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Blue Ridge Visits Okinawa

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070206-17
Release Date: 2/6/2007 1:38:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Green, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived Jan. 26 for a five-day port visit to Okinawa, Japan, participating in volunteer efforts and enjoying recreational activities.

Nearly 50 Blue Ridge Sailors joined forces to clean up the shoreline of White Beach, located on Fleet Activities Okinawa. Sailors collected scattered debris that included bottles, cans and other waste.

“We had many people who wanted to help,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (SW) Martha MacKenzie. “It was a great volunteer turnout and the project was a real success.”

While cleaning up the beach, the group also collected seashells and other beach ornaments while enjoying the island climate and pace.

“The beautiful weather outside helped the crew relax,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Alichia Brown. “Helping out with this project felt more like fun than work.”

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored a trip to Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park & Churaumi Aquarium, which is the world's second largest aquarium. Sailors enjoyed viewing exhibitions involving dolphin shows, sea turtle tanks, a manatee pool, a fish nursery and a native Okinawan village.

“The best tour was the dolphin show,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Teschelle Guzman. “Now I want to see the world’s largest aquarium.”

The Sailor-athletes of the Blue Ridge/7th Fleet team also took the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities.

The ship’s flag football team lost an exciting game, 57-42, against USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), who was also in port. The Blue Ridge basketball team put on a clinic, winning two games against local Seabees 63-60 and 68-63, respectively.

The softball team also shined, bringing home three wins against the Fighting Seabees. Culinary Specialist Seaman Joseph McAllister, who hit four home runs on the day, explained the importance of participating in sporting events with shipmates.

“The teamwork and camaraderie we experience everyday on the ship when doing our jobs, carries over onto the field,” said McAllister. “Playing sports against local teams is a great way to interact with the local community and spread goodwill and sportsmanship.”

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Jeff Bartkoski and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.