The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Aug. 13, for a port visit in support of embarked Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet's (C7F) participation in bi-lateral exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG).

UFG is an annual combined command and control exercise designed to enhance the combat readiness of the ROK and U.S. supporting forces through joint training, while also relations between the two nations.

"Every opportunity we have to exercise with our ROK counterparts makes our relationships with our allies stronger," said Cmdr. Nathan Fugate, Blue Ridge executive officer. "Throughout the exercise our Sailors will have the opportunity to observe and participate in exchanges with the ROK Navy, and help continue to build on the years of cooperation and friendship that our nations have shared."

The exercise will not be the only opportunity Sailors will have for interaction. Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet athletes will challenge members of the ROK Navy to friendly games of basketball and soccer.

"When you walk on the court, the language changes," said Chief Damage Controlman Andrae Sutherland, head coach and captain of the U.S. basketball team. "We can understand each other because we all know the rules of the global games. This positive interaction with our allies helps strengthen our friendships."

Blue Ridge and C7F Sailors will also participate in community service events while in Busan. At the JaeHwalWon Home for the Handicapped and Ae Won Orphanage, Sailors will have the opportunity to interact with the elderly and play games and sing songs with children.

Sailors will also visit the Korea Polytechnic VII Changwon Campus and Sung and Oryukdo Middle School, where they will meet students to help build upon our communication and interaction skills.

"I always think that it is good to give back. I love helping people and it is how I prefer to spend my time," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brandon Gorman. "I encourage everyone to get out and participate in community service events, because its one thing to hear about a culture, but quite another to immerse yourself in it and experience it for yourself.

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 36 years and is currently conducting a port visit in Busan, while patrolling the 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.

For more news from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visit www.navy.mil/