USS Anchorage departs on successful completion of CARAT – 2023

On successful completion of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 Exercise, USS ‘Anchorage’ (LPD-23) of the United States Navy departed the island this morning (27th January 2023). Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.

USS Anchorage arrived in Colombo on 19th January to take part in the CARAT – 2023 Exercise. She conducted a series of naval exercises with SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Samudura off the western coast. These exercises were also augmented by the ship-borne helicopters of USS Anchorage.

Conducting this nature of naval exercises enables Sri Lanka Navy to gain access to a larger and more diverse range of equipment and resources during the exercises, which can help to enhance its own capabilities. Understanding of the tactics, processes, and standard operating procedures will also help each other to better prepare for potential security challenges.