The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced that the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, will arrive at the Port of Colombo on August 16. This is the first time the USS Santa Barbara will make a port call to Colombo.
According to the embassy, this visit highlights ongoing cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as both countries' commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The ship's stop in Colombo is brief and intended for refueling and resupplying before it continues its mission.
The USS Santa Barbara is part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, which oversees operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The fleet’s main role is operational control and planning for its forces while working with allies and partners to maintain regional security.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung stated, “The arrival of the USS Santa Barbara to Sri Lanka is a powerful symbol of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership in action. As part of the U.S. 7th Fleet—the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet—this visit reflects our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “We’re proud to stand alongside Sri Lanka as we work together to promote peace and prosperity across the region.”
The ship was christened on October 16, 2021, and currently operates with Destroyer Squadron 7 (DESRON 7). It conducts regular patrols throughout the Indo-Pacific aimed at deterring aggression, supporting alliances and partnerships, and advancing future warfighting capabilities.
More information about USS Santa Barbara can be found at https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lcs32/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CDS-7.