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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Quebec - Hotel - Sierra
NQHS
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons




Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon
Second Row - Navy Unit Commendation (2) - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2) - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (9)
Third Row - National Defense Service Medal - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1- Op. Eagle Pull, 1-Op. Frequent Wind) - Vietnam Service Medal (2)
Fourth Row - Southwest Asia Service Medal - Humanitarian Service Medal (1-Eagle Pull, 1-Frequent Wind, 2-Boat People) - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medial


Blue Ridge Class Command Ship/Amphibious Force Command Ship:
  • Built at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA. 1967
  • Commissioned USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), 14 November 1970, Naval Base Philadelphia, PA., CAPT. Kent J. Carroll in command
  • During the Vietnam War Blue Ridge (LCC-19) participated in the following campaigns:
    Vietnam War Campaigns
    Campaigns and Dates Campaigns and Dates
    Consolidation II
    25 to 27 February 1972
    4 to 5 March 1972
    Vietnam Ceasefire
    7 April to 5 June 1972
    15 to 30 June 1972

  • USS Blue Ridge is currently assigned to the Pacific Fleet and serves as COMSEVENFLT flagship
    Specifications:
    Displacement 18,874 t.(fl)
    Length 634'
    Beam 108'
    Speed 23 kts.
    Complement
    52 officers
    790 enlisted
    Staff and Troop Accommodations
    250 Officers
    2500 Enlisted
    Armament
    Super RBOC chaff rockets
    two 25mm Bushmaster guns
    four 50 cal. Machine guns
    two 20mm Phalanx (CIWS)
    Propulsion
    two boilers
    one geared steam turbine
    single shaft, 22,000 shaft horsepower
    Aircraft all helicopters with the exception of CH-53 Sea Stallions

    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image
    Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Blue Ridge 85k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway off the coast of San Diego, CA., 1 May 1971.
    US Navy photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 84k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) underway in the Atlantic, date unknown.
    US Navy photo from "NAVSEA Journal."
    Bob Bush
    Blue Ridge 76k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored at Okinawa, 1977 Dr. Kenneth Hartman
    Blue Ridge 124k Bow on view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, 3 September 1977.
    US Navy photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 127k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown.
    Photo @copy Marine Photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 75k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway in 1977, location unknown. Dr. Kenneth Hartman
    Blue Ridge 110k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway in 1977, location unknown. Dr. Kenneth Hartman
    Blue Ridge 41k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), date and location unknown. Surface Navy Association,
    Monterey Bay Chapter
    Blue Ridge 73k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway in the Pacific Ocean in 1980.
    US Navy photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 81k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored (left) at Busan South Korea, November 1980. Photo by Gerhard Mueller-Debus
    Blue Ridge 1992k Aerial view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) entering Apra Harbor, Guam., 27 February 1982.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-SC-88-08188 APRA HARBOR 27 February 1982, a US Navy photo by PH1 Smith, now in the collections of Defense Imagery.com.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 1682k Aerial view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) entering Apra Harbor, Guam., 27 February 1982, with two harbor tugs alongside.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-SC-88-08189 APRA HARBOR 27 February 1982, a US Navy photo by PH1 Smith, now in the collections of Defense Imagery.com.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 65k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) entering Sidney Harbor in September 1985 as part of the RAN's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Paul Coleman
    Blue Ridge 63k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway off the coast of Japan in 1987.
    US Navy photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 34k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), Hong Kong, April 1989 William Chiu
    Blue Ridge 1484k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored at the ship repair facility Yokosuka, Japan, awaiting some rehabilitation work.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-ST-92-00278 NAVAL STATION YOKOSUKA 10 August 1991, a US Navy photo by ENS. Jeff Hilton, now in the collections of Defense Imagery.com.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 1345k CAPT. Alan L. Heisig, the commanding officer of the Seventh Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) on the bridge, as she steams off the eastern coast of Australia en route to Sydney for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-SC-95-00652 PACIFIC OCEAN 1 May 1992, a US Navy photo by LTjg. Jeff Hilton, now in the collections of Defense Imagery.com.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 102k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway off the coast of Japan in 1994.
    US Navy photo.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 47k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in 1995 Nick Jansen
    Blue Ridge 56k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in 1995 Nick Jansen
    Blue Ridge 37k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in 1995 Nick Jansen
    Blue Ridge 1408k A starboard bow view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) being assisted by the large harbor tug Ketchikan (YTB-795) and another tug, while docking at Sierra Pier, Naval Station Guam during Exercise TANDEM THRUST '99.
    US Marine Corps photo # 990325-M-5506S-018 APRA, GUAM 25 March 1999, by LCPL Penny Surdukan.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 90k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) prepares to conduct an underway replenishment at sea (RAS) with USNS Pecos (T-AO-197) after a four day port visit to Hong Kong, 10 December 2000.
    US Navy photo # 001210-N-7286M-004 by PH3 Daniel Mennuto.
    Bill Gonyo
    Blue Ridge 107k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    Blue Ridge 105k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 65k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 64k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) being helped into her berth by Opelika (YTB-798) upon returning to her homeport at Yokosuka, Japan, 16 March 2004, after a scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific. Blue Ridge is the command and control ship of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet and is forward deployed to Yokosuka.
    US Navy photo # 040316-N-2101W-002 by PH1 Alan Warner.
    Navy Newsstand web site
    Blue Ridge 55k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) being assisted into her berth by Manistee (YTB-782) at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), 4 April 2005, after her longest scheduled Western Pacific deployment since 11 September 2001.
    US Navy photo # 050404-N-9851B-001 by PH2 John L. Beeman
    Navy Newsstand
    Blue Ridge 93k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo from the Navy Newsstand.
    Bill Gonyo
    Blue Ridge 67k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) pulls into her forward deployed operating base at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), 7 September 2006 with the assistance of Kittanning (YTB-787). Blue Ridge is returning from a regularly scheduled deployment within the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 060907-N-6959H-001 by OS2 Kevin D. Harris
    Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 489k Kittanning (YTB-787) and Manistee (YTB-782) come alongside USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she pulls into her forward-deployed operating base at, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), after returning from a deployment supporting humanitarian missions and operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 070321-N-5253W-001 Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan 21 March 2007, by MCSN Gabriel S. Weber.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 69k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY) for a scheduled deployment.
    US Navy photo # 070523-N-9520G-002 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 23, 2007) by MC2 Nardelito Gervacio.
    US Navy Newsstand
    Blue Ridge 775k Kittanning (YTB-787) assists USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she departs her berth at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), for a scheduled sea period.
    US Navy photo # 070523-N-7446H-010 Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan 23 May 2007, by MC2 Derek J. Hurder.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 51k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) departing Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY) with the assistance of Manistee (YTB-782), 1 June 2007.
    US Navy photo # 070601-N-2638R-005 YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 1, 2007) by MCSN Bryan Reckard.
    Chet Morris
    Blue Ridge 582k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) prepares to enter port, 23 July 2007, upon the ship's return to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY). Blue Ridge returned after successfully participating in Exercise Talisman Saber 2007.
    US Navy photo # 070723-N-1883H-003 YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 23, 2007) by MC2 Byron C. Linder.
    Lee Wahler
    Kittanning 2387k Kittanning (YTB 787) approaches USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) as she returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), 10 March 2008. Blue Ridge completed Key Resolve/Foal Eagle, an annual joint exercise involving the U.S. and Republic of Korea armed forces.
    US Navy photo # 080310-N-9520G-001 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 10, 2008) by MC2 Nardelito Gervacio.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 193k Aerial view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she steams in the western Pacific Ocean, 29 March 2008, during a scheduled deployment.
    US Navy photo # 080329-N-6566M-187 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 29 2008) by MCSN Heidi McCormick.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 911k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji, 30 May 2008, on its final stop to Shimizu, ending a six-week Spring Swing tour. Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force
    US Navy photo # 080530-N-6566M-022 SHIMIZU, Japan (May 30 2008) by MC3 Heidi McCormick.
    Robert M. Cieri and Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 984k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji, 30 May 2008, on its final stop to Shimizu to complete a six-week Spring Swing tour in the Pacific rim area of responsibility. Blue Ridge made port visits to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines fostering goodwill among PACRIM nations.
    US Navy photo # 080530-N-6566M-247 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 30 2008) by MC3 Heidi McCormick.
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 1084k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji, 30 May 2008, on its final stop to Shimizu to complete a six-week Spring Swing tour in the Pacific rim area of responsibility. Blue Ridge made port visits to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines fostering goodwill among PACRIM nations.
    US Navy photo # 080530-N-6566M-056 SHIMIZU, Japan (May 30 2008) by MC3 Heidi McCormick.
    Robert M. Cieri and Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1034k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji, 30 May 2008, on its final stop to Shimizu to complete a six-week Spring Swing tour in the Pacific rim area of responsibility. Blue Ridge made port visits to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines fostering goodwill among PACRIM nations.
    US Navy photo # 080530-N-6566M-071 SHIMIZU, Japan (May 30 2008) by MC3 Heidi McCormick.
    Robert M. Cieri and Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 481k A commercial harbor tug assists USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY) for a scheduled underway period.
    US Navy photo # 080813-N-9520G-019 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 13, 2008) by MC2 Nardelito Gervacio.
    Robert M. Cieri and Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1099k Commercial harbor tugs assist USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) away from the pier at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a scheduled deployment.
    US Navy photo # 090203-N-0718S-251 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 3, 2009) by MC2 Steven L. Shepard
    Robert M. Cieri

    Additional Ship's Patches
    Blue Ridge
    Current Ship's Patch
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    COMSEVENFLT Patch
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri

    Blue Ridge (LCC-19 Memorabilia
    Blue Ridge
    Commissioning Program
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    1972
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    1980
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    1980
    Japanese
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    1987
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by
    Robert M. Cieri

    Commanding Officers
    CAPT. Carroll, Kent J., :VADM 14.11.1970 - 01.07.1972
    CAPT. Speer, Paul Harold, :RADM 01.07.1972 - 20.03.1973
    CAPT. Butler, James Dale, 20.03.1973 - 20.09.1974
    CAPT. Hart, William Daniel, 20.09.1974 - 30.07.1976
    CAPT. McIntyre, James Gaylord, 30.07.1976 - 17.06.1978
    CAPT. Carlson, Dudley Louis, :VADM 17.06.1978 - 19.07.1980
    CAPT. Chamberlain, John Drew, 19.07.1980 - 23.07.1982
    CAPT. Francis, William C., :RADM 23.07.1982 - 06.01.1984
    CAPT. Paulsen, Thomas Dean, 06.01.1984 - 19.11.1985
    CAPT. Heidt, John Harry, 19.11.1985 - 01.12.1987
    CAPT. Barker, Michael D., 01.12.1987 - 20.11.1989
    CAPT. Henderson, Joseph K., 20.11.1989 - 22.11.1991
    CAPT. Heisig, Alan L., 22.11.1991 - 04.09.1993
    CAPT. Joy II, Ernest Harriman, 04.09.1993 - 19.07.1995
    CAPT. LaBrecque, Terence Paul, 19.07.1995 - 21.07.1997
    CAPT. Meyer, David K., 21.07.1997 - 18.06.1999
    CAPT. Ziemba, David, 18.06.1999 - 16.06.2001
    CAPT. Sevald, Andrew George, 16.06.2001 - 27.03.2003
    CAPT. Maynard, James Stephen, 27.03.2003 - 10.09.2005
    CAPT. Bartkoski, Jeffrey Scott, 10.09.2005 - 27.03.2007
    CAPT. Lausman, David Alan, 27.03.2007 - 15.07.2008
    CAPT. Burke, Thom Walter, 15.07.2008 -
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

    View the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)
    DANFS history entry located at the US Naval Historical Center
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
    Fleet Reserve Association

    Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
    USS Blue Ridge LCC-19
    US Navy Fact File - Amphibious Command Ships - LCC
    Back To The Navsource Photo Archives Main Page Back To The Amphibious Ship Type Index Back To The Amphibious Command Ship (LCC) Photo Index
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    This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
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    Last Updated 27 March 2009