U.S. warship Blue Ridge pulls into Hong Kong

The USS Blue Ridge, flagship for the Commander of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, anchored in Hong Kong waters on Thursday, beginning the crew's five-day port visit.

Sailors from the 7th Fleet band will give two free public performances at the International Finance Center Mall on Sunday, said a press statement issued by the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, adding that the band will perform a variety of styles of music, such as contemporary big band, jazz, and swing.

Blue Ridge Sailors have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through a variety of tours. Sailors will see cultural sites like the Po Lin Monastery and the nearby Tian Tan Buddha statue, as well as popular tourist attractions like the Happy Valley Racecourse and the nearby city of Macao.

Sailors will enjoy the hospitality of community sponsors through the "Meals in Home" program coordinated by the ship's chaplain.

Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet staff sailors will also participate in three community outreach projects to strengthen established ties and create new friendships, according to the statement.

Source: Xinhua