USS BLUE RIDGE

• Commissioned in 1970: USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) was commissioned on 14 November 1970 and has served as the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet for decades. • Unique Class: She is the lead ship of the Blue Ridge-class command ships and, along with her sister USS Mount Whitney, is among the most advanced command ships ever built. • Longest-Serving Active Ship: As of the 2020s, Blue Ridge is the U.S. Navy’s oldest deployable warship still in active service, apart from the USS Constitution. • Operational Hub: The ship serves as a floating headquarters, equipped with one of the most sophisticated communications suites in the world, allowing real-time global command and control. • Vietnam War Service: Shortly after commissioning, USS Blue Ridge participated in the Vietnam War, supporting operations and evacuations, including Operation Frequent Wind—the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. • International Engagements: Blue Ridge has visited more than 30 countries, playing a critical role in military diplomacy and fostering international relationships in the Indo-Pacific region. • Disaster Relief: The ship has provided humanitarian assistance during natural disasters, such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, showing the Navy’s global reach. • Homeported in Japan: Since 1979, Blue Ridge has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, symbolizing U.S. commitment to regional security in Asia. • Nickname "Building 19": Sailors often refer to Blue Ridge as "Building 19" due to its extended pier-side periods in Yokosuka and its reputation as a floating command center. • Cultural and Ceremonial Role: The ship frequently hosts high-ranking officials and dignitaries, making it a key venue for military and diplomatic ceremonies in the Pacific.