About Us
Friends of the USS Columbia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Columbia, Missouri whose mission is to support the morale, welfare, and recreational activities of the crew and the families of the USS Columbia SSN-771, a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine.
Along with the City of Columbia Missouri's Mayor's Task Force on the USS Columbia, which was formed in 1994, the organization works to maintain positive relationships between the City of Columbia, the U.S. Navy and the crew of the USS Columbia, as well as the other two namesake cities of Columbia, Illinois, and Columbia, South Carolina.
No City or public funds are used for Friends of the USS Columbia activities. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization was established in order to accept donations from individuals and businesses who wish to support the crew.
Board of Directors
Anne Moore, daughter, WWII Army Silver Star Recipient - Chair
Colonel John W. Clark, USAF (RET) - Treasurer
Captain Robert Ross, USMC (RET) - Secretary
Anne Clark
Chris Kelly, Army Veteran
Peter Koukola
Lieutenant Colonel Walter P. Lantzy III, U.S. ARMY (RET)
Lieutenant Colonel Marty Walker, USMC (RET)
Rebecca Wischmeyer, daughter, WWII Navy Submariner
Ex-Officio Members
First Sergeant Keith Glindemann, U.S. ARMY (RET)
Chief Brian Schaeffer (Columbia Fire Department)
Mary Anne McCollum, Former Mayor, City of Columbia, Missouri
History
About the USS Columbia
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The Navy invited the City of Columbia, Missouri to serve as a co-namesake city to the new submarine USS Columbia.
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Other namesake cities are Columbia, Illinois and Columbia, South Carolina.
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Christened and launched September 24, 1994 in Groton, CT by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was the boat’s sponsor.
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Last American submarine to slide down wooden ramp into river.
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Commissioned on October 9, 1995.
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USS Columbia is one of the Navy’s longest, continuously active Namesake City programs.
Homeport
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Commanding Officer
CDR Brad Foster
Submarine Facts
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Los Angeles Class Fast Attack submarine
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Powered by 165 megawatt reactor
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Approximately 120 crew members
Crew Visits to Columbia
Friends of the USS Columbia nonprofit along with the City of Columbia's Mayor's Task Force on the USS Columbia fosters positive relationship between the City of Columbia, the U.S. Navy and the crew. The crew members have visited Columbia over the years, and they regularly visit the University of Missouri campus to continue their relationship with the NROTC program as well as meet with local residents, veterans, and many other community organizations.
