USS Columbus (SSN-762)

USS "Columbus" (SSN-762), a "Los Angeles"-class submarine, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named for Columbus, Ohio. The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 21 March 1986 and her keel was laid down on 9 January 1991. She was launched on 1 August 1992 sponsored by Mrs. Margaret DeMars, and commissioned on 24 July 1993 with Commander Carl M. Smeigh, Jr. in command.

"Columbus" completed a Post Shipyard Availability in June 1994 in Groton, Connecticut after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an interfleet transfer to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force. "Columbus" deployed to the Western Pacific in late 1995 through early 1996 and conducted a variety of operations as a unit of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

In mid-April 2006 seven "Columbus" crewmen were charged with a variety of offenses, including assault, dereliction of duty, and hazing, for alleged attacks on two of their shipmates. The accused range from a petty officer third class (E-4) to a senior chief (E-8) [http://www.navytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1716901.php] .A complete report on the situation was completed on 30 May. On 13 June, the Navy announced the dismissal of "Columbus"'s commanding officer, Commander Charles Marquez because of concerns about his "ability to establish and maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct, provide the crew a safe, positive, professional environment in which to work, and maintain good order and discipline. " [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Commander_Replaced.html] [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/274025_columbus15.html] Captain Brian McIlvaine, former commanding officer of USS "Ohio" (SSBN-726), replaced Marquez temporarily. After a few months in command CAPT McIlvaine was replaced with CDR James Doody.

At the end of a DMP (depot modernization period) In Bremerton, Washington, the Columbus relocated back to Pearl Harbor on Dec 22, 2006 .

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