USS Blue Ridge, 7th Fleet Visit New Caledonia
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050711-21
Release Date: 7/12/2005 3:26:00 AM
From USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff took a break to enjoy the breathtaking coral, marine life and beaches, French ambiance and Kanak culture of Noumea, New Caledonia, during a three-day port visit July 7-9.
Boasting the second largest coral reef and biggest lagoon in the world, New Caledonia had much to offer Sailors. Some took to the beaches and water. Many enjoyed the coral and sea life from the view of their snorkeling masks, while a few others immersed themselves with the underwater life.
Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Luis Sanchez of the Blue Ridge power shop said he enjoyed the view from under the turquoise-blue Noumea waters.
“I got to see some really cool things because the water was clean and clear. I spotted a reef shark and saw coral that wasn’t damaged much,” said the Detroit native. “I’ve been diving numerous times, but I have to say this was the best.”
Some Sailors took their adventures off the beaten path and went beach combing on the other end of the island. Chief Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Roy O’Hanlon, the ship’s force protection/ anti-terrorism officer, said he witnessed some natural wonders on the beautiful island.
“While I was wading at Poe Beach, I lifted a piece of coral which had fallen. In the piece, you could see fish burrowing themselves inside to hide from me,” the Fort Worth, Texas, native said. “If you plan properly and have the resources, I would definitely recommend exploring Noumea. It’s a very beautiful island.”
One group of Sailors received a free tour of the Tjibaoa Cultural Center, named for the late Kanak leader, Jean-Marie Tjibaoa and his contributions to the nation’s cultural development. It houses art and historic items from the Kanak heritage.
Disbursing Clerk 3rd Class (SW) Yuchen Wu felt the visit was more than a great opportunity to learn about the indigenous people of New Caledonia, but it also offered an ideal backdrop for her reenlistment. The Boston native said she wanted to do something out of the norm and felt a Noumea museum was the perfect venue.
“I figured it would be cool to reenlist at the Tjibaoa Cultural Center,” Wu said. “It’s something that other people haven’t done, so I felt like trying something different.”
Known as a South Pacific oasis that caters to tourists, Noumea offers a wide range of sporting activities both in and out of the water. Engineman 1st Class (SW) Ted Hayhurst of the Blue Ridge boat shop said he hit the links and teed off on a freshly cut, yet tricky golf course.
“The course was well kept, but it was difficult,” the Magnolia, Ohio, native said. “I lost nearly 10 balls on it, but I had a good time.”
After enjoying the quiet beaches, azure waters and a taste of both Melanesian and French culture, many members of the Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet team said New Caledonia was the perfect venue for rest and relaxation.
“They definitely have the island vibe here,” said Personnelman 3rd Class Brandon Mizuhara of Anaheim, Calif. “It is a slow, quiet and beautiful place, like a small slice of paradise. This is the type of place you would bring your wife and kids for a relaxing getaway.”
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.
Blue Ridge is permanently forward-deployed to the Western Pacific and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.
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