During this port visit, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge met with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) leadership for staff-to-staff engagements and
office calls.

"This visit strengthens the bonds between the Navy and Marine Corps," said Vice Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Our face-to-face engagements with III MEF refine our joint capabilities and ensure we remain a ready and lethal integrated force. Okinawa stands as a critical cornerstone of the U.S.-Japan alliance, hosting operational forces which provide for our collective defense."

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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/.