250517-N-PH222-1007

250517-N-PH222-1007 WELLINGTON, New Zealand (May 17, 2025) Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, greets Rear Adm. Mat Williams, vice chief of New Zealand Defence Force, prior to a key leader engagement aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Wellington, New Zealand during a scheduled port visit, May 17, 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 1st Class Ryan M. Breeden)