USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783) is one of the most technologically advanced submarines in the world and the final Block-II Virginia Class submarine built by the U.S. Navy. MINNESOTA was built to excel in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as strike, special operations, mine warfare, and intelligence/surveillance operations. Since her commissioning on September 7th, 2013, MINNESOTA has conducted all phases of submarine operations. Between September 2013 and May 2016, MINNESOTA finished the initial construction phase of her life which prepared the ship and crew for fleet operations. On May 27th, 2016, MINNESOTA departed Electric Boat for her new homeport of Groton, CT.
While in Groton, MINNESOTA conducted numerous operations in local waters to certify her crew for deployment as well as assist other units in the same certification. Those operations included inspections, exercises, weapons testing events, and Submarine Command Course training, where future Commanding Officers and Executive Officers are trained with a submarine crew while at-sea. During her six years in Groton, CT, MINNESOTA conducted three deployments to the European Theater in support of Chief of Naval Operations maritime strategy and national security interests. The three deployments spanned between September 2017 to March 2018, June to December 2019, and May to November 2021. During each deployment, MINNESOTA completed multiple missions vital to national security. Additionally, MINNESOTA strengthened key strategic alliances throughout the European Theater by visiting Faslane, Scotland; Rota, Spain; and Haakonsvern, Norway.
During the 2019 deployment, MINNESOTA demonstrated her ability to execute combat operations in theater by conducting an expeditionary ordnance onload of a Mk-48 Advance Capability torpedo at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen, Norway. The “Viking Ship” finished its 2019 deployment and her crew was immediately recognized for their efforts in the spring of 2020. MINNESOTA was awarded the 2019 Battenberg Cup, an award presented annually to the best warship in the Atlantic Fleet.
Following MINNESOTA’s final European deployment, MINNESOTA commenced her transit to the Pacific Fleet to begin her first major maintenance availability. The transit started in February 2022 and concluded when MINNESOTA arrived in Pearl Harbor on March 17th, 2022. During the transit, MINNESOTA participated in the first ever anti-submarine warfare training exercise with the Columbian Navy. Participants included MINNESOTA, USS BILLINGS (LCS 15), Colombian Navy Submarine ARC Pijao (SSK 28), frigates ARC Independiente (FM 54) and ARC Almirante Padilla (FM 51), and Colombian helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. This exercise demonstrated both countries’ capabilities while improving interoperability against emerging threats in the region. Immediately after the exercise, MINNESOTA joined the Pacific Fleet on March 3rd, 2022 via the Panama Canal.
Once in the Pacific Fleet, MINNESOTA was able to transit south of the equator to conduct the “Shellback Ceremony,” a long standing naval tradition that celebrates the camaraderie and the braveness of all mariners. After arrival in Pearl Harbor, MINNESOTA started preparations for her Extended Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. During this availability, the crew, with assistance from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, is conducting extensive preservation, system upgrades, and repairs that will ensure MINNESOTA remains ready for tasking throughout for her projected lifespan. The Viking Ship has had many successes, including being awarded back-to-back Submarine Squadron Four Battle Efficiency Awards (2019 and 2020), throughout her 10 years of service, all due to the hard work of the crew and their families. We look forward to her continued success in the defense of our great nation!
Ex Septentrio, Virtus…From the North, Power
