DVIDS – News – USS Blue Ridge departs Busan, South Korea

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Busan, South Korea following a scheduled port visit, Sept. 25-30, 2025.

“We are grateful to the residents of the beautiful city of Busan and to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy for being such welcoming hosts during our visit,” said Capt. Louis F. Catalina IV, commanding officer of Blue Ridge. “This was an excellent opportunity to further enhance our cooperation with our friends in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy and to build relationships with the wonderful people here in Busan.”

This port visit marked the first time Blue Ridge has visited Busan since 2020 and follows the recent completion of the trilateral exercise Freedom Edge.

While in Busan, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy counterparts during office calls and meetings, surface members of the Blue Ridge crew hosted tours for ROK Navy sailors.

The visit coincided with the ROK Navy fleet review, celebrating ROK Navy’s 80th anniversary, and Commander, Navy Forces Korea’s 2025 Navy Ball, which marked the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary offering both services a chance to celebrate each other’s naval heritage.

“We continue to execute joint exercises and exchanges responses between our nations, which was on display during Freedom Edge, but also in coming here to this beautiful port and being able to celebrate the Republic of Korea Navy’s fleet review,” said Catalina. “It was an amazing event, and we were glad to be here for that.”

Blue Ridge’s visit to Busan served as a testament to the bond and enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance which remains the linchpin of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula since its establishment in 1953.

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.