USS Minnesota returns to homeport, first deployment from Guam
BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Mai
The Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the USS Minnesota, returned from its first deployment from Guam on July 29.
The USS Minnesota participated in Valiant Shield 2026 alongside other vessels such as the USS George Washington, making port visits to Okinawa and Saebo, Japan demonstrating the Navy’s ability to effectively operate undersea.
Commander Jeffery Cornielle stated in a release that the crew met expectations during the exercise, solidifying the abilities of the USS Minnesota as a first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine throughout the Indo-Pacific. “This homecoming marks the successful completion of Minnesota’s first deployment from Guam,” he said. “The crew performed superbly while executing missions vital to the defense of the homeland and strengthening our alliances and partnerships.
The experience they gained operating throughout the Western Pacific will shape Minnesota’s continued success for years to come. I am proud of every sailor and deeply grateful to our families, whose strength and support made this deployment possible. From the North!”
Furthermore, two officers and twenty enlisted sailors earned submarine warfare insignias referred to as “dolphins” or “fish”, signifying qualifying being able to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflect mastery of submarine systems, watch stations, and mission execution.
Since the vessel stationed on Guam in Nov. 2024, the USS Minnesota has also participated in tactical development Exercise Lungfish, a collaborative exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy. mbj
The 13th annual Pink Ball will be held on Aug. 8 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort. Proceeds will benefit Guam Cancer Care and the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation.
The U.S. Navy’s ongoing rehabilitation of the Glass Breakwater in Apra Harbor is utilizing circular economy practices and advanced coastal engineering to reinforce the critical marine infrastructure against severe typhoons and climate change.
As the Association of Pacific Ports 112th Annual Conference continues, local port officials sat down with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reflect on shared resiliency after natural disasters.
Commercial maritime carriers and terminal operators across the Western Pacific are adjusting operational strategies, upgrading equipment, and enhancing regional coordination to support accelerating military construction and troop relocations.
