Los Angeles Native Selected as Blue Ridge Sailor of the Week

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Eaton

07 July 2023

YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Los Angeles native was selected as U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Sailor of the Week March 28, 2023.
Lunden Holloway is a Hospital Corpsman (HM) 3rd Class forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. HM’s assist health care professionals in providing medical and dental care to Navy personnel and their families. They may function as clinical or specialty technicians, medical administrative personnel and healthcare providers at medical treatment facilities.
“I enjoy the idea that people will always look to me in the time of need, whether it’s as little as needing a band aid to needing support to get through the difficult times,” said Holloway. “The most memorable experience was when I was back at the Hospital and I took care of a patient that had many complications and caused numerous issues for her day to day life. I was able to tend and care until she got better.”
While serving in the Navy, Holloway continues to work towards her future goals. She believes that the Navy gave her unique opportunities to grow.
“The Navy has given me the stepping stones I need in order transition out of the military,” said Holloway. “I am able to transition to different fields of a medical practice and if I desire to go medical route, I am set up with the basics to further my skill.”

Serving aboard Blue Ridge, which is forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, allows Holloway to expand her knowledge to different cultures.
“In my perspective, serving overseas is an enlightening opportunity to not only experience different cultures or ways of life, but also gave me the opportunity to understand my purpose outside the usual standard I’m accustomed to living,” said Holloway. “It also gives a reality check that I’m serving in the Armed Forces.”
While Holloway is still considered a junior Sailor, through her experiences she hopes to guide new Sailors.
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
For more information about USS Blue Ridge, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lcc19/Tag/198567/uss-blue-ridge/