190208-N-YM543-383 OTARU, Japan (Feb. 8, 2019) Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, addresses local community members during an arrival ceremony for the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) 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)