Here are a few images from my last deployment while stationed on the USS Blue Ridge. Shanghai was the last scheduled stop for the ship. This was an historic event, as it was the first mooring of a US Navy ship in mainland China since the end of World War II.
We were there for just 3 or 4 days, if memory serves. It was very exciting to be part of that history in the making. The day before we tied our ship to the pier, we were all briefed on the cultural subtleties of Shanghai, as we did with all ports of call. Also, we were to remain in uniform during our off duty hours, due to the significance of the trip.
One of my fellow photographer's (PH2 Hanson) and I went on a walk about one day, and he captured these images of me. The first one shows a sort of unwritten tradition. Or maybe it is written somewhere. Anyway, we happened upon our Chinese Sailor counterparts during our walk, and decided to have a photo opportunity. We traded military covers (or hats, for you civilians), and smiled for the camera. The second image was taken for the purpose of our ship's publication, however I am not sure if the image ended up being used. It shows me interacting with the locals. The booklet I am referring to is a cheat sheet of common phrases in English and Chinese.
I couldn't help but notice the warm welcome we received by the vast majority of the people in Shanghai at that time. Everyone seemed very excited to approach and attempt to converse with the American Sailor in the white uniform.
The story has an unfortunate, and historically significant ending.
When we left, we were to sail for 2 days back to Yokosuka, Japan, where the Blue Ridge is forward deployed. Between the time that we left Shanghai, and the time we moored in our home port of Yokosuka, the Tiananmen Square crack down had begun. It is my humble opinion the Chinese authorities were waiting for us to leave.
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