The US Navy Ship ‘Fall River’ belonging to the US Pacific Command arrived at the Port of Hambantota yesterday (7). The ship was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions upon her arrival.

The ship arrived to the Port of Hambantota with Marine personnel from US, Australia and Japan onboard, who are expected to take part in the Pacific Partnership 2017 which is scheduled to commence centred on the Hambantota harbour. During its anchorage, the ship’s crew together with Sri Lanka Navy is set to conduct wide range of activities including health clinics, renovation of schools and hospitals, subject matter expert exchange, community relation projects and band performance and programmes on women’s role in keeping peace and security.

The significance of this program, is that this would mark the first occasion where a serial of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises are being conducted in South Asia. In addition, the focus of US perspective is also on the role undertaken by USNS Fall River for the first time as a sole ship. The Pacific Partnership initiative is a demonstration of the state of interoperability of Sri Lanka Navy with other navies in responding to crisis situations. The US ship is scheduled to leave from the country on 18th of this month.