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NEWS | Oct. 25, 2016

Columbia Visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment

By Lt. Joseph Holleran USS Columbia (SSN 771) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a routine port visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Oct. 25.

This visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew's interaction with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

"The ship and crew have performed extremely well throughout our deployment to 7th Fleet," said Cmdr. David Edgerton, commanding officer. "Columbia successfully completed several missions vital to national security, and participated in operations which supported regional stability and theater security objectives."

With a dynamic underway schedule, the in-port period allows Columbia Sailors an opportunity to reset before another underway.

"We are very excited to visit Yokosuka," said Master Chief Petty Officer Anthony Torres, chief of the boat. "The crew has worked hard and deserves some well-earned rest."

For many of Columbia's crew, this is their first time visiting Yokosuka.

"I am very excited to visit Yokosuka for the first time," said Seaman Fred Skipper.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing approximately 6,000 tons when submerged, Columbia remains one of the stealthiest and most formidable submarines in the world. This submarine is able to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Columbia is homeported in Pearl Harbor, and departed in May for a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
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