When you hear the word ambassador, you might think of someone in a fancy suit shaking hands with people. But for Sailors on the U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC19), being an ambassador means doing the right thing and giving back to the local communities that they visit.

Eighteen Sailors from Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff visited a home for the elderly in Hong Kong where they interacted with residents through games and friendly conversation.

"Being an ambassador means to represent yourself, but also your country, and the United States Navy," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Anika Miller. "I think events like this are good ways to show other countries the United States is not about money and novelty items; we're about taking care of people and being helpful."

Throughout the afternoon residents of the home cheered for Sailors as they sang and played games.

"I had a grandpa who raised me, and most of the things I've learned came from him," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alfred Dateng. "Through his experiences and all the things that he passed down to me, I understood that we can always learn from our elders and at the same time they can learn from us."

Among the laughs, hugs, and smiles shared between Sailors and the residents, the two nations' language barriers went almost completely unnoticed.

"I had a great time interacting with the residents," continued Dateng. "Although the language barrier was difficult, I think when we are having fun, everyone can understand and get along."

"For me, it means getting a chance to be myself and to go out there and interact with different people who are willing to share time together," said Seaman Derek Coglievina. "It helps me realize what's important. That's to be a good person and to be there for other people.

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit http://www.navy.mil/.