7th Fleet Command Ship Finishes 'Lion City' Port Visit
Navy NewStand
Story Number: NNS030408-11
Release Date: 4/8/2003 11:48:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Hodges N. Pone III, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- During a visit which saw USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) receive a new commanding officer and members of the Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet staff meet with Singaporean military and civilian leaders to discuss issues of common interest and naval cooperation, Sailors aboard the 7th Fleet command ship made the most of what many describe as the best liberty in the Western Pacific -- Singapore. Sailors visited the Southeast Asian port city March 27-April 1.
After nearly two years at the helm of Blue Ridge, Capt. Andrew G. Sevald turned over command to Capt. J. Stephen Maynard during a change of command ceremony March 28.
"Having the experience of working with the best crew of the Navy has changed," said Sevald, a Detroit native. "The standard is pretty darn high to follow.
"Time will show that as I have attempted to mentor you, you have actually been mentoring me, and I have benefited from it greatly," said Sevald. "I am a good captain only because you are a phenomenal crew," he told the audience of 400-plus Sailors, officers and guests.
After accepting command, Maynard thanked Sevald for his service. "I am indebted to you for imparting this spirit and leaving this veteran warship in such magnificent condition," he said. "I certainly intend to build upon your legacy. I have been able to meet many of the best and brightest Sailors in our Navy and to witness them in action. I am humbled and honored that the Navy has entrusted me to lead these fine men and women."
The change of command was not the only highlight of the port visit. Many 7th Fleet staff members, including Lt. Cmdr. Hector Garcia, met with their Royal Singapore navy counterparts to discuss a variety of topics.
"It was important, because now we can handle future problems and issues with their assistance," said Garcia, who's the 7th Fleet Southeast Asian exercise officer. "The results of the talks were informative, and the benefit is greater cooperation during future force protection exercises."
Sailors did more than discuss military matters, however. They also ventured into the island nation's diverse culture. With nearly 4 million residents -- mainly Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and Filipino communities -- Singapore, also known as the "Lion City," has been referred to as the melting pot of the East.
Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Jeremy Wynn said he was pleased to see members from various backgrounds living peacefully.
"Singaporean culture is very diverse," said Wynn, a Paris, Tenn., native. "It was good to see all of these different ethnicities interacting so well. That is another mission of our militaries (U.S. and Singaporean) -- to allow citizens of the world to enjoy all the freedoms that life has to offer," said Wynn.
Several Sailors also visited an attraction unique to Singapore, the Night Safari, a 4,000-square-meter park with nearly 1,200 animals of 110 species. The park, divided into eight major ecological habitats, boasts areas modeled after the Himalayan Foothills, Equatorial Africa and an Asian riverine, all with animals and flora unique to those regions.
Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Morris was equally impressed with the Night Safari tour. A Stockton, Calif., native, Morris, said he was amazed while taking a tram through the rainforest, where the animals roamed free.
"It was so breathtaking," he said. "They were so close and the feeling was so intense. The experience of actually going through a rainforest is unique in itself."
Some Sailors also spent considerable time interacting with local community members. Twenty-three Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet Sailors volunteered in a community service project at the Christian Outreach for the Handicapped School, where students learn beneficial life and employment skills, among others. Sailors cleaned classrooms and performed yard work on the school's grounds.
Photographer's Mate Airman Kerri Ackman, a Munford, Ala., native, said the participating Sailors did their part to make the school better for the students.
"It was very hot, but we high dusted and scrubbed fans, while the other group did landscaping work," Ackman said.
According to Chief Dental Technician (SW) LeRoy James, the project coordinator, the opportunity to help out those in less fortunate situations is something everyone should take seriously.
"I personally enjoy giving back a little bit to any community that we visit," said the St. Croix, Virgin Islands, native. "All in all, we had a good time."
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