US Naval Ship “Blue Ridge” arrives at the Port of Colombo

The US Navy’s 7^th fleet flag ship "Blue Ridge" arrives at the port of Colombo today (26) on a goodwill visit. The flag ship was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on her arrival.

The senior officer of the ship, the Chief of staff of the US Navy’s 7^th fleet, Vice Admiral Aucoin paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo today. They held cordial discussions on the matters of mutual interests and mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion.

The crew of the USS “Blue Ridge” is scheduled to take part in an array of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy. The U.S. Navy 7^th fleet band and Sri Lanka Navy band will showcase a band display today at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. Further naval personnel of the two navies will be competing in friendly basketball, baseball and football games at Welisara Naval Base. Moreover special training programmes have been organized for the officers and sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy, on board “Blue Ridge”.

The USS “Blue Ridge” comprises of 1000 plus crew with the displacement of 19,200 tonnes. The ship is scheduled to leave Sri Lanka on 31^st of this month having conducted a joint naval exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy.