The USS Blue Ridge in Gensan (Part 2)
After the welcome ceremonies at the Makar Wharf (read account here), the guests including myself were invited to take a tour of the USS Blue Ridge. Before this, we (with the mayor) passed through a rigid search for credentials/bombs/explosives/etc at the entrance to the welcome area which was cordoned off by container vans. We were in Philippine soil but it felt like I was entering American territory with the burly marines with high-powered firearms watching our every move.
Here, we are now inside the middle deck where a comprehensive display of the ship’s history is in exhibit. This photo shows the Mayor being briefed by Command Master Chief John Becker.
On the right is the ship’s bank where the servicemen can withdraw, deposit & change their dollars or send money via telegraphic transfer.
The library and internet lounge where the servicemen contact their familes thru the 5 or more MACS available
The infirmary which boasts of modern & state-of-the art medical equipment… a mini-hospital in itself. Look at those halogen lights above the operating table.
The mess mall which smells of steaks and fries.
The Mayor at the bridge. I was shooed away here but the ABS-CBN cameraman Arthur behind the mayor was not.
A helicopter landing at the upper deck’s helipad.
Related posts:
- The USS Blue Ridge in Gen. Santos City
- The USS Blue Ridge in Gensan (Part 3) or Cocktails with Kristie
- GenSan Blue Boys Work Sundays, too!
- Balut Island – Unspoilt Holy Week Destination
Bariles is Tagalog word for “Tuna”, the primary source of income of the people of General Santos City which hosts 6 of the Philippines’ 8 tuna canneries and more than 80% of its tuna processing plants.
 load curtailment requirements. Power supply curtailment has been imposed by NGCP in Southern Mindanao since August 2009 due to power generation deficiency, ranging from 20 MW to as high as 40 MW, daily.
As per recent NGCP advice, water elevation at hydroelectric power plants reaches below critical level. Power crisis is expected to continue until rainy season arrives or until power generation deficiency is addressed.
SOCOTECOII management implores for public’s understanding since this power crisis is beyond its control and is experienced by Mindanao and the Philippines, as a whole. The management also finds difficulty in coming up with load shedding schedule due to the erratic curtailment demands required by NGCP from SOCOTECOII, which varies at hourly basis.
Energy conservation activities are requested from all electricity users, especially during 5PM to 9PM, through the following:
1. No ironing of clothes on above-mentioned time;
2. Limited use of air-conditioner and other electrical appliances;
3. Unplugging of refrigerators/freezers from 6PM to 8PM;
4. Use one television set only for the whole family;
5. Sensible use of lighting facilities at home
Thank you.
# # # # #
Approved for Release:
GERONIMO C. DESESTO
Manager, Institutional Services Department
MARCH 1, 2010
ISD/MPR-Information
553-5848 to 50 local 133
Cc.: All radio stations ABS-CBN Skycable City Mayor’s Office
http://www.gensantos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/socoteco.jpg){kind=small}