US Nuclear Submarine: The United States has deployed its advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, the Virginia-class USS Minnesota (SSN 783), to Naval Base Guam, a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific. This move underscores heightened tensions and growing competition between the US and China in the region.
The submarine’s arrival on Tuesday is part of the US Navy’s strategic realignment to strengthen its presence and readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
The USS Minnesota (SSN 783) has made history as the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine deployed to Guam. Commissioned in September 2013 in Norfolk, Virginia, it was the 10th Virginia-class submarine to enter service.
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These advanced submarines represent the Navy’s next generation of attack capabilities, gradually replacing the older Los Angeles-class submarines as they are retired.
Need for nuclear-powered submarine deployment in Guam
The USS Minnesota (SSN 783), with a crew of about 140 sailors, has been deployed to Guam as the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine stationed there. This state-of-the-art submarine is designed for a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike missions, and intelligence gathering.
Guam holds significant strategic value due to its location roughly 1,800 miles from China’s east coast, making it a key U.S. military asset in the Indo-Pacific region. As a U.S. territory in Micronesia, the island’s proximity to Beijing enhances its importance in case of potential conflicts.
A press release from the U.S. Navy stressed the need to position the most advanced units in forward locations in the Indo-Pacific due to the current security climate. The Navy stated that deploying the USS Minnesota would enable a rapid response to deter aggression and support a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.
“The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam,” said Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota.
“Minnesota is composed of exemplary individuals who represent some of our brightest Sailors in the Fleet. They’re eager to get out into the local community and stand ready to contribute to our strategic objectives and maintain warfighting readiness in the Pacific.”
Minnesota is now part of the Pacific Ocean’s fleet of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines.
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Virginia-class vessel specialties
Virginia-class submarines help the U.S. Navy stay ahead in undersea warfare. These submarines are built to be quiet, powerful, and ready for multiple missions, like gathering intelligence, striking targets, or supporting special operations.
According to Newsweek, The USS Minnesota, part of this advanced class, is over 377 feet long and weighs almost 7,800 tons. It can dive deep and move at speeds of up to 32 mph underwater. What makes these submarines special is how they’re built—using modern technology that allows them to be upgraded easily, so they stay cutting-edge for years.
Lately, the U.S. has been sending more submarines like this to the Indo-Pacific. The goal is to be prepared for any trouble in key areas like Taiwan or the South China Sea while keeping a strong and flexible presence in the region.
“Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, helping to reaffirm the submarine forces’ forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the press release mentioned.
