The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) transits the South China Sea, April 27, 2019.
The Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as US 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region.
--Cooter
From the Paralyzed Veterans of America March 2021 calendar.
USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19)
General Characteristics
BUILDER: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia
LAUNCHED: January 4, 1969
COMMISSIONED: November 14, 1970
DISPLACEMENT: Approx. 18,400 tons full load
LENGTH: 636.5 feet
BEAM: 108 feet
DRAFT: 26.9 feet
ARMAMENT: two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS, eight .50 cal. machine guns, 25 mm Bushmaster cannons
AIRCRAFT: All helicopters
--CootAhoy
