YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 2, 2021) A laboratory technologist from Naval Medical Research Unit 2 (NAMRU-2) preps medical testing kits during a COVID-19 research study aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). NAMRU-2 is onboard to procure samples from Sailors who volunteered to participate in the research study called Survey of Immune Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infections (SIM-COVID). SIM-COVID is part of the Navy-wide initiative to research how widespread COVID-19 infections are across the fleet.. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 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 Erik M. Rivera Jr.)