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Blue Ridge Successfully Completes Sea Trials

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051123-03
Release Date: 11/23/2005 10:11:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman (SW) Marc Rockwell-Pate, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

TOKYO-WAN, Japan (NNS) -- After wrapping up a short Ship’s Repair Availability (SRA) from Sept. 12 to Nov. 19, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) steamed away from its berth in Yokosuka for three days of sea trials, testing new systems and equipment in an operational environment.

According to Lt. Cmdr. John Robinson, Blue Ridge combat systems officer, the most essential SRA modification was the addition of a new radar system.

“The SRA was full of modifications and improvements to equipment all over the ship,” said Robinson, a Montgomery, Ala., native. “But the addition of the navigation radar SPS-73 was definitely the most important upgrade. The SPS-73 is a military navigation system that has larger range and provides more capabilities than the civilian navigation system that we are currently using.”

Robinson said by installing the SPS-73, technicians were also able to complete work on the ship’s internal network.

“While the SPS-73 was being installed, we also received a modernization to the ship’s IC switchboard,” said Robinson. “The ship switched from the older analog network to a more reliable digital network. Along with the switch, we also installed more than 4,000 wire connectors for the switchboard.”

Blue Ridge also replaced the ship’s anchor chain and several antennas on the main deck. Damage Control Central was also upgraded and modernized to be more efficient. According to Blue Ridge executive officer Lt. Cmdr. John Wilshusen, the ship needed to get underway to conduct accurate and proper tests.

“You can always test equipment and upgrades on the pier,” said Wilshusen, a Mora, Mo., native. “But in order to accurately test, the ship needs to be in a fully operational environment at sea.”

Wilshusen added that equipment wasn’t the only thing that needed testing in an at-sea environment.

“Another big reason for the sea trials are the Sailors,” said Wilshusen. “After months of industrial work chipping decks and painting bulkheads, the Sailors need to get out to sea for a couple of days and get back into a sea-going state.”

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Potter said that it was especially critical that Sailors in his rating have time to get back out to sea to get back in the swing of things.

“Our rating is a sea rating,” said Potter, a Wharton, Texas, native. “We need to be out to sea in order to practice the skills necessary to perform our job. We can simulate drills on the pier, but we can’t be on pier and practice underway replenishment or man overboard drills. We need to be out to sea.”

Potter added that the sea trials were also very important for Sailors who haven’t been underway before.

“I think that sea trials are probably more important for new Sailors,” said Potter. “It gives them a chance to see all the aspects of our job, from flight deck operations to the daily bridge watches. But it doesn’t just help new Sailors. Everyone on this ship benefits from sea trails. It gives everyone an opportunity to develop the patterns needed to live and be efficient out at sea.”

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Jeff Bartkoski, of Sterling, Va., and supports a variety of missions by providing a robust communications suite to allow the U.S. 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.