The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) departs Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge/Released)By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region Nov. 24.
"The crew is very excited and eager to get underway," said Cmdr. David Minyard, USS Columbus commanding officer. "They've all worked extremely hard getting this ship and themselves ready for this deployment. I am very proud of each and every one of them."
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. She 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.