Colombo, Oct 26 (Daily Mirror) - The United States Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at the Port of Colombo today (26) for a routine port call, marking its second visit to Sri Lanka this year.
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship previously visited Sri Lanka in June.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer expressed appreciation to the Sri Lanka Navy for its support in facilitating the ship’s visits.
“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,” he said.
Built in Mobile, Alabama, USS Canberra is designed to operate in coastal waters and the open ocean. Equipped with advanced technology and adaptable mission systems, the vessel can undertake maritime security operations, counter sea mines and support the US Navy’s regional presence.
Its operations in the Indo-Pacific form part of US efforts to protect vital maritime routes, maintain freedom of navigation and strengthen cooperation with regional partners on maritime security.
The ship was named in honour of HMAS Canberra, an Australian warship that was lost while fighting alongside US forces during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942, during World War II. The naming was announced by then US President Donald Trump in February 2018.
USS Canberra made history on July 22, 2023, when it became the first US Navy warship to be commissioned in a foreign allied country. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia.