By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelby Sanders
DARWIN, Australia - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) welcomed aboard members of the Australian navy cadets Darwin branch for a guided tour and explanation of the ship's capabilities in Darwin, Australia, July 2.
Sailors escorted 20 cadets, aged 12-18, and 6 staff members through Blue Ridge's pilot house, mess deck and forecastle among other spaces.
One cadet, 14-year-old Jack Beeson who brought along his father, said of the ship, “It was all pretty good to see and learn about, but the Combat Information Center was my favorite space.”
Sailors showed the cadets how to tie bowline and square knots and allowed them to look through the long distance binoculars, or “big eyes," on the ship's bridge-wing.
“This is a unique opportunity for these young cadets to see how our Navy operates and to improve their understanding of how important the partnership of our two nations truly is,” said Quartermaster Seaman Jorge Sanchez.
Blue Ridge port visits represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the South Indo-Asia-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships.