SANTA RITA, Guam -- A group of civic and government leaders embarked and toured USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), as the 7th Fleet flagship made a port call to Naval Base Guam May 20.

Blue Ridge Sailors provided an overview tour of the ship to the 16 guests, giving them an idea of life and operations aboard the ship.

"Personally, I feel as though this is a great experience, both for the guests who embarked and for us as a crew," said Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Anduze. "We always cherish opportunities to show off the flagship to visitors at all times, but this is especially true when our visitors are the local American citizens we have in the region. It reinforces the relationships we as a nation have here."

On the tour, the visitors were able to learn about damage control, navigation, and seamanship aboard a forward-deployed Naval vessel while experiencing a small slice of life at sea.

"This is my first time on a military ship, so it's exciting and we appreciate the opportunity to have been invited to be onboard," said Glenna Reyes, Senior Policy Advisor to the Guam Governor.

The flagship’s visit allows members of the Blue Ridge/7th Fleet team to take part in Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving.

The 7th Fleet band will play several public concerts, highlighted with a performance at Guam Premier Outlets on May 24. The team will also host a reception aboard for local community leaders and Navy supporters.

U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.

As 7th Fleet’s flagship, Blue Ridge, provides a mobile command and control capability throughout the Indo-Pacific. Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Eric Anduze and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. This year marks the ship’s 40th year homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.