The Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command ships provide fleet commanders of the United States Navy and Marine Corps with command and control.

These are the only vessels that were originally designed for the function of an amphibious command ship. They were commissioned in 1971. In the past, amphibious command ships were incapable of matching the velocity of a 20-knot amphibious force. Both ships were subsequently designated as fleet flagships. In 1979, USS Blue Ridge assumed command of the Seventh Fleet; in 1981, USS Mount Whitney was designated as the Second Fleet command ship; and in February 2005, it was redesignated as the Sixth Fleet command ship.

The service lifetimes of the USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney were prolonged to 2039 in 2011 by the Chief of Naval Operations. Jointly, the Military Sealift Command and NAVSEA are implementing an Extended Service Life Program (ESLP). Ensuring that the platforms can accommodate the complete array of mission demands for an embarked numbered fleet commander is the primary objective of ESLP.

By means of an extended service life program, the program facilitates the repair and overhaul of systems and equipment, the replacement of obsolete equipment, and the modernization of specific spaces, systems, and equipment. Significant enhancements will be implemented in the following areas: electrical generation and distribution on board, HVAC upgrades, optimization of operational spaces, modifications to ensure comfort and safety, and corrosion control.

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