USS S Coronado (AGF 11)

The command ship USS Coronado (AGF 11) will deploy from San Diego, Calif., in March to the Western Pacific. Coronado will provide a command platform for the Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet staff and serve as a temporary replacement for USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while it undergoes a maintenance period. Blue Ridge is currently forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan. The Navy is testing an innovative manning concept aboard Coronado that combines the skills of Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command (MSC) Civilian Mariners (CIVMARS). Coronado recently completed a two-month yard period, during which its basic engineering, navigation and hotel services were converted to civilian specifications. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

The 7th Fleet amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) rests at the Minato-Machi pier in Hakodate, Japan during a recent port visit. U.S. Navy (Photo: USN/Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Novia E. Harrington)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19) sits anchored in Pyongtaek Bay. U.S. Navy (Photo: USN/Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Tucker Yates)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19) steams in the Philippine Sea participating in Tandem Thrust ‘03. The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations. U.S. Navy (Photo: USN/Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Edward L Holland)