USS Columbia Visits Singapore During Western Pacific Deployment

By Lt. j.g. Joseph Holleran, USS Columbia Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) arrived in Singapore, Oct. 4, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of 150, Columbia will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"Since departing homeport, Columbia has performed missions vital to national security and participated in several multi-national exercises, all of which have improved the overall war fighting readiness of allied forces in the Western Pacific," said Cmdr. John Friedman, USS Columbia commanding officer. "Our port visit to Singapore not only provided the crew with an opportunity to enjoy one of the best cities in the world but further strengthened our ties to our important regional partner."

"This is Columbia's first liberty port since departing from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in May," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Wayne Fetterley, Columbia's chief of the boat. "This Singapore visit allowed for much needed rest for the Columbia Sailors. The crew enjoyed this beautiful city and is looking forward to returning on our next Western Pacific deployment."

For some of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Singapore.

"Visiting Singapore for the first time was exciting, hopefully I'll get the opportunity to see this amazing city again," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Dunkel.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Columbia is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Columbia is home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and departed in May for a deployment to the Western Pacific.