Blue Ridge Arrives in Chinhae

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff, and Marines arrived in Chinhae, South Korea, Aug. 30, marking the successful completion of Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2012.

"The exercise was a challenge," said Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Travis Leon. "It was a group effort involving 7th Fleet staff, Blue Ridge personnel, multinational military, and joint services sent to Blue Ridge to help with it. Everyone came together and completed a common goal as a team."

While in Chinhae, 7th Fleet and USS Blue Ridge chief petty officer selectees will participate in a community service project, where they will help maintain and make small renovations to Jinhae Hope home.

"Seeing children anywhere in the world is a blessing," said Electronics Technician Chief (Select) Dietrich Rey. "Spending time with the children will be an honor, and I hope I can teach them more than they will teach me."

Blue Ridge has made port visits to Busan, and Pyongtaek since departing its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, August 7.

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