Seeking to strengthen its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy has announced the deployment of a Virginia-class nuclear submarine to Naval Base Guam, marking the first time a vessel of this class has been stationed there. Specifically, the submarine assigned to the base is the USS Minnesota (SSN-783), part of a broader deployment strategy across the region.
Reflecting the Navy’s official statement, this new strategic plan “(…) 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.” Furthermore, the Navy emphasized that “the most capable units will be stationed at the forefront” to achieve these objectives.
It is worth noting that the U.S. Navy already maintains a significant submarine presence in Guam, demonstrated by the deployment of four Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines: the USS Asheville (SSN-758), USS Jefferson City (SSN-759), USS Annapolis (SSN-760), and USS Springfield (SSN-761). All these submarines operate under the Submarine Squadron 15. Additionally, the Navy has stationed two auxiliary ships at the base, the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) and USS Frank Cable (AS-40).
This move follows a 2022 announcement promising increased readiness and maintenance for these platforms, clearly focusing on countering the potential threat posed by a numerically superior Chinese Navy. Guam Naval Base remains one of the most strategically critical outposts the U.S. maintains in the region.
In this context, it is also crucial to mention that Guam hosts Andersen Air Force Base, serving as a primary hub for air operations in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, Camp Blaz, a Marine Corps base activated earlier this year, is expected to accommodate up to 5,000 marines in the near future. Considering this significant military presence, the Pentagon has outlined plans to establish a 360-degree air defense network for the territory, with completion projected within the next decade.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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