• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Blue Ridge Builds Relationships Then Departs Hong Kong

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081203-13
Release Date: 12/3/2008 6:07:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki, Fleet Public Affairs Center Japan

HONG KONG (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff Sailors departed Hong Kong Nov. 30 after a successful five-day port visit.

The port visit was an opportunity for Sailors to explore the major metropolis, its rural areas and experience its diverse culture.

After anchoring in Victoria Harbour Nov. 25, the crew of Blue Ridge was given the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through a variety of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours. Sailors visited cultural sites such as the Po Lin Monastery and the nearby Tian Tan Buddha statue - the world's tallest seated Buddha statue - as well as popular tourist attractions such as the Happy Valley Racecourse and Hong Kong Disneyland.

For Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) Christopher Powers, from Buffalo, N.Y., the thriving port of Hong Kong offers something new to do every time he visits.

"I love Hong Kong. It's my third time being here," said Powers. "When I came into the military, I wanted to see the world, and I think its easiest when you take tours like these because you don't have to worry about scheduling it on your own or finding a liberty buddy who wants to go with you."

Approximately 100 Sailors used some of their time off to participate in six community relations (COMREL) projects throughout Hong Kong. Sailors volunteered at large charitable organizations like Crossroads International, a Hong Kong-based nonprofit organization that takes donations in Hong Kong and distributes them around the world to those who have been struck by natural disasters or poverty. Sailors also spent time at the Fu Hong Society for the Disabled, a home for children with mental or physical disabilities.

"The COMREL project was a memorable and fun experience for both the kids and the Sailors who participated," said Chief Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Eduardo Pareno from Antioch, Calif., who spent time with children at the Sze Wu Shu Min Nursery School. "I had so much fun and felt like a kid again. As a Sailor, I was honored to take part in the project."

Despite being away from their forward deployed port of Yokosuka during Thanksgiving Day, the Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet crew still celebrated the holiday by taking part in a feast on the mess decks with all the classic turkey day dishes prepared by the ship's award-winning food services division.

Some Sailors were also able meet locals through the "Meals in the Homes" program, which brought Sailors into local homes and businesses through sponsorship of an expatriate or local citizen.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Kevin Ruiz, from Redding, Calif., said being able to enjoy a home-cooked meal far from home was a great experience.

"It was a blast," said Ruiz. "Our host made us an awesome home-cooked meal, and her kids were fun to play with. I would recommend 'Meals in Homes' to everyone. I really enjoyed it, and I'm going to do it every chance I get."

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Thom W. Burke 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, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

For more news from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visit www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.