USS COLUMBIA (SSN 771)

COLUMBIA, the last 688 class submarine to be built at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, was christened in 1995 by Mrs. Hilary Clinton. It is also the last submarine in the history of the program to be launched by sliding down the building ways.

COLUMBIA was built with the state-of-the art SEAWOLF technology. Application of this technology makes this ship the most modern submarine in the world. Both construction methods and computerization make COLUMBIA stand out as a unique submarine platform among the 688 improved class. This submarine is one of the most versatile weapons platforms ever placed in the world's oceans, capable of long range Tomahawk strike operations, anti-submarine and surface shipping operations, surveillance and intelligence gathering, and special forces insertions.

COMMANDING OFFICER - CDR J. Patrick Friedman | Biography