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USS Blue Ridge Departs Busan After First Port Call Since 2020, Showcasing U.S.–ROK Naval Ties

The port call served as proof of reinforced deterrence, a visible signal of U.S. commitment.

This photo, provided by Kookbangilbo, shows Captain Louis Catalina, commanding officer of the USS Blue Ridge, responding to reporters' questions during a press tour aboard a U.S. command ship on Sept. 29, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonahp)
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Overview

  • The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship left Busan on Sept. 30 after a Sept. 25–30 visit that followed the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise off Jeju.
  • Capt. Louis F. Catalina said the South Korea–U.S. alliance "has never been stronger" and called the visit an expression of an "ironclad" commitment.
  • ROK Navy Capt. Kang Hyung-gu said continued U.S. warship deployments have enhanced maritime operational capabilities and strengthened extended deterrence.
  • The stop was Blue Ridge’s first in Busan since February 2020, featuring meetings with ROK Navy counterparts, ship tours, and events linked to the ROK fleet review and the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary.
  • Commissioned in 1970 and based in Yokosuka, Blue Ridge is the Navy’s oldest deployable ship, with leaders underscoring ongoing maintenance to sustain readiness.