In a bold move, the United States has moved forward to deploy one of its new powerful nuclear warheads in Guam – a region of great concern in the Indo-Pacific.
The deployment comes at a time when the US and China are flexing their muscles in the region to assert their dominance.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived at its new home port of Naval Base Guam on Tuesday. This is part of the US Navy’s plan to deploy 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.
The Virginia-class submarines are the Navy’s next undersea attack force and are designed to replace the Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire.
The need for a nuclear-powered submarine in Guam
Minnesota has a crew of approximately 140 sailors and is capable of supporting a variety of missions, including submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, intelligence, reconnaissance, and reconnaissance.
It should be noted that Guam is approximately 1,800 miles from the east coast of China and its military equipment. So it is seen as an important strategy if a conflict starts with Beijing.
An island in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean that is part of the United States and is close to Beijing.
A press release by the US Navy states that there is a need to station the most capable units in forward areas in the Indo-Pacific for the sake of security.
The press release goes on to say that the deployment of the USS Minnesota will allow the US Navy to “quickly respond to prevent aggression and promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“The entire crew is excited to be in Guam,” said Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota.
“Minnesota is made up of exemplary people who represent some of our brightest sailors in the Fleet. They want to get out of the community and stand ready to contribute to our goals and maintain readiness to fight in the Pacific.”
Minnesota joined the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines deployed in the Pacific Ocean.
Virginia-class device technology
The Virginia-class fast attack submarines will allow the Navy to maintain its submarine superiority well into the 21st century.
Virginia’s submarines have increased stealth, surveillance capabilities, and warfare upgrades that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.
In addition, through extensive use of modular construction, open design, and off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain state-of-the-art throughout its operational life by quickly introducing new systems and payloads.
The USS Minnesota is over 377 feet long and can displace approximately 7,800 tons. According to available information it can reach a top speed of 32 mph while diving.
Recently, 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 the event of an emergencytion turns negative in Taiwan or the South China Sea region.
“Regarded as the ultimate beasts of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines operate at the tip of the spear, helping to strengthen the presence of submarine forces ‘forward-deployed in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,'” the press release said.