USS Tulsa returns to Colombo for scheduled port visit
COLOMBO ‒ The United States Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Tulsa arrived at the Port of Colombo on goodwill visit on Wednesday (7), marking its second visit to Sri Lanka in two years and highlighting ongoing maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship is scheduled to refuel and resupply in Colombo before continuing its mission in the Indo-Pacific.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Eric Meyer, said the visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries and their naval personnel.
“Every American ship that visits Sri Lanka is an opportunity to deepen the friendship between our countries and the bonds between our sailors,” Meyer said, expressing appreciation for the welcome extended to US sailors.
He said such visits help build relationships and trust and strengthen the ability of the two countries to work together when required.
The USS Tulsa last visited Colombo in August 2025. The latest port call is expected to provide opportunities for interaction between US and Sri Lankan sailors and build on longstanding cooperation between the two navies through ship visits, professional exchanges, training and exercises, including Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).
The US Embassy said such engagements contribute to interoperability and the ability of the two navies to operate together in support of maritime security.
Built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, the USS Tulsa features a distinctive trimaran hull and is capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots. The ship is designed to operate in both shallow coastal waters and the open ocean.
The vessel has a large flight deck and adaptable mission spaces capable of supporting helicopters, small boats, unmanned systems, personnel and equipment for a range of operations, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Commissioned in San Francisco on February 16, 2019, the USS Tulsa operates in the Indo-Pacific under the motto Tough, Able, Ready”. The ship is named after Tulsa, Oklahoma.
–ENCL
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