THE flagship of the United States' Seventh Fleet took pole position at Ocean Terminal yesterday during a recreational visit to Hong Kong - possibly one of its last.
USS Blue Ridge, an amphibious command vessel, arrived in the territory on Wednesday but moved from a buoy to the terminal which became vacant yesterday.
It is rare for commercial berths to be used by military vessels which usually moor alongside the Prince of Wales Barracks in Central. But this is no longer possible due to reclamation work.
A spokesman for the US Consulate said Vice-Admiral Archie Clemins, commander of the fleet, was here for rest and recreation. The ship, with 700 crew, was due to leave today.
Future visits to the territory by the American navy are in doubt due to the handover. No agreement has yet been reached between the United States and China.
