Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

USS BLUE RIDGE

U.S. Navy•97 members

USS BLUE RIDGE Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the USS BLUE RIDGE?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

USS BLUE RIDGE

U.S. Navy

USS **Blue Ridge** (LCC-19) is the lead ship of the Blue Ridge-class command ships in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1970. Designed as a floating command and control center, Blue Ridge has served as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing vital communications and coordination for naval operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The ship has participated in numerous significant operations, including humanitarian assistance missions, joint military exercises, and crisis response initiatives. Renowned for her advanced communications capabilities, USS Blue Ridge continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. naval presence and readiness in Asia-Pacific waters.

About USS BLUE RIDGE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

USS BLUE RIDGE

U.S. Navy•97 members

USS BLUE RIDGE Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the USS BLUE RIDGE?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

USS BLUE RIDGE

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Bob Garner

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1976 - 1979

Message View Profile

Julie Donley

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1993 - 1996

Message View Profile

Eugene Provost

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1984 - 1987

Message View Profile

Rodger Ezell

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1985 - 1988

Message View Profile

View all members

Photos from USS BLUE RIDGE members

View all photos

About USS BLUE RIDGE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.