150331-N-NT747-041 YOKOHAMA, Japan - Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, answers questions from local media during a press conference with Commander, Self Defense Fleet Vice Adm. Eiichi Funada 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.