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USS Blue Ridge Departs Hong Kong

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060221-05
Release Date: 2/21/2006 5:22:00 PM

From USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff Sailors and Marines departed the bustling port city of Hong Kong, Feb. 19.

During the ship’s four-day visit, approximately 1,000 Sailors and Marines participated in various community service projects, explored the city, and enjoyed Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored tours.

Hong Kong and the surrounding area provided ample opportunity for service members to learn more about China’s rich and diverse history.

“I wanted to participate in an activity where I could explore Chinese culture,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Travis Lasley. “Not many people where I am from in Indiana can say that they have seen the world’s largest sitting Buddha. One of the best things about serving in the Navy is the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s greatest sites.”

Taking advantage of several days in port, crew members used their off-duty time to demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to community service by cleaning and restoring the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children building facilities.

“This is about the positive connection between the Sailors and the Chinese people,” said Blue Ridge Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Clifford Ford. “This is not the tourist area; this is the real Hong Kong, the real China. This is about providing service for them on our own time. I think this has been very positive.”

While in Hong Kong, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band performed a series of concerts around town. The busy musicians performed two concerts Feb. 17 for the Yew Chung International School and the Lung Cheung Government Secondary School, and another appearance Feb. 18 at the Hong Kong Cultural Center in Kowloon.

“Music is a universal language and is an easy way to connect with other countries and cultures,” said Chief Musician Roberta Haworth, assistant bandmaster, U.S. 7th Fleet Band.

The 7th Fleet Band was overwhelmed at the enthusiastic crowds of the concert audience during the port visit. An estimated 2,000 people attended the outdoor concert at the Hong Kong Cultural Center.

“The warm reception for the 7th Fleet Band is always a pleasant surprise,” said Haworth.

Blue Ridge crew members traveled to the Lantau area to represent the command in sport and fun, participating in the Wanchai Hash House Harriers running event. Runners tested their physical fitness as well as their sense of humor. A “hash run” takes place along a course designed by the host “hash run” club, and usually leaves unsuspecting participants bounding through anything from forests trails to crowded city streets. Most importantly, the number one rule is to have fun.

“It was a great experience,” declared Lt. David Bentley. “The $12 I spent on this endeavor was the best spent $12 that I’ve spent in recent history. We definitely got our money’s worth.”

Others took advantage of the Meals at Home program, sponsored by the American Club in Hong Kong. Meals at Home offers visiting Sailors and Marines the opportunity to enjoy home cooked meals with American expatriate families.

“I had a wonderful time,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Christy F. Terrien. “We went to the Pacific Club, and we ate lots of delicious food. The host family was great; they offered to give me a special tour of Hong Kong the next time I was in town.”

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 634 feet long, 108 feet wide, and displaces 18, 874 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.