12 October 2011

USA: USS Ford Arrives in Galle, Sri Lanka

USS Ford (FFG-54) Wiki Info
By USS Ford Public Affairs

GALLE, Sri Lanka  - Oliver Hazard Perry-class, guided-missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54) arrived in Galle, Sri Lanka, for a port visit Oct. 11.

The visit to Galle is an opportunity for Ford Sailors to engage with their Sri Lanka Navy counterparts and to interact with the local community.

"It’s a pleasure to be here in Sri Lanka," said Cmdr. Don Foss, Ford's commanding officer. "The USS Ford is honored to have the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka.”

While in port Galle, Ford Sailors will visit with Sri Lanka Navy senior staff, conduct professional exchanges with their Sri Lanka Navy counterparts, engage in a community service event and participate in basketball and soccer games with children from the local area.

Ford Sailors also look forward to enjoying the hospitality, culture and sights of Galle.

Sailors will train alongside Sri Lanka Navy Sailors in ship boarding and inspection techniques, as well as participate in damage control drills with the Sri Lanka Navy including training on firefighting, pipe patching and dewatering. These events will help all the participants gain an understanding of the different techniques utilized by each service.

Ford is in the Indian Ocean on an independent deployment from its homeport of Everett, Wash.