By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear powered submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 28, following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.
"This was an incredibly successful deployment with every mission accomplished superbly." said Cmdr. Dave Minyard, commanding officer, Columbus. "The crew's performance was outstanding and they executed exactly as trained."
"This deployment was challenging from beginning to end," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Hill, executive officer, Columbus. "I am extremely proud of the professionalism the crew demonstrated while conducting missions."
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. The ship completed a post shipyard availability in June 1994 in Groton, Conn. after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an interfleet transfer to Pearl Harbor and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force.
