The US Navy’s USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at the Port of Colombo on Friday morning for a brief logistical stop, weeks after the Independence-variant littoral combat ship was deployed in the Arabian Sea as part of the US maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, the US Embassy said.
The Canberra’s April 2026 station in the Arabian Sea is documented on US Central Command’s official website, NewsFirst reported. The vessel, commanded by Cmdr. James McLaughlin, is now refuelling and replenishing supplies in Colombo before continuing its deployment.
The visit is the fourth call by a US Navy littoral combat ship at Colombo in recent years, following the USS Tulsa, USS Charleston and USS Santa Barbara. The continued presence of such vessels “highlights the critical importance of continued engagement among maritime partners dedicated to security, cooperation, and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the US Embassy said.
Commissioned in July 2023, USS Canberra is designed for high-speed, agile near-shore operations and is equipped for maritime security, forward presence, sea control and deterrence missions.
The stopover comes the same week US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that an initial Iran deal was close after he cancelled fresh strikes on the country, even as Brent crude fell to around $89 a barrel. The Hormuz blockade — imposed in early April after Iran nuclear talks collapsed in Islamabad — has been the single largest disruption to Sri Lanka’s fuel imports this year, drawing pushback from NATO allies, European foreign ministers and China.
Update — June 14: USS Canberra departed Colombo on Sunday, the Sri Lanka Navy extending a traditional naval farewell at the Port of Colombo. During the vessel’s stay, the Commanding Officer called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, The Island reported.
Sources:
