USS Columbus (CG 12)

- formerly CA 74 -
- decommissioned -

Initially commissioned as a BALTIMORE-class heavy gun cruiser, the USS COLUMBUS was the third ship in the Navy to bear the name. After serving as a heavy cruiser for 14 years, the COLUMBUS was decommissioned and converted to a guided missiler, changing her designation from CA 74 to CG 12. Recommissioned on December 1, 1962, the COLUMBUS became the last ship in a series of three former heavy cruisers to receive the conversion. Her two sister ships were modernized in the 1970s, but COLUMBUS was not. This resulted in her being decommissioned first of the three ships. Decommissioned on January 31, 1975, and stricken from the Navy list on August 9, 1976, the ship was sold for scrapping on October 3, 1977.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: September 9, 1940
	Keel laid: June 28, 1943
	Launched: November 30, 1944
	Commissioned as CA 74: June 8, 1945
	Decommissioned: May 8, 1959
	Recommissioned as CG 12: December 1, 1962
	Decommissioned: January 31, 1975
	Builder: Bethlehem Steel, Quincy, Mass.
	Propulsion system: geared turbines; 120,000 shaft horsepower
	Length: 673.5 feet (205.3 meters)
	Beam: 70.9 feet (21.6 meters)
	Draft: 26.9 feet (8.2 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 17,500 tons full load
	Speed: 32.5 knots
	Aircraft: none
	Armament: two 5-inch/38 caliber guns, two Mk-12 Talos missile launchers, two Mk-11 Tartar missile launchers, one Mk-16 ASROC missile launcher, 6 torpedo tubes (from two triple mounts)
	Crew: 60 officers and 950, with staff embarked: 85 officers and 1120 enlisted

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS COLUMBUS. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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Click here to see which USS COLUMBUS memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS COLUMBUS Cruise Books:

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Accidents aboard USS COLUMBUS:

Date	Where	Events
March 11, 1956	off Luzon, Philippines	USS COLUMBUS, then CA 74, and the USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD 884) are damaged after colliding off the Philippines.

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History of USS COLUMBUS:

USS COLUMBUS was a BALTIMORE-class heavy cruiser and later one of three former heavy cruisers converted into ALBANY-class guided missile cruisers. Named for Columbus, Ohio, she was built by the Bethlehem Steel Company's Fore River Shipyard at Quincy, Massachusetts. Her keel was laid on June 28, 1943, and she was launched on November 30, 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Edward G. Meyers, whose two sons had been killed during World War II. COLUMBUS was commissioned at Boston, Massachusetts, on June 8, 1945, with Captain Allen Hobbs in command.

Entering service during the final months of World War II, COLUMBUS was equipped with nine 8-inch guns in three triple turrets, twelve 5-inch dual-purpose guns and an extensive battery of smaller anti-aircraft weapons. She was also fitted with aircraft catapults and facilities for operating reconnaissance floatplanes. Following commissioning, the cruiser completed outfitting and conducted initial training along the Atlantic coast. In September 1945, she underwent shakedown training in the Guantanamo Bay operating area, Cuba, followed by a repair availability at Boston in November. The war ended before COLUMBUS could participate in combat operations.

During October 1945, COLUMBUS participated in the Navy Day Fleet Review at New York City, joining numerous other American warships assembled to mark the conclusion of the war. On December 10, she passed through the Panama Canal while proceeding to the Pacific Fleet. After intermediate calls at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Buckner Bay, Okinawa, she arrived at Tsingtao, China, on January 13, 1946. At Tsingtao, COLUMBUS assumed duties as flagship of Commander, Cruiser Division One. American naval forces were operating in Chinese and Japanese waters following Japan's surrender, supporting the repatriation of personnel, the withdrawal of Japanese forces and the implementation of occupation arrangements. In China, the continuing conflict between Nationalist and Communist forces complicated the postwar situation. During the opening months of 1946, COLUMBUS operated along the Chinese coast and visited Shanghai as well as the Japanese ports of Yokosuka and Sasebo.

On February 13, 1946, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his wife visited the American naval force at Tsingtao, where COLUMBUS was serving as cruiser division flagship. Later that month, the cruiser proceeded to Woosung, near Shanghai, before sailing for Yokosuka. On March 13, Captain William E. Moore relieved Captain Hobbs as commanding officer. COLUMBUS subsequently proceeded to Sasebo, arriving on March 29.

On April 1, 1946, COLUMBUS participated in Operation Road's End, the disposal of captured Japanese submarines off Sasebo. Twenty-four submarines were taken to a designated disposal area west of Nagasaki and sunk by demolition charges or gunfire. Among them was the submarine I-58, which had torpedoed USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA 35) on July 30, 1945. The submarines also included I-402, one of Japan's large submarine designs developed for long-range operations. The disposal operation formed part of the wider Allied program to eliminate captured Japanese naval weapons and equipment.

COLUMBUS departed Japanese waters on April 2, 1946, and arrived at San Pedro, California, on April 17. Following maintenance and repairs, she remained on the West Coast for the remainder of the year, conducting training and fleet exercises.

On January 15, 1947, COLUMBUS departed for her second deployment to the Far East. She again served as a cruiser division flagship in Chinese waters, where U.S. naval forces maintained a presence during the developing Chinese Civil War. The deployment involved operations along the Chinese coast and visits to Japanese ports, with the ship performing command, communications and training duties. COLUMBUS returned to the United States on June 12, 1947, and subsequently operated along the Pacific coast.

During the latter part of 1947 and the opening months of 1948, COLUMBUS underwent an overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Following completion of the work, she departed Bremerton on April 12, 1948, for transfer to the Atlantic Fleet. She arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, on May 19. Subsequent operations included training along the East Coast and preparations for service with American naval forces in European and Mediterranean waters.

On September 13, 1948, COLUMBUS began the first of two extended assignments as flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. This command was responsible for American naval activities in European waters at a time when relations between the Western powers and the Soviet Union were becoming increasingly strained. The Berlin Blockade had begun in June, and the United States was maintaining a naval presence in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean while Western European nations developed closer defense cooperation.

During the deployment, COLUMBUS operated in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean and visited European and North African ports. Among her documented destinations was Venice, Italy, where she was photographed moored during 1949. As a command flagship, the cruiser provided communications and working facilities for the embarked admiral and staff while participating in naval exercises, inspections and official visits. Her assignment concluded on December 15, 1949.

After returning to the United States, COLUMBUS underwent maintenance and conducted training in Atlantic and Caribbean waters. On June 12, 1950, she began another extended period as flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The assignment coincided with the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, which led the United States to reinforce its military commitments in Europe and other regions. COLUMBUS supported American naval command activities in European and Mediterranean waters while participating in operational exercises and visiting ports. A visit to Oran, Algeria, is documented during 1950.

During 1951, COLUMBUS continued flagship duties in the Mediterranean, conducting operations with American and allied naval units. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in April 1949, was developing its integrated military command structure, and exercises increasingly involved cooperation between the American Sixth Fleet and European navies. COLUMBUS completed her second assignment as Commander-in-Chief's flagship on October 5, 1951. Following her return to the United States, she resumed training and maintenance operations along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean.

On August 25, 1952, COLUMBUS began another important command assignment, serving as flagship for the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic during preparations for and portions of NATO exercise Mainbrace. The exercise was conducted in northern European waters from September 13 to 23 and involved approximately 220 warships and numerous aircraft from participating NATO nations. Mainbrace was intended to test the defense of the alliance's northern maritime approaches, particularly the sea areas associated with Norway, Denmark and the North Sea. The participating forces conducted coordinated naval and air operations, including carrier aviation, anti-submarine warfare and fleet maneuvering. COLUMBUS completed her flagship assignment on September 29.

In October 1952, COLUMBUS began another Mediterranean deployment with the Sixth Fleet. During part of this assignment, she served as flagship of the fleet commander. Her duties included command and coordination of fleet units, tactical exercises and participation in the continuing American naval presence in the Mediterranean. The deployment also involved cooperation with allied navies and visits to Mediterranean ports. COLUMBUS completed the cruise in January 1953.

Following her return, the cruiser underwent maintenance and participated in training exercises along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. These operations included gunnery training, fleet maneuvering, air-defense exercises and preparations for another overseas assignment. During the period, the Navy continued to adapt its surface forces to developments in jet aviation, radar and guided missile technology.

In September 1954, COLUMBUS returned to the Mediterranean as flagship of Commander, Cruiser Division Six. She operated with units of the Sixth Fleet, conducting tactical exercises, command and control activities and visits to European ports. The deployment continued into January 1955. During the following months, COLUMBUS underwent routine maintenance and resumed training with the Atlantic Fleet.

In the autumn of 1955, COLUMBUS was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet. She departed Boston on November 8 and proceeded to her new homeport of Long Beach, California, arriving on December 2. Following a short period of preparations, she departed Long Beach on January 5, 1956, for her first Western Pacific deployment since 1947. The cruiser proceeded to Japan and began operations with the Seventh Fleet, whose responsibilities included American naval commitments in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Western Pacific.

On March 11, 1956, COLUMBUS was involved in a serious collision with USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD 884) during nighttime fleet exercises in the South China Sea off Luzon, Philippines. The two ships were operating with a Seventh Fleet task force that also included the aircraft carrier USS KEARSARGE (CVA 33). The formation was conducting a night air-defense exercise designated ADEX-10 under conditions of reduced visibility and electronic silence.

Shortly before 4 a.m., the formation began a coordinated maneuver. Confusion concerning the transmission and execution of visual maneuvering signals caused several ships to follow different courses. COLUMBUS, serving as the formation's guide ship, increased speed and began a turn to starboard while FLOYD B. PARKS continued on her previous course. At approximately 3:59 a.m., COLUMBUS struck the destroyer, tearing away approximately 40 feet of its bow. Two members of the destroyer's crew were killed.

FLOYD B. PARKS suffered severe forward damage but remained afloat through the damage-control efforts of her crew. The destroyer proceeded to Subic Bay under her own power for temporary repairs. She subsequently returned to Long Beach, where her damaged bow was replaced with a section originally constructed for the unfinished destroyer USS LANSDALE (DD 766). COLUMBUS sustained comparatively minor damage. The subsequent investigation examined the tactical signaling procedures, communications and command decisions that had contributed to the accident. The findings led to renewed attention to visual signaling procedures within the fleet.

After the collision, COLUMBUS continued her deployment with the Seventh Fleet. Her duties included fleet exercises, cruiser operations and visits to ports in the Western Pacific. She returned to Long Beach on July 8, 1956.

During the remainder of 1956, COLUMBUS conducted maintenance, gunnery training and fleet exercises in Southern California waters. In 1957, she completed another deployment to the Far East, operating with the Seventh Fleet in Japanese and Western Pacific waters. Her activities included training with American naval units, visits to ports and the maintenance of operational readiness in the region.

COLUMBUS returned to the Western Pacific in 1958 for another Seventh Fleet deployment. During August and September, tensions increased sharply across the Taiwan Strait following renewed artillery bombardment of the offshore islands of Quemoy and Matsu by forces of the People's Republic of China. American naval forces were deployed in the area as the United States supported the Republic of China and monitored the military situation. COLUMBUS operated in the Taiwan Strait during the crisis, participating in the American naval presence maintained in the region.

Following her return to the United States, COLUMBUS began preparations for an extensive conversion that would fundamentally alter her appearance, weapons and operational role. She was decommissioned at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on May 8, 1959, and officially reclassified as a guided missile cruiser, CG 12, on September 30, 1959.

The conversion transformed COLUMBUS from a conventional gun cruiser into one of the Navy's largest guided missile surface combatants. Together with USS ALBANY (CG 10) and USS CHICAGO (CG 11), she became a member of the ALBANY-class. The modernization involved removing the original heavy gun armament and much of the existing superstructure, replacing them with a new arrangement designed to accommodate missile launchers, radars, communications equipment and command facilities.

COLUMBUS received two twin-arm Terrier-related Tartar surface-to-air missile launchers, one on either side of the forward superstructure, and two twin Talos surface-to-air missile launchers positioned forward and aft along the centerline. Her anti-submarine armament included an ASROC missile launcher and torpedo tubes. The new superstructure incorporated combined mast-and-stack structures, commonly called macks, carrying the ship's extensive radar and communications antennas. The conversion also involved major changes to her internal spaces, electrical systems, ammunition handling arrangements and command facilities.

The Talos system was intended for long-range air defense, while the Tartar system provided protection against targets at shorter distances. The ASROC launcher gave the ship the ability to attack submarines beyond the range of conventional shipboard torpedoes. The combination of these weapons and their associated detection and control equipment allowed COLUMBUS to perform fleet air-defense and command duties that differed substantially from those of her original heavy cruiser configuration.

After completion of the conversion, COLUMBUS was recommissioned on December 1, 1962. The following months were devoted to testing her machinery, weapons systems, radars and communications equipment. Between March and June 1963, she conducted trials and operational evaluations off the California coast, including missile firing exercises and testing of her newly installed combat systems.

On May 25, 1963, COLUMBUS participated in a naval readiness demonstration by Task Force 10 for President John F. Kennedy in the eastern Pacific. The President observed the fleet activities from the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). COLUMBUS maneuvered with other participating warships during the demonstration, which included naval aviation and surface fleet operations.

In November 1963, COLUMBUS returned to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for additional equipment work. This included installation of the SPS-30 radar system and two 5-inch/38 caliber gun mounts, which supplemented the ship's missile armament. After completing the work, she resumed operations off the West Coast in December. During the opening months of 1964, she conducted further testing and training, including exercises designed to integrate her radar, missile and command systems into fleet operations.

On March 14, 1964, COLUMBUS was photographed moored at San Diego alongside USS OKLAHOMA CITY (CLG 5), another American guided missile cruiser. In April, COLUMBUS entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a short maintenance availability. She returned to sea in May and continued preparations for her first overseas deployment following the conversion.

COLUMBUS departed the West Coast on August 5, 1964, for operations with the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific. During the deployment, she conducted guided missile cruiser operations, anti-aircraft warfare training and exercises with other fleet units. The cruise took place during a period of increasing American military involvement in Southeast Asia, including the Gulf of Tonkin incidents in August 1964 and the subsequent expansion of American naval operations in the region. COLUMBUS operated in Western Pacific waters while continuing to evaluate and employ her modernized weapons and electronics systems.

The deployment also included visits to ports in the Western Pacific and training with other American warships. COLUMBUS returned to the United States on February 6, 1965. During the remainder of 1965, she conducted operations off the California coast, including missile firing exercises, fleet training and maintenance. Her continuing weapons-system activities included firings of the Tartar missile system.

In January 1966, COLUMBUS was reassigned to the Atlantic Fleet and transferred to the East Coast. The transfer involved a voyage from the Pacific to the Atlantic through the Panama Canal and was followed by preparations for her new operational responsibilities. In February, she assumed duties as flagship of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eight. With the embarked staff, COLUMBUS provided facilities for command, communications and coordination of assigned naval units. During the following months, she participated in Atlantic Fleet exercises and training along the East Coast.

In the autumn of 1966, COLUMBUS departed for her first Mediterranean deployment as a guided missile cruiser. On arrival in the operating area of the Sixth Fleet, she relieved USS ALBANY, allowing the latter to return to the United States. COLUMBUS subsequently served with Sixth Fleet task groups, providing anti-aircraft warfare capabilities and facilities for the embarked cruiser-destroyer command staff.

During this deployment, COLUMBUS participated in fleet maneuvering, anti-aircraft exercises, communications training and coordinated operations with American and allied naval forces. The Sixth Fleet maintained a continuing presence in the Mediterranean during a period of Cold War competition, and American warships routinely operated alongside NATO units in the western and eastern Mediterranean. COLUMBUS also visited Mediterranean ports during intervals between operational assignments. She returned to the United States in the spring of 1967.

Following maintenance and training, COLUMBUS departed for her second Mediterranean deployment in January 1968. On January 12, she relieved USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) at Rota, Spain, assuming the latter's assignment with the Sixth Fleet. During the following months, COLUMBUS operated with Task Group 60.2 and other units of the fleet, performing air-defense, surveillance and command duties.

Her activities included NATO and Sixth Fleet exercises, coordinated maneuvering and training involving carrier and surface forces. COLUMBUS operated in both the western and eastern Mediterranean and made port visits in the region. On July 9, 1968, she was relieved by USS TOPEKA at Malaga, Spain. COLUMBUS subsequently returned to the United States.

In July 1968, COLUMBUS entered Boston Naval Shipyard for a regular overhaul. The work included maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, electrical equipment, electronics and weapons systems. After completion of the overhaul in October, she conducted testing and refresher training in preparation for another Mediterranean assignment.

On December 1, 1968, COLUMBUS became flagship of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Ten. The following day, she departed for the Mediterranean. On December 9, she relieved USS TOPEKA at Rota, Spain, and commenced operations with the Sixth Fleet. During the deployment, COLUMBUS performed command and coordination duties for assigned fleet units while conducting air-defense training and participating in tactical exercises.

The deployment involved operations with American naval forces and NATO units in Mediterranean waters, including the eastern Mediterranean, where regional tensions continued following the Arab-Israeli War of June 1967. COLUMBUS maintained readiness for fleet air-defense and contingency operations and made port visits between periods at sea. She returned to the United States in May 1969.

On June 13, 1969, COLUMBUS entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for another maintenance and repair availability. The work continued until September 2 and included attention to major shipboard systems and equipment. Following completion of the repairs, COLUMBUS was reassigned as flagship of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Two.

On October 8, 1969, COLUMBUS departed Norfolk for another Mediterranean deployment with the Sixth Fleet. The embarked flotilla command staff used the ship's communications and operational facilities to coordinate assigned surface units. During the deployment, COLUMBUS participated in Sixth Fleet exercises, anti-aircraft warfare training and operations with other American warships. Her activities also included visits to Mediterranean ports and combined exercises with NATO naval forces. COLUMBUS returned to Norfolk on March 18, 1970.

Following her return, COLUMBUS entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard on April 17, 1970, for a maintenance availability that continued until July 6. Repairs and servicing were carried out on her propulsion equipment, weapons systems and other shipboard machinery. After leaving the shipyard, the cruiser conducted training and preparations for another deployment.

On September 6, 1970, COLUMBUS departed for her next Mediterranean deployment. She continued to serve with Sixth Fleet task groups, conducting air-defense, surface surveillance, communications and command duties. By this period, the Soviet Navy maintained a substantial presence in Mediterranean waters, and American naval forces regularly conducted surveillance and exercises while operating in proximity to Soviet warships.

During November 1970, COLUMBUS replenished at sea from the fast combat support ship USS SEATTLE (AOE 3). The replenishment operation was photographed and included the transfer of fuel while the ships maintained formation underway. In December, COLUMBUS operated with Task Group 60.2 in company with the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62). A contemporary Navy photograph shows COLUMBUS steaming astern of the carrier during operations in the Mediterranean.

The deployment took place during a period of continued tensions in the Middle East following the Jordanian crisis of September 1970. American naval forces maintained contingency capabilities in the eastern Mediterranean while continuing regular fleet exercises and training. COLUMBUS participated in the Sixth Fleet's operational schedule, including anti-aircraft exercises, carrier support and coordinated maneuvers. She returned to Norfolk on March 1, 1971.

During the remainder of 1971, COLUMBUS conducted maintenance, inspections and training in Atlantic Fleet operating areas. Her activities included preparations for continued Sixth Fleet service and exercises involving her air-defense weapons, communications equipment and command systems. These capabilities remained central to her operational employment, particularly when assigned as a command ship for cruiser-destroyer formations.

On May 17, 1972, COLUMBUS departed Norfolk for another Mediterranean deployment. During the cruise, she participated in Sixth Fleet operations and NATO exercises, including training in coordinated air defense, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and amphibious support. Her operational assignments involved cooperation with carrier task groups and other surface units in the Mediterranean. COLUMBUS also participated in activities associated with the Sixth Fleet's twentieth anniversary in 1972. The fleet, established under that designation in 1950, had maintained a continuous American naval presence in the Mediterranean for more than two decades. The anniversary activities included ceremonial events and a fleet review involving American warships.

During the deployment, COLUMBUS visited Mediterranean ports and continued operational exercises with allied naval units. Her duties as a guided missile cruiser included surveillance, control of air-defense operations and support of the embarked command staff. COLUMBUS returned to Norfolk on October 18, 1972.

Following her return, COLUMBUS underwent maintenance and continued operations with the Atlantic Fleet. During the opening months of 1973, she conducted additional training and preparations for another Mediterranean deployment. Captain William H. Rowden assumed command of the ship in June 1973. Under his command, COLUMBUS continued readiness training and inspections before her final overseas assignment.

On November 2, 1973, COLUMBUS departed Norfolk for her last Mediterranean deployment. The cruise began shortly after the October 1973 Arab-Israeli War, when fighting between Israel and the forces of Egypt and Syria had resulted in a major international crisis. During the conflict, American and Soviet naval forces had increased their presence in Mediterranean waters, and the Sixth Fleet remained at a heightened state of readiness as ceasefire arrangements were implemented.

During the deployment, COLUMBUS operated with Sixth Fleet surface and carrier forces, providing air-defense and command capabilities. The ship participated in fleet exercises and tactical training in the Mediterranean while maintaining readiness for possible contingency operations. Her duties included surveillance, coordinated air-defense exercises and the operation of her missile and command systems. The cruise also included visits to Mediterranean ports and cooperation with other NATO naval forces.

In February 1974, while still deployed, the command received official notification that COLUMBUS was scheduled for decommissioning on January 31, 1975. The planned retirement followed Navy decisions concerning the future of older guided missile cruisers and the expense of maintaining and updating their combat systems. Although her sister ships USS ALBANY and USS CHICAGO had received additional modernization work, COLUMBUS had not undergone an equivalent comprehensive update to her missile and electronic systems.

Following receipt of the decommissioning notification, the ship's officers began planning the extensive work required to place COLUMBUS in inactive status. Preparations included the study of Navy inactivation instructions, coordination with the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Portsmouth, Virginia, and the development of a schedule for removing equipment, preserving machinery and securing the ship's weapons systems. Planning was carried out while COLUMBUS continued her operational assignment in the Mediterranean.

On May 31, 1974, COLUMBUS returned to Norfolk from her final Mediterranean deployment. Her commanding officer and department heads then began implementing the inactivation program. During the following weeks, equipment, stores, documents and other material were inventoried, and preparations were made to transfer personnel and remove supplies no longer required aboard the ship.

Formal inactivation work began on August 16, 1974. The ship's complement was reduced to approximately 26 officers and 530 enlisted personnel, with the remaining crew reorganized into teams responsible for specific areas of the ship. These included engineering, deck and weapons, electronics and two groups responsible for compartments below the main deck. The organization was designed to accomplish the extensive cleaning, preservation, equipment removal and mechanical work required before the ship could enter the reserve fleet.

The work included removing ammunition and missiles, securing and preserving the Talos and Tartar missile handling systems, preparing the engineering plant for long-term inactivity, draining piping systems, preserving electrical equipment and removing deteriorating supplies. Communications and electronics spaces were inspected, antennas and other equipment were removed or secured, and the ship's internal compartments were prepared for closure.

The inactivation process required detailed coordination between the crew, shipyard personnel and the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. Approximately 60,000 man-days had originally been estimated for the task, although the actual inactivation work required approximately 42,000 man-days. The remaining personnel worked under an industrial schedule, and normal shipboard activities not essential to the inactivation process were reduced or discontinued.

During the work, the remaining crew was accommodated aboard the barracks ship APL 50, moored near COLUMBUS at the St. Helena's Annex of the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. The barracks ship provided berthing, messing and office facilities while ventilation, water, electrical and other services aboard COLUMBUS were progressively shut down. The transfer also allowed the inactivation teams to continue work in compartments that could no longer be occupied under normal shipboard conditions.

The removal of equipment and supplies was carefully documented because COLUMBUS was initially being prepared for reserve status rather than immediate scrapping. Items transferred to other naval units required authorization, and installed equipment could not simply be removed without approval. The ship's remaining officers supervised the final inspections and the closure of compartments as the inactivation program approached completion.

USS COLUMBUS was decommissioned at Portsmouth, Virginia, on January 31, 1975. Her final commanding officer was Captain William H. Rowden. Following the decommissioning ceremony, the cruiser was placed in inactive status. She had served in the U.S. Navy for almost thirty years, including fourteen years as a conventional heavy cruiser and more than twelve years following her conversion to a guided missile cruiser. COLUMBUS was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on August 9, 1976. On October 3, 1977, she was sold for scrapping to Consolidated Andy Inc. of Brownsville, Texas.