USS Columbia visits Chinhae

By Submarine Group Seven Public Affairs
Posted: March 23, 2010

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea – The fast attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) officers and crew enjoyed a warm reception from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) during a March 18th to 22nd scheduled port visit in Chinhae, Republic of Korea (ROK). The ROKN band was on the pier to greet the Columbia with music and friendship.

Officers and crew of the Columbia and ROK’S Choi Museon (SS 063), Columbia’s host ship for the visit, participated in numerous events designed to foster camaraderie and cooperation. One event was a soccer game that took place only hours after arrival. Although the scoreboard indicated that Columbia lost the game, the event was a considered a win for the U.S. Navy and ROK Navy because of the strengthened friendship and understanding gained.

During the second day of the port visit the crews of the Columbia and Choi Museon spent time to exchange tours of their submarines. Both crews came away with a much better idea how each live and operate their submarines.

During the visit Columbia’s commanding officer Cmdr. Craig Blakely and officers, hosted a luncheon aboard for several ROK submarine commanding officers and squadron commanders and were later treated to a Korean meal of Kalbi Barbeque hosted by the commanding officers of ROK’S Choi Museon.

After departing Chinhae, the Columbia will be participating in the combined military exercise Foal Eagle 2010. During the exercise an officer from Columbia will deploy on Choi Museon; while an officer from Choi Museon deploys on Columbia. The exercise is designed to improve the manner in which our two navies operate together. The lessons learned and exchanges during both the port visit and underway will contribute to the goals of the exercise and strengthen the ability of the U.S. Navy and ROK Navy submarines to operate together.