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Blue Ridge Returns to Sea Following Maintenance Period

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041026-11
Release Date: 10/26/2004 3:45:00 PM

From USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- After seven months of hard work by her Sailors and Yokosuka Ship Repair Facility workers, the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) got underway Oct. 25 for a scheduled underway period.

Blue Ridge's commanding officer, Capt. J. Stephen Maynard, declared "being in the Navy is about one thing, and that is being at sea combat ready, and the Blue Ridge is back in business."

Maynard went on to explain he is very pleased with the crew's underway performance so far.

"My biggest surprise is that we have maintained a great deal of our proficiency," he said. "Even though we still have a way to go to become fully proficient, I know that the crew performance will be top notch."

Maynard credits his crew for the high standards they maintained during the summer dry dock availability.

"I want the crew to know that they did it right this summer, and they should be proud to wear the Blue Ridge ball cap," said Maynard.

During the dry dock availability, a number of new Sailors reported to Blue Ridge, and for many of these Sailors, fresh to the fleet, it was their first at-sea experience.

Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Brandon P. Booker, from Albany, Ind., said once Blue Ridge got underway, he finally felt as if he was really in the Navy.

"I have been preparing to get underway since boot camp, and when I checked in during dry dock, it did not feel like I was really in the Navy," said Booker. "I look forward to visiting all of the places that I would have never gotten to see if I was not in the Navy."

For some new Sailors, such as Lithographer's Mate Seaman Charles E. Newcomer from Jacksonville, Fla., it is an exciting time in his new Navy career.

"For me, it is an experience that most people don't have, visiting foreign ports while serving in the Navy," said Newcomer. "I feel very fortunate to be serving aboard the Blue Ridge in Japan."

Blue Ridge is a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Blue Ridge provides the highest quality capability for seagoing command and control of theater level forces by naval and joint commanders during peacetime or conflict and provides preeminent naval support for U.S. diplomatic initiatives and objectives. Blue Ridge is 620 feet long, 82 feet wide, and displaces 19,290 tons fully loaded. The ship can reach speeds of 23 knots and has a complement of 819 ship's company and approximately 240 staff personnel.