BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 25, 2025) – Capt. Louis F. Catalina, commanding officer of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) greets Republic of Korea Navy Capt. Shim Mu-sik, commodore, Force Protection Squadron, on the pier upon arriving in Busan, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2025. 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 Alajia Williams.)

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BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 25, 2025) – Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Fred Kacher greets Commander, Republic of Korea Fleet Vice Adm. Hwang Seon-woo on the quarterdeck aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) after arriving in Busan, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2025. 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 Alajia Williams)

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“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, exchanges and collaborative responses between our nations which forge unbreakable ties," said Catalina. "Most recently, we successfully completed Freedom Edge, a trilateral exercise, which enhanced our strength and interoperability. Our port visit to Busan emphasized our ironclad commitment, and it was an honor to be alongside the ROK Navy during their Fleet Review.”

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.