USS Blue Ridge and Commander, 7th Fleet Depart Koror, Palau

240812-N-PH222-1015 KOROR, Palau (Aug. 12, 2024) - Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, center right, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks with President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., center left, during a scheduled port visit of the U.S. 7th flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Koror, Palau, Aug. 12, 2024. 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 1st Class Ryan M. Breeden)