According to information published by US Navy on March 31, 2021, U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) operated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS Kongo (DDG 173), March 29, 2021 as a test of the partner nation’s combined maritime skills and intercommunication capabilities.
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| USS Blue Ridge LCC 19 and JS Kongo DDG 173 (Picture source: US Navy) |
