USS Blue Ridge Dumating Na sa Manila — US 7th Fleet Flagship Nagpa-Port Visit for Alliance Talks
The USS Blue Ridge, flagship of the US 7th Fleet and one of the most storied command ships in the American Navy, sailed into Manila on March 16 for a scheduled port visit — its first time docking in the Philippine capital since 2024. The arrival comes at a critical time, with tensions simmering in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
During the port visit, leadership from U.S. 7th Fleet and the Blue Ridge are set to meet with Philippine Navy counterparts and local leaders para pag-usapan kung paano pa mapapalakas ang operational readiness, future military capabilities, and the overall US-Philippine Alliance. Vice Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander of the 7th Fleet, expressed appreciation for the Philippines' hospitality.
"Every day our Alliance grows in capability through our consistent operations together, which drive tangible gains in high-end readiness," Hannifin said. He highlighted that the two navies have already completed four Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCAs) this year, building momentum toward the landmark Balikatan exercises.
US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Y. Robert Ewing called the visit a testament to the strength of the alliance, saying the port visit enhances both countries' ability to "work shoulder-to-shoulder to protect Philippine and U.S. interests" and contribute to peace and stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Bukod sa military talks, the 7th Fleet Band will perform, and sailors from the Blue Ridge are scheduled to participate in community relations events and ship tours. The visit reinforces the deepening defense ties between Manila and Washington as both nations navigate an increasingly complex security environment in the region.
Source: U.S. 7th Fleet
