The senior officer of the ship, the Chief of Staff of the US Navy’s 7th fleet, Vice Admiral Aucoin paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo same day. Cordial discussions on the matters of mutual interests were held and mementos were also exchanged at the occasion.

The crew of the USS “Blue Ridge” is scheduled to take part in an array of programs organized by the Sri Lanka Navy. Moreover special training programs have been organized for the officers and sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy, on board “Blue Ridge”.

The USS “Blue Ridge” comprises of 1000 plus crew with the displacement of 19,200 tons. The ship is scheduled to leave Sri Lanka on 31st of this month having conducted a joint naval exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy.