of a distinguished visitor on the ship's quarterdeck in Hakata, Japan. This visit is an outward demonstration of U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and to maintaining peace and stability throughout the entire East Asia region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)  

FUKUOKA, AICHI, JAPAN

08.10.2012

Story by Seaman JAMES NORMAN 

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

FUKUOKA, Japan – Sailors aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th Fleet staff and Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific arrived in Fukuoka, Japan Aug. 10.

While in Fukuoka, crew and staff will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the U.S., promoting peace and stability in the region while demonstrating a commitment to growing friendships. This is an opportunity for Blue Ridge sailors and Marines to take full advantage of volunteering to take part in community service (COMSERV) events dedicated to making a positive impact.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Vanessa Garciavargas said, “I do it because you get to experience the country in a different light. I get a completely different experience from each COMSERV I do and it’s emotionally touching. I know I’m doing the right thing and I feel fulfilled when I volunteer my time.”

Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet sailors will join Japanese locals in joint community service projects, sporting events and the Obon (Festival of Souls). Public performances will be made by the 7th Fleet Band to further strengthen ties between Japan and the U.S.

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott Swift and Commander in Chief, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Fleet, Vice Adm. Yasushi Matsushita, held a press conference for local media, followed by ship tours and topped the evening off with a reception, commonly referred to on Blue Ridge as a “Big Top” aboard Blue Ridge.

Assistant Chief of Staff Logistics Officer, Capt. Ron Carr said, “Our department organizes and arranges the Big Tops. The purpose of Big Tops is to establish positive theater security cooperation between Blue Ridge and Japanese nationals. Our flagmess culinary specialists make it all happen. They’re involved in everything from creating ice sculptures, cakes and entrees. They are involved in the whole process except for setting up the tents on the main deck.”

“I’ve been to Fukuoka before and had a great time seeing the traditional Japanese shrines,” said Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Veronica Cerna. “The second time around, I’m looking forward to visiting the Huis Ten Bosch theme park and enjoying the local food.”

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 Swift, Blue Ridge is instrumental in forging partnerships in the region while leading the fleet with its advanced shipboard communications systems.

• Date Taken: 08.10.2012
• Date Posted: 08.10.2012 01:13
• Story ID: 92969
• Location: FUKUOKA, AICHI, JP