An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Aug. 22, 2014

USS Columbus Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Family and friends gathered at the submarine piers, Aug. 21, on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome back Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762), following a deployment to the Western Pacific region.

Signs, banners and leis welcomed the crew home as family and friends lined up at the pier.

The submarine's commanding officer, Cmdr. David Youtt said he is proud of his Sailors and their hard work on deployment.

"Our deployment was extremely successful," said Youtt. "The crew and ship performed exceptionally, conducting exercises with key allies in the Western Pacific and executing national tasking."

The submarine was forward deployed for 6 months, and was at sea for 85 percent of the time as she steamed more than 30,000 miles.

In addition to gaining the experience of operating in the Western Pacific, the deployment afforded Sailors the opportunity to work on qualifications.

Twenty-five Sailors became submarine qualified and are now able to wear their respective submarine warfare insignia.

"The training and exposure to other cultures was outstanding for our young Sailors," said Youtt. "Overall, the deployment offered the Columbus crew the opportunity to contribute to our nation's overall presence in an extremely important region of the world and strengthen important relationships with key allies."

While on deployment, Columbus' crew helped strengthen ties with foreign allies in Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Guam.

Columbus came home to a cheering crowd at the pier with warm alohas.

Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Daniel Teitel had more up his sleeve than the normal returning hug and kiss, as he knelt down in front of the crowd and proposed to girlfriend Sabrina Gunn.

"I didn't expect it at all, not at all!" said Gunn referring to the proposal. "Apparently everyone knew except for me! I'm just so surprised but incredibly excited for our future together!"

USS Columbus is the 51st Los Angeles-class submarine and the 12th improved version of this class, which includes a vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design for under-ice operations. In June 1994, she completed a post-shipyard maintenance availability in Groton, Conn., after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an inter-fleet transfer to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,201
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...