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 Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association kicked off the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, convening more than 60 vendors, local business leaders, and international trade partners to showcase hospitality innovations and forge commercial connections.
The Society for Human Resources Management Guam Chapter hosted the 2026 SHRM Guam Annual Conference on Aug. 14. During the conference, changes in the priorities of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission were highlighted.
The 38th Guam Legislature passed a $1.42 billion executive spending plan for fiscal 2027 in a 13 to two vote on Aug. 18, clearing the path to roll back the island’s Business Privilege Tax to 4% while maintaining higher assessment rates on defense construction projects.
