U.S. Warship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Now in Malaysia to Strengthen Military Relations
This visit by the U.S. 7th Fleet warship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC19) underscores the strong bilateral relations that have spanned various sectors including economy, security, and the longstanding people-to-people relationship between Malaysia and the United States.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet, is currently docked at Port Klang for a routine visit to Malaysia.
This visit by the U.S. Navy warship underscores the strong bilateral relations that have spanned various sectors including economy, security, and the longstanding 65-year friendship between Malaysia and the United States.
“We extend our gratitude to the residents of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for their warm welcome towards the crew of the USS Blue Ridge and the 7th Fleet team,” expressed Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the 7th Fleet.
Malaysia is a key partner in this region, and this visit to Port Klang provides us with a significant opportunity to meet with our counterparts from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), engage with the local community, and appreciate the beauty and culture of this country,” added Vice Admiral Kacher, who leads approximately 1,000 officers and crew, alongside USS Blue Ridge’s Commanding Officer, Captain Nicholas C. Deleo.
Captain Deleo noted that the USS Blue Ridge’s visit to Malaysia aims to discuss and further enhance maritime security cooperation.
“Our diplomatic relations have been robust since 1957, and we are here today to continue fostering strong bilateral ties between our nations. We share several mutual security interests with Malaysia, including counter-terrorism, maritime domain awareness, and regional stability.
“These are the topics we aim to discuss to strengthen our countries’ relations. I believe our dialogues in the coming days will help achieve these goals,” stated Captain Deleo during a media session aboard the ship.
He also mentioned that the last visit of the USS Blue Ridge to Malaysia was in 2019.
During their stay in Port Klang, the 7th Fleet team and the USS Blue Ridge will meet with their RMN counterparts to discuss efforts to further enhance military relations between Malaysia and the United States.
“Maritime security in this region has been and remains a priority for the United States. The visit of the USS Blue Ridge to Malaysia is a testament to our strong defense relationship, evidenced by our 14 bilateral and multilateral exercises with Malaysia,” said Manu Bhalla, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia.
The crew of the USS Blue Ridge and the U.S. 7th Fleet will participate in community and cultural programs to learn about local history and interact closely with the residents of Kuala Lumpur.
As the flagship of the 7th Fleet, the USS Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the U.S. Navy and routinely operates with allied and partner forces to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Commissioned in 1970, the USS Blue Ridge provides command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence support to fleet commanders and staff.
Based in Yokosuka, Japan, the ship is named after the Blue Ridge Mountains, a range in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States.
Commissioned in 1972, the USS Blue Ridge, weighing over 18,000 tons, is an “Amphibious Command Ship” of the U.S. Navy. — DSA
