On November 22, 2024, the United States military sent an advanced-level nuclear attack submarine named the USS Minnesota to Guam. This purposeful extension of Navy power into Guam is part of a plan by the United States to grant more reinforcement and establish a strategic military presence within the territory itself. Given its proximity to China and North Korea, Guam is an essential location for purposeful defense planning for the mainland United States.
Minnesota and the Andersen Air Force Base on Guam are prime examples of an effort from the United States to further solidify its holdings in the Indo-Pacific area to enhance the likelihood of peace within the country. According to a press release from the Navy, “This posture allows flexibility for maritime and joint force operations, with forward-deployed units ready to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
By heightening security and allocating resources to Guam, the US Navy is working to prevent aggression from outside areas. As a result, increasing investments in the island seem inevitable, with the proposed Guam Defense System to be completed sometime during the 2030s. This advancement would undoubtedly be a preemptive measure to encourage safe and cordial relations between the United States and foreign entities that could escalate tensions in the coming years. The necessity of creating an atmosphere of peace in the Indo-Pacific region has prompted the United States to prevent possible harm from coming to American residents and provide a line of defense if an adverse event were to occur.
Despite the need for more ships and reinforcements in this area, submarine utilization has declined, with fewer people wanting to participate in the profession. Although the public desire for submarine jobs has been waning, the necessity of providing for the overall well-being of those in America by providing an additional defense source has prompted the US to take action. With its historical usage during World War II, Guam’s security and proper utilization are paramount to the success of the American military as a whole in preventing future military conflicts.
