Colombo, Oct 28 (newsin.asia) – The US’s Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrived at the Port of Colombo on Saturday to strengthen maritime ties between the US and Sri Lankan Navies, the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.
The Carrier Strike Group includes the USS Nimitz, the cruiser USS Princeton, and destroyers USS Howard, USS Shoup, USS Pinckney, and USS Kidd.
The USS Nimitz is one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world and is the first carrier to visit Sri Lanka in 32 years.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Atul Keshap said that during its stay in the country, U.S. sailors will have the chance to meet with its people and take part in public service activities at schools, hospitals, and rest homes.
It is estimated that the carrier strike group will add approximately $10 million dollars to the Sri Lankan economy as the ships purchase supplies and thousands of U.S. sailors come ashore and support local businesses.
During the visit, sailors will have opportunities to explore the local community and meet with their counterparts in the Sri Lankan Navy, the US Embassy said.
The USS Nimitz is more than 23 stories high from the keel to the top of the mast and is approximately 333 meters long. It can accommodate more than 5,000 personnel.
The ships are scheduled to depart Colombo on Oct 31.
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