PORT KLANG, Malaysia –
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed from Port Klang, Malaysia, after a six-day port visit, July 22, marking the vessel’s first return to the country since April 2019. The port visit reflects 67 years of U.S.-Malaysia diplomatic relations and continued partnership toward the mutual interest of ensuring regional security.
During the visit, Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, met with Malaysia Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Dato’ Zulhelmyu, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Vice Adm. Datuk Saiful, and other key leaders.
"Thank you to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for their warm welcome of our Blue Ridge and Seventh Fleet teams,” said Vice Adm. Kacher. “Malaysia is a key partner for us in the region, and this port visit provides us an important opportunity to meet with our Royal Malaysian Navy counterparts, engage with the community, and enjoy the local sights and culture."
While in port, crew members returned the hospitality of their Malaysian hosts by volunteering in a community relations (COMREL) events organized by Blue Ridge’s Command Religious Group, demonstrating and reinforcing the U.S. commitment to their Malaysian counterparts beyond maritime matters.
Service members prepared, packed, and delivered meals to refugees and other underserved members of the community at the Assembly Soup Kitchen, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing hot and nutritious meals to those in need, predominately in the Klang Valley.
“It’s rewarding to take part in helping those in need," said Yeoman 2nd Class Amanda Martin, assigned to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Food is a vital resource that everyone needs, so it’s something truly special when you can ensure someone gets fed.”
Another way some Sailors were able to connect with the local community was through sports. The Sailors participated against local teams in soccer and volleyball.
"Even though we didn't speak the same language, we still laughed and had fun together," said Retail Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Taitt, assigned to Blue Ridge. "Through sports, you're able to quickly build bonds that transcend culture, language, ethnicity and background.
Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, Blue Ridge’s commanding officer, spoke with local media and community leaders on strengthening the cooperation and deepening the friendship between the two countries.
The crew also indulged in well-deserved rest and recuperation through events organized by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department, including tours of Klang Town, Kuala Lumpur and surrounding attractions. Service members decompressed while immersing themselves in the rich Malaysian culture, contributing to the ship’s overall mission readiness.
Port visit events like MWR tours, COMRELS, joint exercises and collaborative efforts not only heighten morale, but also play a critical role in enhancing people-to-people relationships and showcase our partners' mutual commitment to maritime freedom and regional security.
As the 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.