The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783).Photo by Colin Murty/Reuters
In a new strategic move, the United States demonstrated its naval resolve in the Indo-Pacific region: the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine USS Minnesota became the first submarine permanently deployed to the US outpost on the island of Guam. Its task is to be ready to act on a moment’s notice.
“The role of a submarine is so dynamic that everything can change in an instant,” Minnesota‘s commander, Jeffrey Corneille, told Reuters.
The change of location is not just a symbolic move. It is part of an expanded US security programme in the Asia-Pacific region amid growing tensions with China. The Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines can operate for up to 34 years without refuelling, making them particularly valuable in the face of outdated diesel-electric submarines from China and its allies.
The USS Minnesota has a letter of appreciation from the US Secretary of Defence for its contribution to intelligence and anti-submarine warfare in Europe, another testament to the ship’s multidimensional involvement in global security.
“Making an adversary think twice before attacking is not only in the interests of the United States, it is our common goal with our partners,” Corneille added.
The next step will be the arrival of hundreds of US sailors in Australia in 2027 and the involvement of Australian military personnel in the crews of Virginia-class submarines. This cooperation is already unfolding at HMAS Stirling, where Minnesota made one of her stops.
Strengthening the fleet in Guam is a signal to allies and rivals: The United States does not intend to reduce its military presence in the region where the geopolitical interests of the West and China intersect.
