Routine Flights by U.S. Naval Aircraft

A Statement issued by the US Embassy in Colombo

(August 9, 2011, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN with accompanying ships recently transited the Indian Ocean returning to the Pacific. It conducted routine flight operations during the transit through waters beyond the territorial sea of any State.

-- At no time did the USS RONALD REAGAN or its aircraft approach Sri Lanka's territorial sea or airspace.

-- U.S. naval aircraft operate with due regard for the safety of civil aviation.

-- Recent press reports indicate that the Sri Lankan Air Force, which monitors a large Flight Identification Region that extends beyond Sri Lanka's territorial airspace, monitored the transit and the routine operations of the carrier's aircraft.

-- Responding to a request for information, the Chargé on August 2 informed the Minister of External Affairs that the transit had occurred, and the Defense Attaché's Office was in full communication with the Ministry of Defence that same evening.

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