USS Blue Ridge arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for first time

16 May 2025

From Lt. Victor Murkowski, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, for a port visit, May 16, 2025. This historic arrival marks the first time the Blue Ridge has visited New Zealand as well as its capital city. The last two U.S Navy ships to visit Wellington were the USS Howard (DDG 83) in 2021 and the USS Sampson (DDG 102) in 2016.

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250516-N-TU814-1071 WELLINGTON, New Zealand (May 16, 2025) – The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Wellington, New Zealand, for a scheduled port visit, May 16, 2025. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Damian Cook)

During this port visit, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship is scheduled to meet with their Kiwi counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways of improving operational readiness, advancing future military capabilities, and enhancing the U.S.-New Zealand bilateral relationship overall.

"This historic port visit by the USS Blue Ridge and our 7th Fleet team speaks to deep ties the United States and New Zealand share," said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Our partnership is rooted in our common values and respect, and our visit here represents an important opportunity for us to further strengthen the bond between our nations and our navies.”

In addition, Sailors from the 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, ship tours, and touristic sightseeing. Wellington will also serve as a short stop for the Blue Ridge as the ship brings fuel and supplies on board.

250516-N-FA353-1022 WELLINGTON, New Zealand (May 16, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), greets Mr. David Gehrenbeck, Chargé d’affaires, U.S. Embassy New Zealand, during a welcome ceremony for Blue Ridge's arrival in Wellington, New Zealand during a scheduled port visit, May 16, 2025. U.S. 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)

250516-N-TU814-1010 WELLINGTON, New Zealand (May 16, 2025) – Quartermaster Seaman Lauren Davila stands watch on the bridge wing of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a sea and anchor evolution prior to mooring for a scheduled port visit to Wellington, New Zealand, May 16, 2025. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Damian Cook)

250516-N-FA353-1026 WELLINGTON, New Zealand (May 16, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, right, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), greets Mr. David Gehrenbeck, left, Chargé d’affaires, U.S. Embassy New Zealand, and Royal New Zealand Navy Capt. Quentin Randall, assistant chief of navy-strategy and engagement, during a welcome ceremony for Blue Ridge's arrival in Wellington, New Zealand during a scheduled port visit, May 16, 2025. U.S. 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)

U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard the USS 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.

“We’re delighted to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says U.S. Chargé d'affaires, David Gehrenbeck. “The USCGC Midgett visited Wellington as recently as February and, over the past several years, the USS Howard and the USS Sampson have also been to New Zealand. These visits underscore the first-class working relationship between our defense forces. I’m confident the ship’s crew will enjoy experiencing the beauty of this country and connecting with the local community during their time here.”

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.

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lcc19/

For more news from U.S. 7th Fleet, visit https://www.c7f.navy.mil/.