030606-N-3707W-001 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Jun. 6, 2003) -- The crew of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) moor the submarine to a Pearl Harbor pier. Columbia is returning from deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class John Watts. (RELEASED)
USS Columbia Returns from Operation Iraqi Freedom
Story Number: NNS030610-22
Release Date: 6/10/2003 10:32:00 AM
By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) David Rush, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- As one of four Pacific fleet submarines to participate in Tomahawk strikes in Operation Iraqi Freedom, USS Columbia (SSN 771) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor June 6.
The submarine’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Duane R. Ashton, and his crew, left Dec. 6 for a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“They were spectacular. They are the most courageous young men I have ever met. They executed with great precision and with great technical ability. I have the best crew on the waterfront. I am very proud of them,” said Ashton.
In addition to participating in coalition exercises, including Tandem Thrust, the submarine’s crew paid a visit to Brisbane, Australia. “The morale of the crew was outstanding. The guys were excited about what they accomplished. The most enjoyable part was the port visit to Australia. We were received very warmly there, and the guys had an opportunity to see the east coast of Australia,” Ashton added.
Christened in 1995, Columbia is the last 688-class submarine to be built at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Conn. It is also the last submarine in the history of the program to be launched by sliding down wooden ramps.
Columbia was built with the state-of-the art Seawolf technology, making it the most modern submarine in the world. Both construction methods and computerization make Columbia stand out as a unique submarine platform among the 688 improved class.
Columbia is one of the most versatile weapons platforms ever placed in the world's oceans, capable of long range Tomahawk strike operations, anti-submarine and surface shipping operations, surveillance and intelligence gathering, and special forces insertions. Displacing more than 6,900 tons, the 360-foot submarine can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots and attain depths of more than 800 feet. Nuclear propulsion gives it virtually unlimited endurance through any ocean in the world.