A Tide of Talk: Blue Ridge concludes PLA(N) engagements with exercises

USS BLUE RIDGE, AT SEA

04.24.2015

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Stone 

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin A. Flinn

ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea — In the gray-fogged port of Zhanjiang, People’s Republic of China, a flagship eases into dock. After feet move fast onto the pier, Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, U.S. 7th Fleet flagship Blue Ridge commanding officer accepts a gift. His roughened and strong seafaring hands holds the gift — a bouquet. Cameras flow currents of images around the captain, like the electric buzz of dragonflies across some newfound moor. A new horizon of partnership across the immense and pummeling Pacific dawns through handshakes, smiles, red carpet and the gallant pageantry of this ship pulling in. This welcoming ceremony was a warm, humble beginning that set the tone, leading toward the ship’s eventual send-off and all that transpired within.

Blue Ridge departed Zhanjiang, April 24, after completing a routine four-day port visit as a means to build naval relationships and trust with China's South Sea Fleet, ensuring peace and prosperity for the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

After departing, the flagship conducted exercises in the South China Sea with ships from the People’s Liberation Army (Navy). As part of the exercises, Blue Ridge conducted a search-and-rescue, recovering a simulated man overboard cast from a PLA(N) ship.

Blue Ridge is also on the front line with implementing new naval procedures by actively engaging in an exercise called CUES, or Code for Unplanned Encounters At-Sea. Blue Ridge conducted CUES with CNS Qilianshan (LPD 999) and Fuxian Ho (LPD 888).

CUES was created at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, China just last year. It was also agreed upon by numerous navies around the globe.

While in Zhanjiang, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, and Higgins, along with other 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge officers met with senior PLA(N) officials in a series of engagements to build partnerships between the nations.

“Engaging our Pacific counterpart face-to-face helps build trust which will make it easier for us to work together in the advent of an emergency,” said Blue Ridge Executive Officer, Cmdr. Nathan Fugate. “The hospitality was amazing and Blue Ridge Sailors really seemed to enjoy Zhanjiang.”

Along with a bouquet, the two countries exchanged many other traditional gifts. Not all gifts are something tangible, to be turned over in hand, palm over palm. The two countries let one another peek past that big blue Pacific aquarium into a part of each other’s cultures.

Blue Ridge held a “big top” reception for PLA(N) South Sea Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Shen Jinlong and other senior officers on the main deck of the ship. “Big top” receptions have fine cuisines and harmonies birthed out of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band under white lights strewn in above heads along the ship.

Members of the Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff First Class Petty Officers Association participated in the first COMSERV by a U.S. Navy ship during a port call to China.

“Knowing I helped make the kids at Zhanjiang Special Education School smile was the best part of this port visit for me,” said Religious Personnel 1st Class Brian Jewell. “It was an honor to work side by side with PLA(N) sailors during this historical COMSERV.”

Along with members from PLA(N) South Sea Fleet, they entertained, gave gifts and conversed with children from the Zhanjiang Special Education School.

Across foreign waters, ships can be sent out with more apt communications. The deep, bellowing echoes of a neighbor underwater is heard. And, hope builds for fostering more ties with any Sailors out in the deepest, ocean blue.

“Building these relationships and trust is the only way we can guarantee peace and security in the western Pacific,” said Fugate.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2015
• Date Posted: 04.24.2015 14:10
• Story ID: 161193
• Location: USS BLUE RIDGE, AT SEA