PYEONGTAEK, South Korea –
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Pyeongtaek, South Korea for a port visit, Sept. 18, 2025, after completing the trilateral exercise Freedom Edge. This arrival marks the first time in over a decade that Blue Ridge has visited Pyeongtaek.
During this port visit, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship is scheduled to meet with their Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways of improving operational readiness, advancing future military capabilities, and enhancing the U.S.-ROK bilateral relationship overall. The U.S. and ROK navies routinely conduct operations together, such as Freedom Edge, Freedom Shield, and numerous mine warfare exercises.
"This port visit to Pyeongtaek by USS Blue Ridge and greater 7th Fleet team demonstrates our steadfast commitment of the U.S.- Republic of Korea alliance,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Blue Ridge arrived here after participation in Freedom Edge, a key trilateral exercise that improves our ballistic missile defense and defensive counter air capabilities across the maritime domain.”
In addition, Sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet are scheduled to participate in a series of in-port activities to include band performances, community relation events, and ship tours. Pyeongtaek will also serve as a short stop for Blue Ridge as the ship brings fuel and supplies on board.
"Welcoming USS Blue Ridge to Korea is more than a port visit - it is a powerful reminder of our ironclad commitment to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the strength of our combined maritime presence," said Rear Adm. Sharif H. Calfee, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. "As our Sailors engage with the community here in Pyeongtaek, they demonstrate the shared commitment of the United States and the Republic of Korea to regional security, stability, and prosperity."
U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard Blue Ridge, commands the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.
The Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities.