The USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the flagship of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, has made a significant return to Fiji after a 27-year hiatus, arriving in Suva yesterday. This visit underlines the ongoing commitment of the 7th Fleet to enhance security relationships in the region.
Captain Nicholas C. DeLeo, the commanding officer of the USS Blue Ridge, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received in Fiji, stating, “This is the first time in Fiji for many of our sailors and for me as well. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and excited to engage with our Fijian partners both professionally and in the community.” The ship serves as a critical command platform for operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, and this port call comes after recent operations that included a stop in New Caledonia.
During their stay, the crew will participate in various community outreach activities, such as volunteering at an animal shelter, engaging in friendly sports matches with the Fijian military, and visiting local schools. Leadership from the USS Blue Ridge and the 7th Fleet is set to meet with notable officials from the Republic of Fiji Navy and local government representatives to discuss further maritime cooperation and shared objectives.
The visit also follows previous engagements aimed at strengthening U.S.-Fiji ties, highlighted by discussions during a recent meeting between Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This meeting established critical agreements aimed at enhancing logistical cooperation and defense capabilities, furthering U.S. commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region.
The USS Blue Ridge, with a crew of around 650 sailors, serves not just as a military vessel but also as a vessel of hope for fostering international ties and promoting community engagement. As a veteran of the Pacific since 1979, the ship’s presence symbolizes not only U.S. military history but also ongoing diplomatic efforts to provide support and stability in the region.
This visit marks a positive development in U.S.-Fiji relations, demonstrating proactive measures towards a more collaborative and secure future in the Pacific.
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