USS Blue Ridge conducts live-fire exercise in South China Sea

Logistics Specialist Seaman Lylaishia Brown, left, fires an M2A1 .50 caliber machine gun, while Fire Controlman 2nd Class Keanu Kerl provides line coach instructions during a live-fire exercise aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), in the South China Sea, March 22, 2026. Sailors aboard Blue Ridge regularly conduct live-fire exercises to maintain combat readiness. Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damian Cook)