[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] 'Commander of the Sea' Blue Ridge Ship Arrives at Busan Port... Why?

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] The USS Blue Ridge (1,9600 tons, USS Blue Ridge), the command ship of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, known as the "Commander of the Sea," has arrived at the Busan Naval Operations Base in Busan.

On the 5th, the Navy stated, "During its stay, the Blue Ridge will engage in friendly and cooperative activities between the two navies, including Korea-U.S. friendship sports events and joint coordination meetings."

Commissioned in 1970, the Blue Ridge has served as the flagship of the 7th Fleet for over 40 years and operates out of its home port at Yokosuka, Japan. The Blue Ridge returned to Yokosuka in 2017 after undergoing extensive maintenance on the U.S. mainland.

The Blue Ridge commands aircraft carriers, Aegis ships, destroyers, and submarines belonging to the U.S. 7th Fleet operating in the waters of East Asia, including the Korean Peninsula. Inside, it operates four operational command centers: the Tactical Flag Command Headquarters, Joint Operations Headquarters, Joint Intelligence Headquarters, and Amphibious Operations Command Post. During Korea-U.S. joint exercises such as Key Resolve (KR), it plays the role of commanding amphibious operations, earning it the nickname "Commander of the Sea." The Blue Ridge is 194 meters long, 33 meters wide, moves at a speed of 23 knots, and carries about 1,200 personnel including the 7th Fleet command staff and crew.

The Blue Ridge also visited the Busan Naval Operations Base in February last year to promote goodwill.