The recent arrival of a US warship in New Zealand is likely a result of improved security relations under past administrations that could be jeopardised by Donald Trump’s return to the White House, according to observers.
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The USS Blue Ridge arrived in Wellington Harbour last Friday on a goodwill visit, marking the first visit by an American naval vessel to the city since 2021.
During the visit, which ended on Thursday, US Navy officials are said to have met their local counterparts to discuss ways of improving operational readiness and advancing future military capabilities, according to New Zealand media.
The last US Navy vessels to visit were the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard in 2021 and USS Sampson in 2016.
The 200-metre (660-foot) Blue Ridge – flagship of the Japan-based Seventh Fleet – departed Yokosuka Naval Base on April 3 and has visited Australia, Fiji and New Caledonia, American military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported.
Vice-admiral Fred Kacher, commander of the fleet, said the visit spoke to the “deep ties” between Washington and Wellington. “Our partnership is rooted in our common values and respect, and our visit here represents an important opportunity for us to further strengthen the bond between our nations and our navies.”