USS Blue Ridge conducts damage control drill in South China Sea

Damage Controlman 3rd Class Sylissa Romero, left, and Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 3rd Class Robin Miller, attach a hose to a Derbyshire eductor during a damage control drill aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while in the South China Sea, March 23, 2026. Damage control drills ensure Blue Ridge remains ready to rapidly respond to ship casualties and bolster combat capabilities while at sea. 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)