“The entire crew is honored and excited to arrive in Guam,” said Cmdr. Vince Bove, commanding officer, 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.”
Tucson is the latest submarine assigned to Guam following the 2024 arrival of USS Minnesota, the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine forward deployed to the island. Its arrival follows the recent departure of USS Jefferson City, which shifted to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The Navy said its Strategic Laydown Plan is intended to place its most capable naval forces forward in the region while balancing operational readiness with lifecycle maintenance, modernization and future force needs. Forward-deployed submarines give combatant commanders responsive, mission-ready forces able to support maritime security, deterrence and regional stability across the Western Pacific.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome and Hafa Adai to the Sailors and families of Tucson,” said Capt. Christopher Carter, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “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.”
The Navy said Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear and support a free and open Indo-Pacific. It described the submarines as “apex predators of the sea” within the forward-deployed undersea force.
USS Tucson was commissioned on September 19, 1995, and is the 59th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine. It is also the 20th submarine of the 688 Improved variant.
The submarine is the second U.S. Navy ship named for the city of Tucson, Arizona. Its new homeport assignment places it within the Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force at Naval Base Guam.
