U.S. and Hong Kong (2007)

United State Navy
Commander, Seventh Fleet

Blue Ridge enjoys Super Bowl setting in Hong Kong

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
Posted: 02/06/2007

HONG KONG - The officers and crew of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff gathered around television sets in the wardroom, chief's mess and mess decks early in the morning Feb. 5 to watch the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts battle it out in Super Bowl XLI.

To further enhance the crew's Super Bowl experience, culinary specialists served hot wings, pizza, French fries, and nachos to emulate a "tail-gate" style cuisine for the football fanatics.

Sports fans on the ship like Ensign Jeff Chewning who had duty, appreciated the command's decision to endorse the big game and make it a command supported event.

"Like most Americans, I like watching the Super Bowl every year and I'm lucky to be able to watch it today considering I'm in a foreign country and anchored out in the water," said Chewning while indulging his taste buds with some spicy hot wings. "The captain has a great feel for the morale of the crew and recognizes the Super Bowl as a sacred day among dedicated football fans, so he made sure even those on duty and not standing watch could enjoy the game."

The Super Bowl is an important day in American culture and there are numbers to prove it. The Associated Press reported that the Super Bowl holds the top ten slots of the most viewed programs in TV history. Last year's Super Bowl XL attracted 141.4 million viewers, or nearly half of the U.S. population. This game was brought to the crew via Direct to Sailor (DTS) satellite technology, which enables forces afloat to enjoy the same programming Americans are accustomed to in the U.S.

Senior Chief Storekeeper (SW/AW) John K. Andoh is a big Peyton Manning fan and he was happy to be able to see him play in the Super Bowl.

"Every command should make efforts to integrate the Super Bowl into a command function," Andoh said. "It's a great way to boost the morale of the ship and build camaraderie among the ship's company."

Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW/MTS) Michael Morgan took on the challenge of coordinating the Blue Ridge Super Bowl bash.

"It's a tradition on Blue Ridge to take care of the Sailors," Morgan said. "We all know this is a big event so we wanted to do something special for the crew so they could enjoy themselves."

Morgan visited all three of the ship's dining facilities during the game, ensuring the game watchers were in high spirits and well fed, noting the day was a complete success, except for Bears fans. The Colts edged the Bears 29 - 17.

USS Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Jeff Bartkoski and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 / Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

-USN-