The USS Columbia has about 110 officers and crewmembers.
This is the first time for the USS Columbia to visit Saipan. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a welcoming reception for the officers and crew at the 360 Restaurant on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The community is urged to help the chamber in its efforts to build the CNMI’s reputation as the preferred destination for morale, welfare and recreation in the Asia-Pacific region by warmly welcoming these sailors.
The USS Columbia is scheduled to depart at the beginning of next week.
Launched on Sept. 24, 1994, the USS Columbia was sponsored by then-first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, and commissioned on Oct. 9, 1995. The ship is currently under the command of Cmdr. Dennis J. Klein, with Lt. Cmdr. Melvyn Naidas as his executive officer, and Master Chief Donald Williams Jr. as chief of the boat.
