In a bold move, the United States has gone ahead to deploy one of its newest nuclear-powered attack submarines in Guam – a highly sensitive region in the Indo-Pacific.
The deployment comes at a time when the US and China are flexing their muscles in the region to showcase their dominance.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Base Guam on Tuesday. This is part of the US Navy’s strategic laydown plan for its forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
With this, Minnesota has become the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be deployed to Guam.
Commissioned in September 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota was the 10th Virginia-class submarine commissioned for service.
The Virginia-class submarines are the Navy’s next-generation attack submarines and are set to replace Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire.
Need for nuclear-powered submarine deployment in Guam
Minnesota has a crew of approximately 140 sailors and is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
It should be mentioned that Guam is roughly 1,800 miles away from China’s east coast and its military assets. It is therefore considered a key strategic point in case a conflict breaks out with Beijing.
The island in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean is a part of the United States and is physically closer to Beijing.
A press release by the US Navy mentions that there is a need to station the most capable units in forward locations in the Indo-Pacific owing to the security environment.
The press release goes on to mention that the deployment of USS Minnesota will allow the US Navy “to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous 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 has joined four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed in the Pacific Ocean.
Virginia-class vessel specialties
Virginia-class fast-attack submarines allow the Navy to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Virginia submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.
Additionally, through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain state-of-the-art for its entire operational life by rapidly introducing new systems and payloads.
USS Minnesota is more than 377 feet long and can displace nearly 7,800 tons. As per the information available it is capable of reaching top speeds of 32 mph while it is fully submerged.
In the recent past, the US has started relying on submarines to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. These deployments aim to provide the US Navy with enhanced flexibility in case a situation turns bad in Taiwan or the South China Sea 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.
