150331-N-NT747-033 YOKOHAMA, Japan - Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Robert Thomas and Commander Self Defense Fleet Vice Adm. Eiichi Funada answer questions from local media during a press conference on the main deck of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge is currently on patrol strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.