U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge arrives in Pyeongtaek, South Korea

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea (Sept. 18, 2025) – U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Commander Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, right, greets Republic of Korea Navy 2nd Fleet Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Lee Jae-seop during a welcoming ceremony for U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025. The 7th Fleet staff and Blue Ridge crew are in Pyeongtaek for a scheduled port visit, strengthening the ironclad alliance between the U.S. and South Korea. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, 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 Charles Oki)