USS Blue Ridge and USCGC Waesche Arrive in Cam Ranh, Vietnam

08 July 2024

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, greets Vietnam People's Navy Sailors on the pier beside the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, Vietnam, July 8, 2024.

240708-N-FA353-1210 CAM RANH INTERNATIONAL PORT, Vietnam (July 8, 2024) U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, greets Vietnam People's Navy Sailors on the pier beside the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, Vietnam, July 8, 2024. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Belen Saldana)

The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche arrived in Cam Ranh, Vietnam for a five-day joint Navy – Coast Guard routine port visit on July 8.

During the port visit, 7th Fleet, USS Blue Ridge and CGC Waesche leadership will meet with the Vietnam People’s Navy, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Khanh Hoa leadership. Events during the visit include subject matter expert exchanges and community relations activities.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, the Hon. Mr. Marc Knapper, center-left, and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, meet with senior leaders from the Vietnam People's Navy following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, July 8, 2024.

240708-N-FA353-1302 CAM RANH INTERNATIONAL PORT, Vietnam (July 8, 2024) U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, the Hon. Mr. Marc Knapper, center-left, and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, meet with senior leaders from the Vietnam People's Navy following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, July 8, 2024. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Belen Saldana)

Crew members and the 7th Fleet staff will participate in community relations and cultural events to give back to the community and engage with the people of Khanh Hoa to further strengthen U.S.-Vietnam relations in line with the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy. This is the second time the USS Blue Ridge has come to Vietnam since the United States and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1995.

From left, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Tyson Scofield, commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer, U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), and Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, receive flowers on the pier following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, Vietnam, July 8, 2024.

240708-N-FA353-1241 CAM RANH INTERNATIONAL PORT, Vietnam (July 8, 2024) From left, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Tyson Scofield, commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer, U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), and Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, receive flowers on the pier following the ship’s arrival to Cam Ranh International Port, Vietnam, July 8, 2024. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Belen Saldana)

The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.