An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ArticleCS - Article View
NEWS | Feb. 7, 2019

Seventh Fleet Command Ship, USS Blue Ridge Visits Otaru, Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class, Adam K. Thomas, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

OTARU, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff made their first port visit to Otaru, Japan, in nearly five years Feb 8th.  

 

The port visit is also Blue Ridge’s first since completing a two-year maintenance period.  It reflects the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and Seventh Fleet’s commitment to the Japanese people. During the welcoming ceremony 7th Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to visit Otaru.

 

”This is a special port visit for USS Blue Ridge and for Seventh Fleet,” said Sawyer.  “While we call Yokosuka home and work with the Kaijo Jieitai throughout the year, opportunities to visit this part of Japan are rare and we truly appreciate Otaru’s hospitality.” 

 

As part of the port call, Blue Ridge crew members and embarked 7th Fleet staff will take part in several community relations (COMREL) events that build on the longstanding friendship between American and Japanese citizens.

 

The COMREL events include a friendly basketball game with Otaru Meiho High School students and volunteer work at the Snow Light Path Festival.

 

"I see this as a chance to learn about Japanese culture outside of what I’ve learned about in Yokosuka," said Personnelman 3rd Class Razi Nil, one of Blue Ridge’s COMREL participants. "Being a part of creating and continuing our relationships with the people here as an ambassador for the Navy is an unbelievable experience."

 

Blue Ridge recently completed nearly 2 years of extended maintenance and numerous certifications to ensure it remains ready to promote regional security and stability. Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Eric J. Anduze spoke on the importance of the visit in light of the long maintenance period.

 

"In order to protect our interests and those of our partners, we must work closely with our Japanese hosts, and this port visit is an essential piece of that mission. Our relationship was highlighted over the last three years, as the Blue Ridge crew worked hand-in-hand with our neighbors to refurbish our fine warship. It is due to everyone's hard work, both Navy and civilian, that we are able to be here today."

 

Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Eric Anduze and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and is responsible for patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo-Pacific Region.

 

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.
Translate
 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.