Fred William Kacher

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

New Zealand Minister of Defense the Honorable Judith Collins was welcomed aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a scheduled port visit to Wellington. The Minister was greeted on the quarterdeck for a reception recognizing the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and New Zealand.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates and engages with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The visit underscored the importance of continued cooperation and our shared commitment to regional security and stability.

04/03/2026

Australian Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, AO, Royal Australian Navy, was welcomed aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), during a scheduled port visit to Sydney. The engagement provided an opportunity to reinforce the longstanding maritime partnership between the United States and Australia and to discuss continued naval cooperation in support of regional security.

As Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, I remain committed to deepening interoperability and coordination with our allies and partners. Routine engagements such as this underscore our shared dedication to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, grounded in respect for international law, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.

04/03/2026

I met with New Zealand Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies at Defence House in Wellington, where we reaffirmed the strength of the enduring partnership between our two nations. Our discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, strengthening interoperability, and advancing shared security objectives across the region.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, remains committed to operating alongside allies and partners to preserve stability and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. Engagements like this reflect our continued dedication to collective security and regional resilience.

02/02/2026

A great leader is not defined by the authority they wield, but by the influence they create, the ability to inspire, empower, and elevate those around them. True leadership emerges from articulating a compelling vision that people don’t just understand, but genuinely believe in and choose to champion. It is the intentional cultivation of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose, where individuals feel seen, valued, and motivated to contribute their very best.

Exceptional leaders lead with empathy, integrity, and humility. They listen with intention, communicate with clarity and transparency, and stand shoulder to shoulder with their teams through both adversity and achievement. In the end, leadership is never about personal acclaim; it is about unlocking collective potential, enabling shared success, and driving meaningful, lasting progress for the people and communities they serve.

02/02/2026

I, Fred Kacher speaks with U.S. Consul General Christine Elder, U.S. Coast Guard Attaché Capt. Amanda Ramassini, and Capt. Jennifer Barnes, U.S. 7th Fleet assistant chief of staff for plans and engagements, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a scheduled port visit to Sydney. The U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

24/11/2025

Mr. Le Huu Hoang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, center, and his colleagues applaud at the conclusion of a meeting with me Vice Adm. Frederick William Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is conducting a scheduled port visit to Cam Ranh, Vietnam. The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely operates with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.