USS Minnesota: A (Sometimes) Floating Deterrent

The U.S. Navy has deployed its most advanced fast-attack submarine just a few hundred miles from China.   

The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class fast-attack nuclear submarine, is now forward-deployed in Guam and joins several other Navy submarines in the region.   

In the event of a conflict with China, the USS Minnesota would be the first line of defense.   

Minnesota Goes to Guam   

“The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam,” Navy Commander Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, of USS Minnesota, said in a press release. “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.”  

Located only a few hundred miles from China and Taiwan, Guam is a strategic location for the U.S. military. Aircraft and warships based in Guam would be some of the first assets to respond to potential future hostilities with China in the region.   

“The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable units forward. This posture 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,” the Navy stated about Guam and its forward-deployed forces.   

With a crew of approximately 140 officers and enlisted men, the USS Minnesota can conduct several mission sets, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. However, the USS Minnesota excels in tracking and sinking enemy warships and logistical vessels.    

"I would like to personally extend a warm welcome to the Sailors and families of Minnesota," said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. "Guam serves as a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific, playing a vital role in maintaining stability across the region.  

With its motto, 'From the North, Power,' Minnesota embodies the strength and resolve that will make it an exceptional addition to our forward-deployed submarine force. Its presence will enhance our operational capabilities and further strengthen deterrence efforts throughout the Indo-Pacific. We are excited to have Minnesota as part of the team and look forward to the great accomplishments it will achieve while deployed forward."  

The Navy has already at least four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines deployed in the Indo-Pacific theater of operations.   

“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 Navy stated about the forward-deployed submarines in a press release.   

The U.S. Navy has the largest submarine fleet in the world, with approximately seventy-one submarines of all types, including fast-attack, ballistic missile-guided, and guided-missile subs. Besides having the largest submarine in the world, the U.S. Navy has the most advanced submarines, all of which are powered by nuclear power.    

 Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. 

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