WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Columbia’s routine port visit comes as Japan is shadowed by China’s growing military presence in the South China Sea, potentially threatening the Japanese economy, which relies on open and secure shipping lanes.
“It also demonstrates the US Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the US 7th Fleet area of operations,” the spokesman stated in Tuesday’s release.
During its deployment, Columbia completed missions tied to US national security in addition to participating in operations that support regional stability and security goals, Cmdr. David Edgerton explained in the release.
The Los Angeles-class Columbia is one of the world’s stealthiest submarines, ready for battle against surface ships, air power and other submarines as well as surveillance and reconnaissance.
