NAVAL BASE GUAM — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) officially arrived at Naval Base Guam on July 10, 2026, completing its homeport shift as part of the U.S. Navy’s ongoing effort to strengthen its forward-deployed submarine presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The arrival of USS Tucson adds another mission-ready fast-attack submarine to Guam, a key U.S. military hub in the Western Pacific that supports undersea operations across the region. The move is part of the Navy’s Strategic Laydown Plan, which positions advanced naval assets closer to areas of operation while balancing maintenance, modernization, and future fleet requirements.
Following its arrival, USS Tucson was assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, headquartered at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. With Tucson joining the command, the squadron now oversees four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines operating from the island. The submarine's crew completed mooring operations after reaching its new homeport.
"The entire crew is honored and excited to arrive in Guam," said Cmdr. Vince Bove, commanding officer of USS Tucson.
"Tucson brings an exceptional crew of Sailors who represent the very best of our submarine force. We are proud to join the forward-deployed team, strengthen warfighting readiness, and support U.S. strategic objectives across the region. We also look forward to becoming part of the Guam community that plays such a vital role in enabling our mission."
The Navy's Strategic Laydown Plan is designed to improve the readiness of forward-deployed forces while ensuring long-term sustainment of the fleet. By stationing attack submarines closer to operational areas, the Navy provides combatant commanders with rapidly available assets capable of supporting maritime security, deterrence, and regional stability throughout the Western Pacific and the broader Indo-Pacific.
Capt. Christopher Carter, commander of Submarine Squadron 15, welcomed the submarine and its crew to Guam, highlighting the island's strategic importance.
"I would like to extend a warm welcome and Hafa Adai to the Sailors and families of Tucson," Carter said.
"Naval Base Guam remains a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific and plays a vital role in maintaining regional stability and deterrence. Tucson brings a proud legacy of strength, resilience, and warfighting excellence to our forward-deployed undersea force and arrives at a time when forward presence and readiness matter. Their service will strengthen our posture and enhance deterrence across the region. We are excited to welcome the crew to the team and look forward to the impact they will have while serving at the tip of the spear."
USS Tucson's arrival follows several recent changes to the Navy's submarine force in Guam. In 2024, USS Minnesota became the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be forward-deployed to the island. More recently, USS Jefferson City shifted its homeport from Guam to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with USS Tucson now taking its place as part of the forward-deployed force.
The U.S. Navy describes its fast-attack submarines stationed in Guam as critical assets for undersea operations in the Indo-Pacific. These submarines are valued for their speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, enabling them to conduct a wide range of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike operations, and support for joint and allied naval forces. Their forward deployment helps maintain a continuous undersea presence in the region and supports the Navy's objective of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Commissioned on September 19, 1995, USS Tucson is the 59th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine to enter U.S. Navy service and the 20th submarine of the Improved 688 (688i) variant. It is also the second U.S. Navy ship named after the city of Tucson, Arizona. With its homeport now established at Naval Base Guam, USS Tucson becomes part of the Navy's permanently forward-deployed submarine force supporting operations across the Western Pacific.
Source: dvidshub
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