U.S. NAVAL SHIP VISITS COLOMBO
Colombo, April 19, 2004. An American naval ship, the USS Cushing (DD-985) has arrived in Colombo.
During a routine port visit, crew members will have a chance to meet Sri Lankans, experience Sri Lankan culture, sightsee, and enjoy Colombo's many attractions.
Commissioned in 1979, the USS Cushing was named after Commander William Barker Cushing, a Naval hero of the American Civil War. The ship is based in Yokosuka, Japan, and has a crew of approximately 300. As a highly versatile multi-mission destroyer, USS Cushing is capable of operating independently or in company with amphibious or carrier task forces. Although equipped to handle a wide variety of tasks, USS Cushing's primary missions are under sea warfare and strike warfare.
The USS Cushing is under the command of United States Navy Commander Steven A. Mucklow. Commander Mucklow will pay his respects to senior Sri Lankan Navy officials during the ship's brief stay in Colombo.