Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Phillip Pavlovich | 150304-N-QL961-074 YOKOSUKA HARBOR (March 4, 2015) Fire Controlman 1st Class Lamar...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phillip Pavlovich
AT SEA - U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) successfully completed sea trials March 4, after undergoing a six-month scheduled maintenance availability (SRA) period.
Sea trials allows the crew to verify and ensure the operational readiness of the ship after undergoing repairs and part installations during shipyard periods.
“Sea trials provides us an opportunity to discover and fix any issues prior to resuming our partrols,” said Main Propulsion Assistant Lt. Seth Hall. “This SRA, the ship underwent some major alterations and we have to ensure everything works as designed.”
Naval Warfare Center installed a variable speed drive control lube oil system that uses new technology, allowing it to operate with less electricity than the previous models.
“The new lube oil system is more reliable,” said Machinist Mate 1st Class Ephantus Macharia. “It’s also easier to operate and maintain.”
While at sea, Blue Ridge Sailors also tested a number of other shipboard systems including communication circuits, the electrical plant, and flexing the boiler plants. They also brought the ship to full power, installed a new main reduction gear and allotted time to conduct a counter measure wash-down, ensuring all systems onboard are performing correctly.
“All our systems provide the means for us to get from point A to point B safely,” said Hall. “Without them Blue Ridge cannot complete it’s mission.
For many Blue Ridge Sailors, sea trials was their first time underway and provided the opportunity for them to familiarize themselves with life at-sea.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Raymond Delgado. “But the ship fully came to life.”
Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 35 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Blue Ridge is vital in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2015 22:39 |
| Story ID: | 155976 |
| Location: | USS BLUE RIDGE, PACIFIC OCEAN, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 380 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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