The Commander of Battle Force Seventh Fleet of the United States Navy, Vice Admiral Joseph P Aucoin, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Wong Chi-hung on April 29, amid a scheduled port visit to Hong Kong by the command ship Blue Ridge of the fleet between April 29 and May 3.

Mr Aucoin expressed his appreciation for the Force's professional support provided to the ship. Having exchanged views on a wide range of issues including maritime security matters, both Mr Wong and Mr Aucoin agreed that this port visit had strengthened liaison between both sides and enhanced mutual understanding.