The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet personnel departed Koror, Palau, following a scheduled port visit from August 10-14, 2024.
Palau is a Pacific island nation that is a member of the Freely Associated States and the Compact of Free Association with the United States.
“We thank the people of Koror for the warm welcome our Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet teams received. This visit was the first for USS Blue Ridge and is a testament to our shared commitment to Palau to promote freedom and security in this region,” said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “We are pleased that our team had the opportunity to meet with Palau’s leaders, engage with the community, and experience Palau’s culture and hospitality.”
On the first night, Sailors and Marines aboard Blue Ridge participated in a bi-monthly community event at the local “680 Night Market.” The venue hosted local businesses, featured local dance performances, and showcased Palauan culture. The U.S. 7th Fleet band, “Orient Express,” performed live at the 680 Night Market.
“I am very fortunate to have been able to visit Palau during my patrol,” said Musician 1st Class Mark Lame. “Being able to perform with other band members, showcase our talents, entertain the local community and strengthen U.S.-Palau relations is something special and I am happy to say I was a part of it.”
On the second day of the scheduled port visit, the people of Palau hosted a softball tournament with five teams representing various community organizations. The tournament lasted eight hours and the “ambassadors” from the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Palau emerged victorious.
“I was amazed at the level of competitiveness and camaraderie during the softball tournament,” said Chief Damage Controlman Christopher Thibodeau. “Everyone had fun and it was nice to see the different talents on the field. Visiting Palau and competing against different teams from the communities was a once in a lifetime experience for me.”
During the port visit, Maj. Jonathan Will, assistant Marine officer in charge, visited Peleliu to take a historical tour and meet with Marines operating in the theater. The Republic of Palau is of historical significance and the island of Peleliu played a strategic role in World War II. From September 15 to November 27, 1944, Palau hosted Operation Stalemate II: The Battle of Peleliu, which was one of the highest casualty operations of any amphibious assault in the Pacific.
“Visiting Peleliu was … an extremely rewarding experience. It was fascinating to learn about the battle and their current mission on Peleliu. Seeing the battlefields in person, feeling the damp, stumbling over roots and coral rocks, and looking through the windows of the machine gun bunkers gives a completely different perspective than reading a book or watching a movie,” Will said. “Seeing both the American and Japanese memorials … helped me appreciate the extraordinary courage, patriotism, and dedication not only of our Marine ancestors, but of those we fought against and who are today among our closest allies.”
During this port visit, Blue Ridge entered the Republic of Palau for the first time and underscored the importance of meaningful exchanges in building and strengthening partnerships with the people of Palau.
“We are grateful and honored that Blue Ridge had the opportunity to visit Palau. Our Sailors were able to experience the historical and modern significance of this beautiful country while enjoying the food, culture and sights,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of Blue Ridge. “We look forward to future opportunities to strengthen our friendship and advance our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and regularly interacts and operates with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
