The US Navy’s Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) has completed its first deployment since becoming the service’s first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine, returning to Naval Base Guam on July 29, 2026.
During the deployment, USS Minnesota operated throughout the Western Pacific, participating in the multinational exercise Valiant Shield 2026 and conducting port visits to Okinawa and Sasebo, Japan. The submarine also supported bilateral engagements with regional partners, including operations from HMAS Stirling in Western Australia and a visit to Darwin, Australia.
“Operating from Guam, this crew demonstrated the readiness, endurance and advanced capabilities the Virginia-class platform brings to the strategic outpost in the Western Pacific,” said Capt. Christopher Carter, commander of Submarine Squadron 15.
USS Minnesota arrived at Naval Base Guam in November 2024 and has since conducted a series of operations aimed at strengthening undersea cooperation with allies and enhancing the US Navy’s forward-deployed submarine presence in the Indo-Pacific.
During its deployment, the submarine participated in Exercise Lungfish, a tactical development exercise between the US Navy and Royal Australian Navy, and supported the Submarine Command Course at HMAS Stirling.
The deployment also marked professional milestones for the crew, with two officers and 20 enlisted Sailors earning their submarine warfare insignia, known as “dolphins,” recognizing their qualification to operate submarine systems and execute undersea missions.
Commissioned on September 7, 2013, USS Minnesota is the tenth Virginia-class submarine to enter service. Construction began in February 2008, and the keel was authenticated in May 2011. The boat was christened Oct. 27, 2012.
The submarine is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Naval Base Guam and is one of four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines based there.
Virginia-class submarines are designed for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence collection, special operations support, and strike operations. The class provides the navy with stealth, endurance, and flexibility for operations in contested maritime environments.
Credit: US Navy
Credit: US Navy