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US Nuclear Submarine USS Minnesota Deployed to Guam Amid Rising Tensions With China.
The USS Minnesota (SSN-783), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, was officially deployed to Guam on November 26, 2024, marking a significant development in the United States' maritime strategy in the Indo-Pacific. This deployment, the first for a submarine of this class to the island, reflects heightened U.S. efforts in response to China's expanding naval presence in the region.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota arrived at U.S. Naval Base Guam on November 26, 2024, becoming the first of its class to be forward-deployed there (Picture source: US DoD)
The USS Minnesota joins Submarine Squadron 15, which includes four Los Angeles-class submarines commissioned in the early 1990s. In contrast, the Minnesota, commissioned in 2013, represents a more recent generation of attack submarines, bringing advanced capabilities to bolster U.S. operational readiness in the western Pacific.
Virginia-class submarines, such as the Minnesota, are designed to gradually replace the aging Los Angeles-class vessels. Equipped with an S9G nuclear reactor providing nearly unlimited range and a pump-jet propulsor for enhanced stealth, the Minnesota can operate effectively in both deep ocean and littoral environments. Its armament includes 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes, enabling it to conduct precision strikes, anti-ship warfare, and support for special operations.
With a crew of 140, Minnesota underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining an advanced operational presence in strategically critical areas. Based in Guam, located approximately 2,900 kilometers from China's coastline, it benefits from a key military infrastructure that enhances U.S. capabilities to respond swiftly to potential crises and safeguard freedom of navigation in contested areas such as the South China Sea.
Guam remains a cornerstone of U.S. defense strategy in the Pacific, with significant investments underway to modernize its military facilities. Since 2021, over $11 billion has been allocated to upgrade the island's infrastructure, including establishing Camp Blaz, the first new Marine Corps base on Guam since 1952. These measures aim to position the island as a power projection hub to counter China's military activities.
The Minnesota's deployment also aligns with the phased transition from Los Angeles-class submarines to Virginia-class models. Military simulations have demonstrated the latter's effectiveness in scenarios involving high-stakes engagements, such as potential conflicts over Taiwan. Rear Admiral Gregory C. Huffman emphasized the Minnesota's importance in enhancing operational flexibility and maintaining a critical technological edge against adversaries advancing their naval capabilities.
As a next-generation attack submarine, the USS Minnesota represents the evolving operational priorities of the U.S. Navy. Its deployment to Guam, the first for a Virginia-class submarine, highlights the island's strategic value in maintaining stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Amid rising tensions in the region, Minnesota’s advanced systems and versatility contribute to the broader maritime strategy of preserving regional security and addressing emerging challenges.