U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducted a training exercise in support of "Military Saves Week," Feb. 28-March 2.

The annual event aims to inspire military service members to make responsible financial choices in order to increase personal wealth and minimize debt. It is included in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Campaign and has been working alongside the DoD since 2003.

"The overall goal for this annual event would be to increase the awareness of Sailors, in a way for them to take a closer look at their personal finances and better prepare themselves in the future, in or out of naval service," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Richard Yanagihara, the command financial specialist.

The event focused on providing military service members with fundamental education on savings advice, debt management, budgeting, and financial tools and resources.

"Financial education is extremely important, and unfortunately it's not really taught in schools," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Shannel Broadus, the assistant financial specialist. "The importance of planning for your future or retirement is critical, because all of us have a member in our family that we know reached their retirement age and still have to work because they can't afford to retire, or afford to even take time off. I hope Sailors take away from this event that the future will be here, whether they plan for it or not."

Throughout the week, military service members were encouraged to attend and participate in various interactive activities provided by the command to become better informed in the numerous subjects which make up financial stability.

"The Sailors that were unable to attend during the Military Saves Week could see myself or any of the departmental financial specialists for one-on-one discussions," said Yanagihara. "For further information, we would direct them toward Fleet Family Support Center and personal finance manager."

Blue Ridge is the command ship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. She provides the highest-quality capability for seagoing command and control of theater-level forces by naval and/or joint commanders during peacetime or conflict, and provides preeminent naval support for U.S. diplomatic initiatives and objectives.

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