KITSAP-BANGOR, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has completed a planned homeport exchange between two Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735). The move supports preparations for the introduction of the next-generation Columbia-class fleet while maintaining the United States’ sea-based nuclear deterrence mission.
USS Wyoming arrived at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington on October 1, 2026, while USS Pennsylvania relocated to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. Official reports also noted the submarines reaching their new bases around October 2.
The exchange is part of the Navy’s long-term plan to position ballistic missile submarines at Bangor ahead of the Columbia-class introduction, while minimizing disruption to sailors and their families.
Ohio-class submarines serve as concealed platforms for launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles and conduct extended deterrent patrols. Rear Adm. Todd Figanbaum, commander of Submarine Group 9, said, “A hallmark of ballistic missile submarine operations is that we are on station 24/7/365.” He added that Pacific Fleet ballistic missile submarines would remain ready to deter threats as the Navy transitions to the Columbia class.
Crews Remain at Their Original Bases
Unlike a conventional homeport change, the exchange involved moving the submarines without relocating their crews and families. This arrangement avoided cross-country moves for most assigned sailors and helped maintain stability for personnel and surrounding communities.
The Navy assigns two alternating crews, known as Blue and Gold, to each ballistic missile submarine. This system increases operational availability and reduces the number of submarines needed to meet national defense requirements.
USS Wyoming, commissioned in 1996, is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named in honor of Wyoming. It received U.S. Strategic Command’s Omaha Trophy in 2015, recognizing it as the fleet’s highest-performing strategic platform that year.
USS Pennsylvania had been based at Bangor since October 2002, following earlier service at Kings Bay. The exchange returns it to the Georgia base.
Preparing for the Columbia-Class Fleet
The Navy plans to homeport up to eight Columbia-class submarines at Bangor by the early 2030s. The new submarines will replace Ohio-class boats on a one-for-one basis, take over the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad and operate longer without mid-life nuclear refueling.
Facility upgrades at Bangor are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first Columbia-class submarine expected to arrive around 2032.
Described as a first-of-its-kind exchange for Ohio-class submarines, the Wyoming-Pennsylvania swap allows the Navy to adjust fleet positioning for the next generation while maintaining continuity in its existing strategic deterrence operations.
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