1 hour ago1 hr The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), docked at Laem Chabang Port on Thursday 26 March, for a scheduled visit aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the United States and Thailand. The visit included meetings between senior ship leadership, Thai Navy officials and local authorities. It also provided opportunities for refuelling, resupply, and community engagement activities.Get today's headlines by email The port call continues a pattern of regular engagements between the two countries, with the vessel’s previous visit to Thailand taking place in June 2024. Discussions during the visit will focus on enhancing operational readiness, advancing military capabilities and reinforcing the long-standing alliance. Officials highlighted ongoing cooperation through joint exercises such as Cobra Gold and CARAT.Rear Adm. Kyle Gantt, deputy commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, said the visit reflects “over 190 years of friendly, formal relations” between the two nations. He added that engagements including staff talks and joint exercises “steadily build our collective ability to ensure a prosperous, free and open Indo-Pacific.” Sailors aboard the ship will also participate in community events and host tours during the visit.USS Blue Ridge, named after the Blue Ridge Mountains in the eastern United States, has served as the command ship of the U.S. 7th Fleet since 1979. The 18,500-ton vessel has supported major operations including the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990–91. Forward-deployed from Yokosuka, Japan, it is equipped with advanced communications and command systems that enable continuous regional operations.The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly operates with allies across the Indo-Pacific region. Its activities are intended to promote regional stability, deter aggression and maintain a free and open maritime environment. The Laem Chabang visit reflects ongoing efforts to reinforce these objectives through direct engagement with regional partners.Khaosod reported that both sides are expected to continue cooperation through future exercises and strategic dialogues. Such engagements are seen as key to maintaining interoperability and strengthening defence ties in the Indo-Pacific. The visit also underscores the importance placed on sustained military partnerships amid evolving regional security dynamics.Picture courtesy of KhaosodJoin the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 27 Mar 2026 View full article
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