USS Blue Ridge, Flagship of U.S. 7th Fleet, Arrives in Busan: "South Korea-U.S. Alliance Stronger Than Ever"

"Since 1953, the South Korea-U.S. alliance has been the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia and on the Korean Peninsula, and its role remains unchanged to this day. The alliance between our two countries is currently at its strongest."

Upon arrival at the Naval Operations Base of the Naval Operations Command in Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan on the 29th, the USS Blue Ridge, the U.S. 7th Fleet amphibious command ship with a displacement of 19,600 tons, was docked side by side with the South Korean Navy's latest Aegis destroyer, the ROKS King Jeongjo (8,200 tons).

On the 29th, Captain Lewis Catalina of the USS Blue Ridge, the U.S. 7th Fleet amphibious command ship docked at the Busan Naval Operations Command, and Kang Hyunggu, Chief of Combat Development at the Naval Operations Command, shook hands after concluding an interview. Photo by Defense Daily.

The USS Blue Ridge serves as the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet, which is responsible for parts of the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, and operates out of its home port at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan. The Blue Ridge measures 194 meters in length, 33 meters in width, and has a full-load displacement of 19,600 tons. It can accommodate over 1,000 personnel, including the 7th Fleet command staff and crew. Now in its 56th year of service, the Blue Ridge is the oldest active-duty ship in the U.S. Navy. As such, the "First Navy Jack" flag, symbolizing the oldest active ship in the U.S. fleet, is flown at the bow.

Previously, the USS Blue Ridge participated in the "2025 Freedom Edge" trilateral multi-domain exercise conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan in the waters near the Korean Peninsula from September 15 to 19. The ship entered Busan Naval Base on September 25 for resupply and crew rest. This marks the first time in about five years since 2020 that the Blue Ridge has called at the Busan base.

At a press conference held that day, Captain Lewis Catalina, commanding officer of the USS Blue Ridge, stated, "Through the recent Freedom Edge exercise and numerous other joint drills, we have strengthened the interoperability of our combined forces. Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with the South Korean Navy and other allies and partners to deter threats and safeguard security and prosperity."

Kang Hyunggu, Chief of Combat Development at the Naval Operations Command (Colonel), said, "The South Korean and U.S. navies have enhanced their ability to conduct combined maritime operations, and the continued deployment of U.S. naval vessels has reinforced the enduring and robust execution of extended deterrence. Just as Captain Catalina and I stand together here today, the South Korean and U.S. navies will further solidify our combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea, based on our unwavering alliance."

In response to a question about the direction of South Korea-U.S. cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, Captain Catalina said, "The USS Blue Ridge is the oldest ship in the U.S. Navy and requires periodic maintenance and updates. While I cannot comment on specifics, I agree that the readiness of both countries' ships is crucial."

Meanwhile, the South Korean and U.S. navies conducted exchange and cooperation activities to mark the USS Blue Ridge's port call. The Blue Ridge is scheduled to depart Busan Naval Base soon.