US command ship visits Phuket

PHUKET: The US Navy’s 7th Fleet command ship, the USS Blue Ridge, arrived here today. While in port, 7th Fleet Commander, V/Adm James Metzger, and his staff will have a series of meetings with Thai military and civilian leaders to discuss regional issues of concern, including the fight against terrorism. They will also discuss holding combined exercises with the Royal Thai Navy. The Blue Ridge is commanded by Captain Andrew G Sevald and has a crew of almost 1,000. The sailors are scheduled to take part in community service projects during their stay, but will also be given time to enjoy fully all that the island has to offer. The 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility for naval operations encompasses 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.