Blue Ridge back in Yokosuka after spring patrol

YOKOSUKA, Japan — USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka on April 23, concluding a spring patrol across the Indo-Pacific.

The ship departed March 8 and covered 6,613 nautical miles, with port visits to Okinawa, Japan; Changi, Singapore; Manila, Philippines; and Laem Chabang, Thailand. U.S. 7th Fleet leadership disembarked for staff talks with military counterparts in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the fleet commander hosted Philippine Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force leadership aboard the ship while underway.

“Each engagement with our partners and allies advances our fleet interoperability, readiness and lethality,” said Vice Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Blue Ridge provides a unique capability to command and control forces from the sea, enhancing our military-to-military partnerships across the theater. We appreciate the hospitality of each of these port cities and their respective nations’ commitments to ensuring maritime security throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

During the port visits, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership met with foreign dignitaries and local leaders to discuss improving operational readiness, advancing future military capabilities and enhancing regional relationships.

7th Fleet, embarked aboard Blue Ridge, commands what it describes as the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet. Its primary mission is providing operational command and control for forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.

“This patrol was a huge success,” said Capt. Louis F. Catalina IV, commanding officer of Blue Ridge. “The hard work and commitment to excellence by our Sailors allowed us to meet every mission throughout a dynamic schedule. Their professionalism enabled the completion of 10 sea and anchor evolutions, four port visits, two big top receptions, and safe navigation alongside our Japanese, Australian, and Philippine allies during two group sail events. I am extremely proud to lead and serve alongside the Sailors who make up this talented team.”

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.