By Mass Communication Specialist 1st
Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public
Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Friends
and families of the crew from USS Columbus (SSN 762) gathered at the submarine
piers to welcome back the Los Angeles-class submarine as it returned to Joint
Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a six-month deployment to the Western
Pacific region, Aug. 23.
While deployed, Columbus executed a wide
range of operations in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. In addition, the
crew conducted several training exercises, contributing to the nation's
strategic posture in the Western Pacific region.
"Columbus' 2012 deployment was very
successful," said Cmdr. David Youtt, Columbus commanding officer. "We
executed fleet and national tasking as well as numerous exercises and theater
cooperation with our regional allies. Our crew gained extensive experience
operating in vastly different environments and engaging with different
cultures. We are a better ship and crew as a result and are better prepared to
face future operations.
"The crew performed superbly
through deployment," said Youtt. "Each Sailor faced everyday with
enthusiasm and professionalism that was second to none."
During the deployment, 28 Sailors qualified in
submarines and are now entitled to wear the submarine warfare insignia, also
referred to as "Dolphins", after completing a rigorous qualification
process that included in-depth understanding of submarine construction and
operations, and also practical assessments of the Sailor's ability to combat a
wide range of casualties that could be encountered while on board the
submarine. A majority of the crew also completed advanced qualifications, including
engineering watch supervisor, diving officer of the watch and chief of the
watch. These qualifications provide greater watch bill flexibility and help
ensure that Columbus' performance will remain strong.
"This deployment offered significant
experience and training for the young Sailors that will be the leaders of our
Navy," said Youtt. "More than half the crew deployed for the first
time and are now experienced future deployers."
Despite steaming more than 40,000 nautical
miles in support of the nation's defense, the crew enjoyed several memorable
port visits which included Guam, South Korea and, Japan.
Columbus also conducted a time-honored
ceremony of "Crossing the Line" where 100 Sailors earned the title of
"Shellback" for crossing the equator for the first time.
"I really learned allot about submarines
and my job on this deployment, but the best part is when I became submarine
qualified and got my Dolphins," said Electronics Technician Seaman (SS)
Jonathan Diquattro from Columbus, Ga. "The experience I gained and the
places we visited makes my first deployment something I will never
forget."
Columbus is the 51st Los Angeles-class
submarine and the twelfth improved version of this class, which includes a
vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design
for under-ice operations. It completed a post shipyard availability in June
1994 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.
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