US Navy Ship USS Hopper’s visit signals growing bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka

Jan 23, Colombo: The USS Hopper (DDG 70) concluded its five-day port call to Colombo today as part of a visit to strengthen growing United States-Sri Lankan ties and expressed appreciation to the Sri Lankan Navy for its assistance during an emergency medical evacuation of a USS Hopper crewmember in September 2016.

“Cooperation between our two countries' naval forces enhances maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap. “Sri Lanka's friendly and prompt assistance to ensure the health and safety of our U.S. Navy Sailors is just one more example of this.”

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer arrived at Port of Colombo on 19 January on a four-day official visit. The ship was scheduled to depart today.

During the visit, U.S. Navy Sailors joined their Sri Lankan counterparts in sports and cultural exchanges, and shared tactical training for rescue and ship inspections at sea. The USS Hopper crew also enjoyed the hospitality and culture of Sri Lanka. In addition, Sailors travelled to Galle to help repair and restore the All Saints Cemetery, which includes the graves of John Black, who was appointed in 1850 as the first U.S. Commercial Agent to Ceylon, and his wife Isabel.