Advanced nuclear submarine USS Minnesota enhances US strategy in Pacific

The United States has strengthened its military presence in the Indo-Pacific by deploying one of its newest nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarines, the USS Minnesota, to Guam. 

This marks the first Virginia-class submarine to be stationed at the strategically significant island, highlighting the increasing importance of Guam as a hub for US power projection in the face of intensifying competition with China, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Previously based in Hawaii since 2022, the USS Minnesota arrived at its new home port on November 26. The US Navy described this move as part of its “strategic laydown plan for naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region.” The submarine will now operate alongside Submarine Squadron 15, which includes a fleet of Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, all of which were commissioned in the early 1990s.

Squadron Commander Neil Steinhagen praised the addition of the USS Minnesota, calling it an “exceptional addition” to the forward-deployed submarine force. In a statement issued by the US Navy, Steinhagen emphasized the importance of the deployment, noting, “Its presence will enhance our operational capabilities and further strengthen deterrence efforts throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

The USS Minnesota, commissioned in 2013, is the 10th vessel in the Virginia-class fleet, which was designed to replace the ageing Los Angeles-class submarines. With a crew of approximately 140 sailors, the submarine is equipped to conduct a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike operations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. Its advanced capabilities underscore its critical role in bolstering the US Navy’s strategic posture.

The US Navy underscored the importance of deploying its most capable units to the region, stating, “The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the US Navy stations the most capable units forward. This posture allows flexibility for maritime and joint force operations, with forward-deployed units ready to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

Guam has long been a cornerstone of US military operations in the Pacific, and its strategic importance continues to grow. In 2021, Washington committed approximately $11 billion to fund military infrastructure projects on the island as part of a construction program set to extend through 2026. Key initiatives include the development of Guam’s first Marine Corps base since 1952, which will partially open in the coming years and eventually house 5,000 Marines. The base is expected to serve as a critical training hub for US forces in the region.

The Pentagon has also emphasized the need to upgrade airbases and other facilities on Guam to ensure the island remains a vital element of US deterrence and rapid-response capabilities. 

By Tamilla Hasanova