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Blue Ridge Departs Singapore, Leaves Imprint

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080514-08
Release Date: 5/14/2008 1:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Singapore after a four-day scheduled port visit, May 10.

While in port, the ship's crew and her embarked 7th Fleet Staff built relations with local, participated in community relations projects, and enjoyed all the country had to offer.

Projects included cleaning a local beach area, playing soccer with at-risk kids from Boys' Town and interacting with the elders at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home.

Upon arrival at the nursing home, service members paired up with a resident and played a variety of games. The game stations included a basketball shoot station, a ring toss and a fishing station with Styrofoam cut outs of fish with metal attached to them so the residents could pick them up with magnets at the end of mock fishing poles.

"Being here was so much fun and rewarding," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Leonora Leybag, who attended her first COMREL project since checking aboard Blue Ridge two months ago. "I know it must be hard for some of the residents because of their mental or physical condition, so I tried my hardest to help them have fun, to laugh, or even just smile."

The crew also had an opportunity to see the sights of Singapore by taking advantage of several tours provided by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee.

"It's an opportunity to get out and see other parts of the country you would not normally see and it's good relations between the United States and Singapore," said Storekeeper 3rd Class Justin Neufeldt.

While some Sailors chose to see Singapore using MWR sponsored tours others ventured out on their own.

"I think Singapore was beautiful," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (SW) Lama Munoz-Jauregui. "We hired a cab driver for about an hour or so and he took us everywhere while he talked about the history of Singapore.

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Dale Marshall added, "I loved Singapore! It's such a spectacular place… from the colors to the architecture and the people. Everything is beautiful in this country and I would love to come back."

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.