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Blue Ridge Celebrates America's Birthday Down Under

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050708-11
Release Date: 7/8/2005 10:57:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Luke D. Johnson, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- During a five-day port visit to Brisbane, Australia, some USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Sailors got the chance to celebrate Independence Day at Australia’s world-famous Surfers’ Paradise.

Early Fourth of July morning, Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet Sailors boarded buses and made the hour-long drive down Australia’s Gold Coast to Surfers’ Paradise to watch a Fourth of July parade that proudly showcased American patriotism. The parade was part of the Down Under Bowl football tournament, which brought together high school football players from across the United States to play American-style football in Australia.

According to Blue Ridge Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. John D. Wilshusen, it was a special occasion to celebrate America’s freedom with a close ally.

“I thought it was a very unique opportunity for Americans to come here and meet a community that I had no idea existed,” said Wilshusen. “It was quite a show. I never expected to be riding in a luxury car down an avenue in Australia during a Fourth of July parade.”

Quartermaster 3rd Class Ralph S. Lunneborg, from Albuquerque, N.M., was thankful for the experience and enjoyed the festivities.

“It was really nice to come out and see the Australians celebrating with the Americans,” said Lunneborg.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Edgar P. Nemsingh felt proud to share America’s birthday with the Australians.

“It was fun doing it and sharing something as special as our Fourth of July celebration with the Australian community, which has been so hospitable to us,” said Nemsingh.

Blue Ridge, an amphibious command and control ship, is the command ship of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Commanded by Capt. J. Stephen Maynard, of Kettering, Ohio, Blue Ridge supports a variety of missions by providing a robust communications suite to allow the 7th Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, and his embarked staff, to provide guidance and direction to U.S. naval forces in the region.