2011-02-19 21:02

HONG KONG - The USS Blue Ridge, flagship for the Commander of the US Navy's 7th Fleet, Saturday started its port visit in Hong Kong which will last around five days.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC19), the flagship of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, is seen in Hong Kong waters Feb 19, 2011. The USS Blue Ridge arrived in Hong Kong from the Philippines on Saturday.  [Photo/Agencies]

Speaking at a press briefing held on the ship on Saturday, the Captain of the Blue Ridge Rudy Lupton said sailors from the warship will participate in some community work while enjoying their stay in the city.

The sailors will visit Fu Hong Society and Hong Chi Pinehill Village, local organizations providing services for people who are mentally retarded, where they will carry out some maintenance and landscaping work.

The Blue Ridge will also conduct training together with the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, Lupton added.

Carrying more than 1,400 crews on board, the 194-meter Blue Ridge, with a tonnage of over 19,000 tons, has been in service for about 40 years.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Captain Rudy Lupton, the flagship of the United States Seventh Fleet, answers questions during a news conference in Hong Kong Feb 19, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]