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Blue Ridge Arrives in Korea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100305-10
Release Date: 3/5/2010 3:27:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cale Hatch, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19 arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) March 5 in support of Commander U.S. 7th Fleet and 7th Fleet staff, who are participating in the combined military exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2010.

While in Busan, Blue Ridge and embarked 7th fleet staff Sailors will be directly engaged in the annual exercise, that involves an estimated 18,000 U.S. service members. The exercise develops the ability of the United States military and South Korean forces to defend the Republic of Korea in field exercises and cyber scenarios.

"Every year, this exercise gives our Sailors an excellent opportunity to share not only military experiences and training with ROK Sailors, but it also gives them the opportunity to share cultures" Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Rudy Lupton said. "We enjoy being deeply involved in the Korean community whenever we are given the opportunity, and look forward to visiting familiar places. This exercise allows us to do both of those things."

Blue Ridge, 7th Fleet staff Sailors and embarked Marines of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, 1st Company will participate in several community outreach events. Volunteers will visit with elderly members of the community at the Blue Bird Senior Citizen's Center, take them for walks, sing songs with them, and enjoy conversation.

Separate groups of volunteers will visit Hee Rak-Wan Children's Welfare Facility and the Jinhae Hope Children's Home. Participants will help with the spring cleaning, play games with children, and yard work.

Sailors will have the opportunity to explore Korea on trips sponsored by Morale, Welfate and Recreation (MWR) including the shopping district of Osan and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), when not involved in the exercise.

"I've been here a few months but haven't had a chance to see Korea yet," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Evan Volkema "I don't have too much time for liberty because of the exercise, but I'm excited to take the MWR trip to the DMZ. That's something I've always wanted to see."

The military exercises won't be the only way for Sailors to interact with Korean forces though. Several sporting events are scheduled between ROK athletes and Blue Ridge's own sports teams. The commands will also compete together in a 5k fun run.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 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.