JAKARTA, Indonesia –
JAKARTA, Indonesia - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Jakarta, Indonesia on July 29 after a 3-day port visit; the Blue Ridge’s first visit to Jakarta since 2019.
During the visit, which complements the many bilateral military cooperation activities conducted by the U.S. Navy and Indonesia, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, conducted talks with Chief of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia; U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Ambassador Sung Y. Kim; Chief of Staff the Republic of Indonesia Fleet Command, Rear Adm. Didong Rio Duta; and other key-leaders. Additionally, members of the Seventh Fleet staff conducted staff-talks with their Indonesian navy counterparts, aimed at improving interoperability and addressing shared maritime security challenges.
“Indonesia, just like the United States, is a maritime nation at heart. We both innately understand the role that a safe and secure maritime commons plays in building international prosperity,” said Thomas.
Blue Ridge’s commanding officer, Capt. Dale Gregory, expressed his gratitude and desire to continue building upon the already strong bilateral U.S.-Indonesia partnership.
“It was a pleasure to be here in Jakarta. We are extremely grateful for the warm welcome from the people of Jakarta and enjoyed our time in Indonesia.”, said Gregory. “Port visits provide us the opportunity to meet with our partners and discuss shared interests, assuring all nations are able operate freely and safely without coercion, here in the Indo-Pacific”.
Shortly after arrival, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band performed for U.S. and Indonesian dignitaries during a reception hosted onboard. They performed for local Indonesian and American families at the @America cultural center in an Indonesian mall. The band also spent time with a local school band, sharing their expertise and knowledge of being a traveling band, ending with a joint concert for friends and family members.
“Collaborating with the two Indonesian Navy Vocalists, Sergeant Alyssa and Sergeant Donna, was very special because we were able to sing a popular song from their country, ‘I Will Fly,’ originally by Ten2Five,” said Musician Third Class Marisol Arreola. “Sharing the stage and their language is essential to strengthening our relationship with one another. It is a privilege and honor to embrace Indonesian culture through the universal language of music.”
While in Jakarta, Sailors took part in community outreach activities such as a beach clean-up, a sports day with the Indonesian navy, and volunteered at local community programs for children. For some Sailors, like Hull Technician 2nd Class Trevor E. Vandruff, it was their first-time volunteering for a community relations event.
“It was a very humbling experience to have with all of the bright-minded children of Jakarta”, said Vandruff. “They all were all genuinely happy to see the Seventh Fleet and Blue Ridge crew show up and interact with them!”
Blue Ridge, with the embarked Seventh Fleet staff, is currently on a scheduled patrol in the Indo-Pacific operating with allies and partners in support of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.