Australian Naval Ship HMAS “Melbourne” arrives on Goodwill Visit

The Australian Naval Ship HMAS “Melbourne” arrived at the port of Colombo on 21^st February 2014 on a goodwill visit. It was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on arrival.

Ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander BJ Schligel a courtesy call on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill.

HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide Class guided missile frigate (FFG). It is 138 meters in length and has a displacement of 4040 tons. The ship’s complement consists of 26 officers and 195 sailors. The ship’s crew is scheduled to participate in a series of programmes arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance the friendly relations between the two Navies during the ship’s stay in Sri Lanka.