Photo By Chief Petty Officer Michael B Zingaro | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 18, 2021) -- Cmdr. Corey Barksdale, from Matoaca,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 18, 2021) - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) conducted a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 18.
Cmdr. Corey Barksdale, from Matoaca, Virginia, relieved Cmdr. Tyler Forrest, from Linwood, New Jersey, as Columbia’s commanding officer, during the ceremony which was held on the brow of Columbia at the submarine piers.
“While I was blessed with the privilege of being captain of this great warship, I was but another witness to the incredible talents and dedication of the team that worked with me,” said Forrest.
Under Forrest’s command, Columbia successfully completed an extended engineered overhaul availability (EOH). This is a significant multi-year process that happens half way through a ship’s life cycle. The submarine underwent necessary repairs, preventative maintenance, and modernization during this ship yard period.
“Without question, this tour has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” said Forrest. “And one that was defined, not just by the performance of any one individual, but the accomplishments of the entire Columbia team as a whole.”
Forrest’s next assignment will be in Pearl Harbor at Commander, Submarine Squadron 1, as the deputy of training.
Capt. Michael Majewski, commodore, Submarine Squadron 7, presided over the ceremony.
“The level of pride and morale that the crew of Columbia displayed coming out of the shipyard is seldom seen,” said Majewski. “It directly reflects the confidence that you [Forrest] instilled in your team and your level of engagement in the success of Columbia.”
Barksdale comes to Columbia from the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessments Division, at the Pentagon, where he was a munitions analyst.
“It is no secret that USS Columbia has a proven track record of strong performance,” said Barksdale. “Cmdr. Forrest has strengthened that reputation by turning over a crew that is focused and trained, delivering a ship that is ready to operate in the world’s harshest environments. You’ve done an amazing job and I intend to carry forward that same level of tenacity and leadership that you have demonstrated throughout your command tour.”
Columbia was commissioned Oct. 9, 1995 and is the eighth vessel in the United States Navy to have the name. Measuring 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Columbia has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Columbia is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2021 18:40 |
| Story ID: | 396983 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Hometown: | MATOACA, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 794 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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USS Columbia (SSN 771)
