The 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived at Osaka, Japan, May 13 for a port visit that will strengthen already strong ties between the United States and Japan.
Blue Ridge Commanding Officer , Capt. Daniel Grieco believes that the visit to Osaka will be a rewarding experience.
“ We are looking forward to our visit to the beautiful city of Osaka and are eager for the opportunity to meet with the local people, experience the city and continue to strengthen the tremendous bond between our two countries,” said Grieco.
Grieco recently became the 24th commanding officer of Blue Ridge during a change of command ceremony held May 11.
The ship’s planned community relations project in Osaka will be at Holy Family Children’s Home, where Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff Sailors will be able to spend quality time with the children who reside there.
“By helping the community we are making a difference in the life of a child or an adult which can have a lasting impact and change their life in a positive way “, said Legalman 1st Class Ronald Alexander. “ For me, that is priceless.”
The Sailors will also have the opportunity to visit the many attractions that the third largest city in Japan has to offer, like the Osaka Castle or the Osaka Aquarium.
Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the command ship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. CTF 76 is headquartered aboard White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan; with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
( navy ) [mappress] Source: navy, May 13, 2011;