The U.S. littoral combat ship will refuel and resupply in Colombo before continuing its Indo-Pacific mission.

USS Tulsa (LCS 16), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship of the U.S. Navy, arrived at the Port of Colombo today (7 October), marking its second visit to Sri Lanka in two years.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, the goodwill visit is aimed at strengthening ties between U.S. and Sri Lankan sailors, while the vessel will also refuel and resupply before continuing its mission in the Indo-Pacific.

“Every American ship that visits Sri Lanka is an opportunity to deepen the friendship between our countries and the bonds between our sailors,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said.

He said such visits help build trust and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

USS Tulsa previously visited Colombo in August 2025.

The Embassy said the latest visit builds on maritime cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, including ship visits, professional exchanges, training and exercises such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).

Built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, USS Tulsa features a trimaran hull and is capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots.

The vessel is designed for maritime security, sea control and operations with partner countries and can support helicopters, small boats, unmanned systems, personnel and equipment.

USS Tulsa was commissioned in San Francisco in February 2019 and operates in the Indo-Pacific.