USS Blue Ridge arrives in Changi, Singapore

23 July 2024

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs Office

CHANGI, Singapore — U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Changi, Singapore for a routine port visit, July 23.

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CHANGI, Singapore – Quartermaster 3rd Class Soledh Rivera, from Edinburg, Texas, stands aft lookout watch aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while mooring at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, July 23, 2024. As the 7th Fleet flag ship, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charlotte Duran)

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SINGAPORE – Operation Specialist Seaman Aiden Blanchette, from Leesville, South Carolina, stands watch on the aft lookout aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while mooring at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, July 23, 2024. As the 7th Fleet flag ship, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charlotte Duran)

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SINGAPORE – Operation Specialist Seaman Aiden Blanchette, from Leesville, South Carolina, stands aft lookout watch aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while mooring Changi Naval Base, Singapore, July 23, 2024. As the 7th Fleet flag ship, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charlotte Duran)

Singapore is one of the United States’ strongest defense partners in the region. This visit underscores the critical importance of the U.S – Singapore security partnership and reaffirms U.S. commitment to maintaining a robust presence in Southeast Asia.

"Thank you to the people of Singapore for welcoming us back to Changi naval base” said Vice Adm. Kacher, commander, 7th Fleet. “Singapore is a longstanding, reliable, and steadfast partner in the region, and I am honored to return to a country I once called home, this time with the USS Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet. We look forward to engaging with our Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and enjoying Singaporean culture and hospitality during our visit.”

During the port visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership will meet with their Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and local leaders.

Additionally, members from the ship’s crew and the 7th Fleet staff will engage in community relations activities and cultural events. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of local history, contribute positively to the community, and allow cultural exchanges with the people of Singapore.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, 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.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners as a key element of the United States’ stabilizing role in the region.