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USS Columbia Visits Chinhae

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100323-26
Release Date: 3/23/2010 8:19:00 PM

From Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs

CHINHAE, Korea (NNS) -- The fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) officers and crew enjoyed a warm reception from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) during the boat's port visit in Chinhae, Korea, March 18-22.

The ROKN band was on the pier to greet Columbia with music and friendship.

Columbia officers and crew and ROKN's Choi Museon (SS 063), Columbia's host ship for the visit, participated in numerous events designed to foster camaraderie and cooperation between the two navies.

One event was a soccer game that took place only hours after Columbia's arrival March 18.

The crews of Columbia and Choi Museon spent time March 19 providing exchange tours of their submarines. Both crews came away with a much better idea of how each live and operate their submarines.

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

After departing Chinhae, Columbia will be participating in the combined military exercise Foal Eagle 2010. During the exercise an officer from Columbia will deploy aboard Choi Museon and an officer from Choi Museon will get underway aboard Columbia. The exercise is designed to improve the manner in which the 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 ROKN submarines to operate together.