• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Blue Ridge Earns Ship's Battle 'E'

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030501-03
Release Date: 5/1/2003 9:04:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Hodges Pone III, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) has earned the coveted Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award for overall operational excellence for the first time in its 34-year history.

Blue Ridge earned the Battle "E" through the combined efforts of its various departments, including engineering, combat systems and supply. The departments receive different color hash marks signifying multiple awards, which are placed under the Battle "E" for their excellent ratings.

Supply department's Leading Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Storekeeper (SW) Rufino Delacruz, says his department helped the cause by continuing their streak of nine consecutive high marks.

"It's a culmination of all of the department's hard work," Delacruz said. "This award is a testament to the crew's 'can-do' attitude."

Combat systems also played a pivotal role in Blue Ridge's accomplishment. The department was able to complete their readiness assessment, which determined the effectiveness of all of the gear in the department. Chief Interior Communications Electrician (SW) Matthew Miller said the efforts of the entire department brought them their 5th Battle "E."

Miller said the accomplishment is based on the departments' outstanding Sailors and their cooperative efforts.

"The quality of Sailors, coupled with teamwork within the lifelines, steers us to success in everything we do," Miller said.

Blue Ridge's engineering department scored high on their underway demonstration. Machinist Mate 3rd Class Bruce Alston of Dallas said he's proud of the egineering department and what they have accomplished.

"Blue Ridge engineering got the highest score of any ship in the Pacific Fleet in five years," Alston said. "It feels good to be one of the best."

Blue Ridge is displaying the award and its pride with the Battle "E" and the departmental awards by emblazing them on the main mast.

The plaque was presented to Blue Ridge's command master chief, Anthony Knight. Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet/ Amphibious Group 1, Rear Adm. Frederic Ruehe, presented the plaque in front of Blue Ridge personnel.

Afterwards, Ruehe commended the Sailors for their efforts and said this victory is important for the crew.

"The significance is how the crew sustained a high level of battle efficiency along with the demands of flag ship duties," he said. "These factors make their selection even more momentous."