NIMITZ CARRIER STRIKE GROUP ARRIVES IN COLOMBO; KEY OFFICIALS TAKEN ON-BOARD
United States Navy 's Carrier Strike Group Nimitz including the super aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), the Cruiser USS Princeton, and Destroyers USS Howard, USS Shoup, USS Pinckney, and USS Kidd reached Colombo today (28th October, 2017).\r\n\r\nAccording to U.S. Embassy officials, the Carrier Strike Group 's port visit reflects upon the growing bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Sri Lankan navies. \r\n\r\nThis is the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier had visited Sri Lanka since 1985. \r\n\r\nThe Carrier Strike Group is commanded by Rear Admiral Gregory Harris.\r\n\r\nUpon her arrival off Colombo, a key Sri Lankan delegation including the State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene, Minister of Ports and Shipping Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral SS Ranasinghe and a few other senior naval officials were hosted onboard.\r\n\r\nThe United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives His Excellency Atul Keshap was also present at the occasion.\r\n
