USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

The amphibious assault ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) leaves port for sea trials under escort from the harbor tug USS Muskegon (YTB 763). Blue Ridge is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Novia E. Harrington)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

The amphibious command and control ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returns to its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan after a scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific. Blue Ridge is the command and control ship of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet and is forward deployed to Yokosuka. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC/JCC 19)

The amphibious command and control ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returns to its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan after a scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific. Blue Ridge is the command and control ship of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet and is forward deployed to Yokosuka. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner)

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)