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USS Blue Ridge Wins 10th Consecutive Medical Award

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100718-06
7/18/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melvin F. Orr III, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) painted two green stars onto its bridge wing July 16 to distinguish itself as a 10-time consecutive winner of the Force Health and Wellness Unit Award.

The Force Health and Wellness Unit Award, or Green "H" Award, is presented to commands selected by Commander, Naval Surface Forces in recognition of the ship's commitment to the health and welfare of its Sailors and Marines.

"Training is a major part of our commitment to the crew's well being," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Connie J. Lawson, Blue Ridge's medical department head. "We have a health and wellness committee that focuses on the necessary issues to help our crew."

The committee includes the chief medical officer, chaplain, safety officer, Morale, Welfare and Recreation officer and drug and alcohol program advisor.

"Crew training is focused on topics of hearing preservation, sexual responsibility, pregnancy prevention, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and suicide awareness, which better serves the crew and helps them stay focused on their jobs," said Lawson.

Blue Ridge's Medical Department sets three goals for itself each year with the purpose of improving the health of the crew. In 2009, the department's goals were to increase sexual responsibility by decreasing sexually transmitted diseases by 75 percent, reduce injuries and develop and enhance stress management.

While these goals have only a small impact on the overall score towards the Green "H" Award, Lawson believes these goals are important for the welfare of the crew.

Automatic disqualification from the award occurs if medical and dental requirements or periodic physical fitness assessments are not within certain standards.

The medical staff serves a crew of 1,300 Sailors and Marines and is facilitated with an X-Ray room, two examination rooms, pharmacy, patient ward, small operating room for basic surgery and a fully equipped dental clinic.

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Rudy Lupton and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force.

Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operations detachment in Sasebo, Japan.