190208-N-YM543-323 OTARU, Japan (Feb. 08, 2019) Community representatives present flowers to Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, during an arrival ceremony for the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC19) in Otaru, Japan. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and as 7th Fleet command ship, is responsible for fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McKay/RELEASED)