Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.

NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
Contributed by Don McGrogan, BMCS, USN Ret. - Popular Patch

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 - Navy Unit Commendation (2)
Second Row - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2) - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (15) - National Defense Service Medal (2)
Third Row - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1- Op. Eagle Pull, 1-Op. Frequent Wind) - *Vietnam Service Medal (2 or 3) - Southwest Asia Service Medal
Fourth Row - Humanitarian Service Medal (1-Eagle Pull, 1-Frequent Wind, 2-Boat People) - Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medial
Blue Ridge Class Command Ship/Amphibious Force Command Ship:
  • Built at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA. 1967
  • Christened and launched, 4 January 1969
  • 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 Evacuation (Operation Frequent Wind)
    29 to 30 April 1975
    Vietnam Ceasefire
    7 April to 5 June 1972
    15 to 30 June 1972    		  

  • *Blue Ridge earned two campaign stars for Vietnam service and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Op. Frequent Wind or 3 campaign stars if the Armed Forces Medal is exchanged for the 18th Vietnam campaign, Operation Frequent Wind
  • 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)
    Aircraft all helicopters with the exception of CH-53 Sea Stallions
    Propulsion
    two boilers
    one geared steam turbine
    single propeller, 22,000shp
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Blue Ridge
    10010230    		 70k
    Namesake
    Clouds breaking up after a rainy morning in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo taken from the Deep Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina, 2 July 2007, by Ken Thomas.
    Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, and extends 550 miles southwest from southern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. (Wikipedia)    		 Tommy Trampp
    Blue Ridge 294k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) starboard and overhead views 1971. Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 179k The pre-fabricated bow sections of Blue Ridge (LCC-19) being moved from their fabrication sites to the builders ways and welded into place on the hull while the ship is under construction at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA. in 1967. Ron Reeves
    Blue Ridge 135k
    Blue Ridge 241k
    Blue Ridge 261k
    Manitowoc
    1016118019    		 137k Memento announcement of the twin Christening of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and USS Manitowoc (LST-1180), 4 January 1969, at the US Naval Shipyard Philadelphia, PA. Joe Neumann
    Blue Ridge 205k Blue Ridge (LCC-19) fitting out at Pier 4 Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1970.
    US Navy photo.    		 Ron Reeves
    Blue Ridge
    100119140    		 130k Blue Ridge (LCC-19) commissioning ceremony, 14 November 1970, at Naval Base Philadelphia, PA.
    Naval History Magazine, February 2021, page 8    		 Tommy Trampp
    Blue Ridge
    100119141    		 148k
    Blue Ridge 85k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way off the coast of San Diego, CA., 1 May 1971.
    US Navy photo.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 425k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way during first insurv., North Atlantic, January 1971.
    US Navy photo from USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) WELCOME ABOARD 1972    		 Robert Hurst
    BlueRidge
    100119150    		 68k U.S. Navy Amphibious Squadron 5 (PHIBRON 5) underway in the Gulf of Tonkin, in 1972. The Squadron consisted of; the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LPH-10), left; the Amphibious Transport Dock USS Duluth (LPD-6), Dock Landing Ship USS Anchorage (LSD-36); and Attack Transport USS Mobile (LKA-115), right; and the Tank Landing Ship USS Schenectady (LST-1185), not visible. Also visible is the Amphibious Command Ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) on her first deployment. Blue Ridge and Anchorage are replenished by a Mars-class Combat Stores Ship. PHIBRON 5 was deployed to the Western Pacific, the Indian Ocean and Vietnam from 1 October 1971 to 8 August 1972.
    U.S. Navy photo from the USS Mobile (LKA-115) 1971-1972 cruise book    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 115k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way in November 1974, location unknown. Of note are the aircraft carrier origin of her design. The U.S. Navy did not yet rely heavily on satellite communications, and at this time her main long-haul antenna was the high-frequency directional Yagi on the lattice mast forward of her bridge. The tower aft was reserved for large satellite dishes, not yet fitted.
    Photo and text from "U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History", by Norman Friedman.    		 Robert Hurst
    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 137k U.S. Marines of Company D and elements of Headquarters and Service Company march down the pier at White Beach, Okinawa, 25 March 1975, to embark in USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). These Marines, as members of the Amphibious Evacuation RVN Support Group, spent the next 13 days at sea recovering refugees evacuating northern South Vietnam. They participated in Operation Eagle Pull & Operation Frequent Wind (evacuation of Saigon), 1975.
    "U. S. MARINES IN VIETNAM, The Bitter End, 1973-1975".    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 106k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) crewmen hit the deck because of a helicopter collision, during Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Eagle Wind, the evacuation of Saigon. "U. S. MARINES IN VIETNAM, The Bitter End, 1973-1975". Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 405k A 35 foot fishing boat approaches USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). Blue Ridge rescued 35 refugees 350 miles northeast of Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, after they had spent eight days at sea in the boat, date unknown.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-SN-84-09734 by PH1 James Franzen, USN.    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 82k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) drydocked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard in 1976. Tommy Trampp
    Blue Ridge 74k
    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) under way off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, 3 September 1977.
    US Navy photo.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 127k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, date and location unknown.
    Photo @copy Marine Photo.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 75k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way in 1977, location unknown. Dr. Kenneth Hartman
    Blue Ridge 110k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way in 1977, location unknown. Dr. Kenneth Hartman
    Blue Ridge 41k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, date and location unknown. Surface Navy Association,
    Monterey Bay Chapter
    Blue Ridge 73k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way 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 Sydney Harbor in September 1985 as part of the RAN's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Paul Coleman
    Blue Ridge 294k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) entering Fremantle harbor, Australia, 20 October 1986. Blue Ridge shows satellite dishes atop her after tower mast. At this time she retained the long-range high-frequency antenna forward. Note the broad-band discage forward of it.
    Photo by LSPH E. Pitman, RAN.    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 63k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way off the coast of Japan in 1987.
    US Navy photo.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge 184k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) outbound to sea from Sydney Harbor, New South Wales Australia in the summer of 1988 during the Australian Bicentennial celebration. Chris Howell
    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 108k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside, 20 April 1992, location unknown.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-SC-93-00203 by LTjg. Jeff Hilton    		 Robert Hurst
    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 777k Stern view of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in dry dock No. 6, Naval Ship Repair Facility, Yokosuka, Japan, 1 September 1992.
    Department of Defense photo # DN-ST-93-00888 by LTjg. Jeff Hilton    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 102k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way 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 81k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way in the Red Sea, date unknown.
    Photo by Karsten Petersen    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 107k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, 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
    100119142    		 142k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) outbound to sea from San Diego, CA., date unknown.
    Photo ©George Barber    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119143    		 418k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119144    		 276k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway near San Diego, CA., date unknown.
    Photo ©George Barber    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119145    		 653k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119146    		 648k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119147    		 569k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119148    		 666k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge
    100119149    		 562k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) underway off the coast the island of Honshu, Japan with Mount Fuji in the background, date unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Blue Ridge 57k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside at Garden Island, Sydney, Australia, for Exercise Tandem Thrust 19 to 21 March 1997.
    Photo source Tom Worthington.    		 Tommy Trampp
    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 290k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way after a four day port visit to Hong Kong, 10 December 2000.
    US Navy photo by PH3 Daniel Mennuto.    		 Robert Hurst
    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 65k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, date and location unknown. Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge
    040316-N-2101W-002    		 1390k Opelika (YTB-798) and another tug at the stern assits USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she returns to her homeport at Yokosuka, Japan 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 #'s 040316-N-2101W-002 and 040316-N-2101W-004 by PH1 Alan Warner.    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge
    040316-N-2101W-004    		 1462k
    Blue Ridge 667k Opelika (YTB-798) and another tug at the stern maneuvers USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) into a drydock at Naval Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka, Japan, 12 April 2004. Blue Ridge is scheduled to undergo an extensive maintenance period for several months. Blue Ridge is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. 7th Fleet command ship duties have been temporarily transferred to USS Coronado (AGF-11) which deployed from her homeport of San Diego, CA., earlier in the year.
    US Navy photo # 040412-N-1693W-00 by PH3 Lowell Whitman.    		 Robert Hurst
    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 54k An Australian Army S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter hovers over the flight deck of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) before dropping off several local officials, environmental experts, and defense attaches for a tour aboard the U.S. Seventh Fleet command ship which was off the coast of Northern Queensland, Australia, 23 June 2005. Blue Ridge is taking part in exercise "Talisman Saber 2005", a bilateral Australian/U.S. exercise designed to test the abilities of both militaries to work together as a combined task force.
    US Navy photo by PH2(SW) Terry Spain.    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 93k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, 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
    CVN-74 John C. Stennis
    090312-N-1113S-197    		 208k

    Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside at the Republic of Korea Navy Base Oryuk-Do in Busan, 12 March 2009. The Strike Group arrived March 11, while Blue Ridge pulled in March 5. Pictured from left are the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), USS Blue Ridge, guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG-88).
    US Navy photos #'s 090312-N-1113S-197 and 090312-N-1113S-290 by MC2 Matthew Schwarz

    		 Robert M. Cieri
    CVN-74 John C. Stennis
    090312-N-1113S-290    		 235k
    Blue Ridge 515k The commercial harbor tug Noshiro assist USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she returns to her berth at Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a scheduled underway period. In the foreground are the tugs Manistee (YTB-782); Massapequa (YTB-807); and Opelika (YTB-798) and in the background is USS George Washington (CVN-73) along with various yard craft.
    US Navy photo # 090324-N-9520G-113 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 24, 2009) by MC2 Nardelito Geravcio.    		 Bill Gonyo
    Blue Ridge 1039k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside in BUSAN, Republic of Korea for Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) 2009. UFG is a combined joint computer simulation-driven exercise conducted each year and demonstrates the interoperability between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
    US Navy photo # 090824-N-3830J-076 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Aug. 24, 2009) by MC3 Matthew D. Jordan    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 419k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and the Republic of Korea Ship RKS Dokdo (LPH 6111) moored at Busan.moored pierside in BUSAN, Republic of Korea for Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) 2009.
    US Navy photo # 090828-N-5086M-055 REPUBLIC OF KOREA (Aug. 28, 2009) by MC2 Greg Mitchell    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 795k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka.
    US Navy photo # 090901-N-5019M-026 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 1, 2009) by MCSA Michael R. Mulcare    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 889k Rigid hull inflatable boats float alongside USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits the Pacific Ocean during a 26 ship formation photo exercise, which was the culmination of Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G), the largest annual bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
    US Navy photo # 090922-N-7478G-698 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 22, 2009) by MC2 Cynthia Griggs.    		 Lee Wahler
    Walter S Diehl 975k USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193) conducts a replenishment at sea with USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4).
    US Navy photo # 091023-N-5716H-557 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2009) by MC2 Josh Huebner.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 889k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits the Pacific Ocean during a 26 ship formation photo exercise, which was the culmination of Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G), the largest annual bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
    US Navy photo # 091117-N-1062H-130 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 17, 2009) by MCSN Christopher S. Harte.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 3511k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) crosses paths with USS Connecticut (SSN-22) while departing the PhotoEx formation off Okinawa at the conclusion of ANNUALEX 21G, 17 November 2009. LT Chris Stevens HS-14 Chargers
    Blue Ridge 1133k Tugs Massapequa (YTB-807) and Manistee (YTB-782) assist USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as she departs Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a spring underway period. Blue Ridge will participate in bilateral exercises "Key Resolve" and "Terminal Fury".
    US Navy photo # 100302-N-2013O-002 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 2, 2010) by MC3 Charles Oki.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 303k A tug guides the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge as she arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea. Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived in Busan for Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2010.
    US Navy photo # 100305-N-9573A-005 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (March 5, 2010) by MC1 Bobbie G. Attaway.     		Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 583k USS Blue Ridge transits the Pacific Ocean during a scheduled spring deployment.
    US Navy photo # 100401-N-7478G-759 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 1, 2010) by MC2 Cynthia Griggs.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 949k USS Blue Ridge, left, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63) align course in preparation for an underway replenishment. 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 # 110218-N-9094S-179 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 18, 2011) by MC3 Brian A. Stone.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1522k USS Blue Ridge, right, the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63) conduct an underway replenishment while underway in the Pacific Ocean.
    US Navy photo # 110218-N-9094S-427 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 18, 2011) by MC3 Brian A. Stone.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1093k USS Blue Ridge front, conducts flight operations while underway with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD-42). Blue Ridge and Germantown are in the Coral Sea supporting Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, which enhances joint combat readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Australian air, land and maritime forces. The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of emergency response operations.
    US Navy photo # 110722-N-XG305-527 CORAL SEA (July 22, 2011) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 989k Sailors assigned to USS Blue Ridge cast-off a mooring line as the ship prepares to switch mooring sides in Busan, Republic of Korea. Blue Ridge switched mooring sides in order to perform maintenance on the starboard side of the ship.
    US Navy photo # 110818-N-XG305-252 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Aug. 18, 2011) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1120k USS Blue Ridge is assisted by a tugboat as the ship moors in Busan, Republic of Korea. Blue Ridge switched mooring sides in order to perform maintenance on the starboard side of the ship.
    US Navy photo # 110818-N-XG305-253 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Aug. 18, 2011) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 313k USS Blue Ridge returns to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after completing a two-month patrol throughout the Pacific region.
    US Navy photo # 110829-N-XG305-374 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 29, 2011) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 205k USS Blue Ridge transits to dry dock at Command, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for an incline survey. During the survey, Blue Ridge and shipyard personnel will take measurements and readings from the ship to help with future planning of structural additions.
    US Navy photo # 120117-N-XG305-326 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 17, 2012) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Ron Reeves
    Blue Ridge 1975k USS Blue Ridge underway in the Sea of Japan.
    US Navy photo # 120306-N-DB801-816 SEA OF JAPAN (March 6, 2012) by MC2 Steven Khor.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1234k Com7thFlt's SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter flies over Blue Ridge as the ship transits the Java Sea.
    US Navy photo # 120509-N-SD300-204 JAVA SEA (May 8, 2012) by MC3 James Norman.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 996k USS Blue Ridge and the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH-155) transit the South China Sea.
    US Navy photo # 120509-N-XG305-962 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 9, 2012) by MC3 Mel Orr.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 1003k USS Blue Ridge as seen from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) as it transits through the South China Sea. Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU-11) are deployed in the US 7th fleet area of operations, as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
    US Navy photo # 120521-N-KS651-173 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 21, 2012) by MC2 Jason Behnke.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 245k USS Blue Ridge underway in the Philippine Sea. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff are on patrol operating forward, building maritime partnerships and conducting security and stability operations.
    US Navy photo # 130528-N-GR655-183 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 28, 2013) by MC1 Joshua Karsten.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    130612-N-QI421-393    		 213k USS Blue Ridge transiting the South China Sea while on patrol with Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific and US 7th Fleet staff embarked.
    US Navy photos # 130612-N-QI421-393 SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 12, 2013) and 130612-N-QI421-290 SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 12, 2013) by MC1 Rafael Figueroa Medina.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    130612-N-QI421-290    		 337k
    Blue Ridge
    130904-N-TE278-126    		 341k The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) returns to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan and is being helped into her berth by Seminole (YT-806) and Puyallup (YT-806).
    US Navy photos # 130904-N-TE278-126 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 4, 2013) by MC3 Paolo Bayas.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    140311-N-GR655-392    		 370k The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits the South China Sea during a Spring patrol. Blue Ridge serves as a command and control platform for 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas Jr.
    US Navy photos #'s
    140311-N-GR655-392 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 11, 2014)    ,
    140311-N-GR655-456 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 11, 2014) and
    140311-N-GR655-227 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 11, 2014) by MC1 Joshua Karsten.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Blue Ridge
    140311-N-GR655-456    		 443k
    Blue Ridge
    140311-N-GR655-227    		 443k
    Blue Ridge 194k USS Blue Ridge transits the South China Sea while conducting training in support of maritime security operations. Blue Ridge, the command and control platform for US 7th Fleet, is underway building relationships and furthering interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
    US Navy photo # 140505-N-ZZ999-001 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 5, 2014).    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 2189k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits along the Australian coast as she departs Sydney. Blue Ridge is providing support for 7th Fleet's involvement in the biennial U.S.-Australia exercise Talisman Sabre 2015, while patrolling the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
    US Navy photo # 150713-N-ZZ999-125 CORAL SEA (July 13, 2015) by MC3 Don Patton.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 230k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) returns to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Blue Ridge completed a patrol of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
    US Navy photo # 150902-N-XN177-020 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 2, 2015) by MC2 Peter Burghart.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 172k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) departs on her Spring 2016 patrol cycle of the 7th Fleet area of operations after completing a six-month selected restricted availability maintenance period.US Navy photo # 160222-N-XN177-314 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 22, 2016) by MC2 Peter Burghart. Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 121k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo.    		 Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    Blue Ridge 53k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) at anchor, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo.    		 Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    Blue Ridge 86k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo.    		 Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    Blue Ridge
    160227-N-KG618-281    		 1569k USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams through the Tomogashima Channel as she departs Osaka, Japan. Blue Ridge conducted a regularly scheduled port visit during its patrol of the 7th Fleet area of operations.
    US Navy photos # 160227-N-KG618-281 TOMOGASHIMA CHANNEL (Feb. 27, 2016) by MC3 Kevin A. Flinn and 160227-N-TV402-325 TOMOGASHIMA CHANNEL (Feb. 27, 2016) by MCSN Timothy Hale.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    160227-N-TV402-325    		 466k
    Blue Ridge 213k U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) maneuvers into formation with the Sri Lankan navy medium endurance cutter SNLS Sayura (620), and the offshore patrol vessel SNLS Samudura (P 621), (Ex- USCGC Courageous (WMEC-622) while departing Colombo, Sri Lanka. Blue Ridge is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
    US Navy photos # 160331-N-NM917-502 INDIAN OCEAN (March 31, 2016) by MC3 Jordan KirkJohnson.    		 Robert Hurst
    Blue Ridge 206k USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) rises to ocean level as it prepares to leave Dry Dock 6 at Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following an extensive maintenance period.,CAPT. Matt Paradise, poses for a photo during a swim call. Blue Ridge is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
    US Navy photos # 160415-N-YL053-224 INDIAN OCEAN (April 15, 2016) by MC3 Don Patton.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge 355k USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and 7th Fleet staff Sailors form themselves into a teal ribbon in support of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Awareness Month. Blue Ridge Sailors and embarked 7th Fleet staff hosted multiple events highlighting the importance of sexual assault prevention. Blue Ridge is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
    US Navy photos # 160425-N-YL053-110 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 25, 2016) by MC3 Don Patton.    		 Ron Reeves
    Blue Ridge 258k USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) entering Dry Dock 6 at Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF JRMC) Yokosuka. Blue Ridge is scheduled for a period of extended maintenance after successfully completing her spring patrol season in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
    US Navy photos # 160601-N-KG618-091 YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 1, 2016) by MC3 Kevin A. Flinn.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    180121-N-DF478-035    		 266k USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returns to Pier 9 after an extended dry dock period at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The ship and crew now enter a final upkeep and training phase in preparation to become fully mission ready for operations.
    US Navy photos #'s 180121-N-NM917-035 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 21, 2018) by MC2 Jordan KirkJohnson and 180121-N-DF478-122 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 21, 2018) by MC1 Marvin E. Thompson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    180121-N-DF478-122    		 315k
    Blue Ridge 348k The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) crew, family, friends and honored guests attend the ship's change of command ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, 16 November 2018. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and as U.S. 7th Fleet's command ship.
    US Navy photos # 181116-N-DF478-011 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 16, 2018) by MC1 Marvin Thompson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    190427-N-CN315-0055    		 258k The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams though the South China Sea. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region.
    US Navy photos # 190427-N-CN315-0055 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 27, 2019) by MC2 Jimmy Ong and
    US Navy photos # 190427-N-DS193-0296 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 27, 2019) by MC2 Adam K. Thomas    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    190427-N-DS193-0196    		 181k
    Blue Ridge
    100119137    		 814k The U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) steams in the Philippine Sea before conducting a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE-4).
    US Navy photos # 200407-N-UA460-002 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 7, 2020) by Charles Baker.    		 Lee Wahler
    Blue Ridge
    100119138    		 510k The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits the Philippine Sea before an underway replenishment (UNREP). U.S. Navy ships at sea conduct events like UNREPs to deliver essential parts, food and mail needed to keep the fleet on mission. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
    US Navy photos # 200502-N-DE082-1043 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 2, 2020) by MCSN Sarah Eaton.    		 Yu Chu

    For more photos and information about USS Blue Ridge, see;
  • Command Operation Reports
  • USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)
  • USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) Historical Chronology
  • US Navy Fact File - Amphibious Command Ships - LCC
  • Additional Ship's Patches and Memorabilia
    • Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Carroll, Kent Jean, USN :VADM14 November 1970 - 1 July 1972
    02CAPT. Speer, Paul Harold, USN :RADM 1 July 1972 - 19 March 1973
    03CAPT. Butler, James Dale, USN (USNA 1949)19 March 1973 - 20 September 1974
    04CAPT. Hart, William Daniel, USN20 September 1974 - 30 July 1976
    05CAPT. McIntyre, James Gaylord, USN 30 July 1976 - 17 June 1978
    06CAPT. Carlson, Dudley Louis, USN :VADM17 June 1978 - 19 July 1980
    07CAPT. Chamberlain, John Drew, USN19 July 1980 - 23 July 1982
    08CAPT. Francis, William Charles, USN :RADM23 July 1982 - 6 January 1984
    09CAPT. Paulsen, Thomas Dean, USN (USNA 1960) :RADM6 January 1984 - 19 November 1985
    10CAPT. Heidt, John Harry, USN19 November 1985 - 1 December 1987
    11CAPT. Barker, Michael Don, USN1 December 1987 - 20 November 1989
    12CAPT. Henderson, Joseph Kee, USN20 November 1989 - 22 November 1991
    13CAPT. Heisig, Alan Louis, USN 22 November 1991 - 4 September 1993
    14CAPT. Joy II, Ernest Harriman, USN4 September 1993 - 19 July 1995
    15CAPT. LaBrecque, Terence Paul, USN19 July 1995 - 21 July 1997
    16CAPT. Meier, David Kirk, USN21 July 1997 - 18 June 1999
    17CAPT. Ziemba, David, USN (77)18 June 1999 - 16 June 2001
    18CAPT. Sevald, Andrew George, USN16 June 2001 - 27 March 2003
    19CAPT. Maynard, James Stephen, USN27 March 2003 - 10 September 2005
    20CAPT. Bartkoski, Jeffrey Scott, USN (USNA 1984)10 September 2005 - 27 March 2007
    21CAPT. Lausman, David Alan, USN27 March 2007 - 15 July 2008
    22CAPT. Burke, Thom Walter, USN15 July 2008 - 24 November 2009
    23CAPT. Lupton, Sherman Rudolph (Rudy), USN (USMMA 1983)24 November 2009 - 11 May 2011
    24CAPT. Grieco, Daniel Christopher, USN (USNA 1986) 11 May 2011 - 27 July 2012
    25CAPT. Pennington, William Paul, USN (USNA 1989)27 July 2012 - 28 October 2013
    26CAPT. McCormack, Richard Curtis, USN (USNA 1990)28 October 2013 - 16 January 2015
    27CAPT. Higgins, Kyle Patrick, USN16 January 2015 - 29 January 2016
    28CAPT. Paradise, Matthew C., USN :RADM29 January 2016 - 9 June 2017
    29CAPT. Crozier, Brett Elliott, USN (USNA 1992)9 June 2017 - 16 November 2018
    30CAPT. Anduze, Eric Jose, USN (USNA 1993)16 November 2018 - 12 December 2019
    31CAPT. Sicola, Craig C., USN :RADM12 December 2019 - 15 February 2021
    32CAPT. Waits, Timothy Lee, USN15 February 2021 - 24 June 2022
    33CAPT. Gregory Jr., Dale Michial USN (USN 1997)24 June 2022 - 10 November 2023
    34CAPT. DeLeo, Nicholas C. (Dapper)USN10 November 2023 -  
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves. Photos courtesy Bill Gonyo
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
    Back To The Navsource Photo Archives Main Page Back To The Amphibious Ship Type Index Back To The Amphibious Command Ship (LCC) Photo Index
    Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster
    This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
    All pages copyright NavSource Naval History
    Last Updated 11 October 2024