Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Lake Erie has arrived in Sri Lanka to support humanitarian assistance operations in the wake of severe flooding and landslides.
The United States Pacific Command will also deploy military aircraft and other specialists who will join in the humanitarian efforts.
Adm. Harry Harris, commander U.S. Pacific Command said:
“We share in the sorrow of the Sri Lankan people at the loss of life and devastation brought on by this disaster. Friends help friends and the United States stands with Sri Lanka during this difficult time. U.S. forces will coordinate with our Sri Lankan counterparts to support recovery efforts.
We will work closely with our interagency partners from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and others to ensure continued, timely and swift responses to requests from the Government of Sri Lanka.”
Recent heavy rainfalls brought by a southwest monsoon triggered flooding and landslides throughout the country, displacing thousands of people and causing significant damage to homes and buildings.
Capt. Darren McPherson, commanding officer, USS Lake Erie said:
“We’re very proud to have the opportunity to provide relief and assistance to the citizens of Sri Lanka. Whether it’s rehabilitating flooded areas or providing food and water, our Sailors are well trained for this mission and we are ready to execute on behalf of the United States.”
According to a US Navy press release:
“The US military has a history of successfully working with international relief organizations and host nations to provide relief to those affected by disaster. In March 2017, U.S. Navy doctors and civil engineers aboard USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) visited Hambantota, Sri Lanka for Pacific Partnership, a two week humanitarian and disaster relief preparedness mission, establishing key relationships with the Sri Lankan Navy and civil service agencies in the country. Those relationships are helping U.S. military personnel efficiently integrate into the current Sri Lanka humanitarian response mission.”
USS Lake Erie left her homeport of San Diego in May.
I wish the RN had some heavy cruisers. Perfect maid of all tasks. Independent cruising, deterrence, oceanic patrol, anti submarine warfare, anti ship warfare, surface strike, air defence warfare, Naval gunfire support, help and UAV launch. The Aegis cruisers can do all these tasks.
A small batch of say 4 cruisers in the 10-12,000 ton class would add a huge amount of fighting power back to the RN and make Russian surface groups not look so menacing when they sail up the channel and can only be met by HMS Mersey or a single frigate.