200530-N-FA444-1128 PHILIPPINE SEA (May. 30, 2020) Vice Adm. Bill Merz, from San Diego, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, rides backseat in one of two F18 Super Hornets from the The Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group as they conduct a fly-by of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during an underway in the Philippine Sea. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as U.S. 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon L. Harris/Released)