Blue Ridge arrives in Tokyo

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ben Larscheid | Sailors man the rails as U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Tokyo for a port visit. Blue Ridge port visits represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Ben Larscheid/Released)  

TOKYO, AICHI, JAPAN

09.02.2013

Courtesy Story

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

By Mass Communications Specialist2nd Class (SW) Jeff Troutman

TOKYO – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Tokyo Sept. 2. Tokyo is the final port call for crew members and embarked 7th Fleet staff before returning to forward-deployed location Yokosuka, Japan after a summer patrol in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

While in Tokyo, the crew will have the opportunity to host guided-ship tours for their family and friends and sight-see in Tokyo.

“For most of the crew, it’s been a long underway away from their family and friends,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Gilfredo Belantes, engineering department leading chief petty officer. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work to complete our mission. We’ve made new friends and seen quite a few new places. Making time to call or visit with family and friends now that we’re back in Japan is very important.”

While some crew members will be enjoying the diverse culture and entertainment opportunities Tokyo provides, others will take the opportunity to travel back to Yokosuka for an early homecoming with family.

“I’m going to take this port visit in Tokyo as an opportunity to get away from the ship for a few days to be with my family in Yokosuka and recharge my batteries,” said Interior Communications Technician 1st Class Jose Rodriguez. “I’ve been looking forward to spending the weekend with my family before we officially arrive back home for quite some time now.”

Blue Ridge port visits present opportunities to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships. Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for 34 years. As the flagship for U.S. 7th Fleet, Blue Ridge is vital in forging partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 09.02.2013
• Date Posted: 09.02.2013 01:48
• Story ID: 112961
• Location: TOKYO, AICHI, JP