The USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet, docked in Cairns, Australia, on April 16, 2025, marking its first visit to the city since 2013. This port call is part of the fleet's routine operations aimed at strengthening regional stability and maritime security in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The U.S. 7th Fleet staff, present aboard the USS Blue Ridge, is responsible for operational control and planning in these strategic areas. The visit underscores the U.S.-Australia alliance and the historical ties between the two navies.
Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, the commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, expressed gratitude, stating, “Deepest thanks to the people of Cairns for their warm welcome to our Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet teams. The U.S. 7th Fleet operates closely every day with the Royal Australian Navy to advance our combined warfighting capabilities and keep the Indo-Pacific secure and prosperous, and we are grateful that the first port visit with our flagship is here in Australia.”
The visit includes replenishing fuel and supplies, highlighting the logistical aspects of the ship's itinerary. The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed unit, shares a significant historical connection with Queensland, having been reorganized there 82 years ago.
U.S. Consul General in Sydney, Christine Elder, remarked, “The 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, began its storied history in Queensland 82 years ago when the U.S. Western and Southwestern Pacific naval forces were reorganized as the 7th Fleet. The arrival of USS Blue Ridge represents the 7th Fleet’s homecoming in Cairns, as well as the continued collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Regular patrols by the USS Blue Ridge and the fleet staff in the Indo-Pacific are focused on deterring aggression and enhancing alliances and partnerships to improve future warfighting capabilities. For further updates, the USS Blue Ridge can be followed at its official site.