Blue Ridge visits Busan, South Korea

25 September 2025

From Lt. Matthew Coffin, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Busan for a port visit, Sept. 25, after completing the trilateral exercise Freedom Edge followed by a visit to Pyeongtaek and Republic of Korea 2nd Fleet. This arrival marks the first time since 2020 that Blue Ridge has visited Busan.

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BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 25, 2025) – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Busan, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2025. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct routine operations in the Indo-Pacific to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andres Fonts)

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 multi-domain military exercises, such as Freedom Edge and Ulchi Freedom Shield.

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.

"The great city of Busan awaits the Sailors and staff on USS Blue Ridge - it is another 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 explore and learn about this beautiful city, they demonstrate the shared commitment of the United States and the Republic of Korea to regional security, stability, and prosperity."

Quartermaster 3rd Class Lauren Davilla stands bridge lookout watch aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while sailing into Busan, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2025.

BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 25, 2025) – Quartermaster 3rd Class Lauren Davilla stands bridge lookout watch aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while sailing into Busan, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2025. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct routine operations in the Indo-Pacific to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andres Fonts)

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.

Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct routine operations in the Indo-Pacific to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities.

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

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