USS Minnesota returns to homeport, first deployment from Guam

BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff

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