US Navy Submarines Highlight Milestones: Minnesota Returns, Georgia Retires

The Virginia‑class submarine USS Minnesota completed its first forward deployment from Naval Base Guam, returning on July 29 after participating in Exercise Valiant Shield 26 and making port visits to Okinawa and Sasebo, Japan. Navy officials praised the crew’s performance and the strategic value of operating a forward‑deployed undersea platform in the Western Pacific.

The Ohio‑class guided‑missile submarine USS Georgia concluded its final mission on July 27 and will be inactivated on July 31, 2026, ending 42 years of service. Based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, the vessel has been a key component of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent and precision‑strike capability, capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles and supporting special‑operations forces.