Monday at the USS Blue Ridge

On wonderful initiative of LCDR Thomas Ehring we were invited to visit the USS Blue Ridge, who also was in the Navy Base in Busan, for participation of the ongoing exercise.

This command- and control ship for the 7^th fleet Commander can be the working place and “home” for more than 1,300 people.  She’s over 40 years old and in fantastic shape. Her sister USS Mount Whitney, many of you might have seen in European waters.

We got a small sense of the 11 deck ship and met several crew members who all enjoyed being stationed on this ship.

The 7^th fleet commander van Buskirk and his 300 staff members have their office on this ship. Although she is old (hmmm) the USS Blue Ridge spends most of her time at sea.

While Anders was going to the HMCS Ottawa for lunch, I was invited to stay for lunch on the Blue Ridge. Spoiled with good food and fabulous company, time flew. Thankful for Toms initiative and the time a lot of people took out of their busy schedule we had a fabulous day.

Anja in the Captains chair surrounded by LT Bochner and LCDRTomas Ehring

A new pearl is attached to my string of memories and I look forward to hearing and hopefully seeing everybody again.

Sailors thriving on deck of the ......................

We even had the opportunity to meet with the Commander of the 7th fleet VADM Scott van Buskirk, who had participated in the Wasa excercise for some years ago and therefor knew Captain (N) Bo Rask when he was flottila commander for the submarines.

From left to right; LCDR Ralston, LT Bochner, LCDRTomas Ehring, CAPT (N) Grieco, Anders and I gathered for a cup of coffee before it was time to say ........ (hopefully) so long!