The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship – USS Canberra (LCS 30) returns to the Port of Colombo today (Oct. 26) for a routine port call.
This marks the ship’s second visit to Sri Lanka this year, following a port call in June, and underscores the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lankan navies and their shared commitment to maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.
“We appreciate the Sri Lanka Navy’s professionalism and support in making these visits smooth and efficient. Each visit reinforces the strength of our naval partnership, built on trust, and our shared commitment to maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer.
USS Canberra (LCS 30) is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship built in Mobile, Alabama, and designed for speed, flexibility, and operations in both coastal waters and the open ocean. Equipped with advanced technology and adaptable mission systems, the ship can conduct maritime security operations, counter sea mines, and support U.S. naval presence and deterrence. Its operations in the Indo-Pacific demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to protecting vital sea lanes, maintaining freedom of navigation, and working with regional partners to strengthen maritime security.
In February 2018, President Donald Trump announced the naming of USS Canberra (LCS 30) in honor of HMAS Canberra, an Australian warship lost while fighting alongside U.S. forces during World War II’s Battle of Savo Island in 1942. The second U.S. ship to bear the name Canberra made history on July 22, 2023, when it became the first U.S. Navy warship commissioned in an allied country during a ceremony at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East in Sydney. Its name carries forward a legacy of shared American and Australian service and sacrifice.