Fast-Attack Submarine Joins US Pacific Fleet
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A United States fast-attack submarine has joined the Pacific Fleet following refurbishment and modernization as the Pentagon faces growing naval challenges from its rival, China.
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, the commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said USS Toledo joined his unit as what he described as a "tested and capable submarine."
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email.
Why It Matters
China possesses the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels, including a fleet of 60 submarines powered by either nuclear or diesel-electric propulsion. The Chinese navy plays a key role in expanding the country's military reach and presence in the Pacific.
The U.S. has deployed its nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines across the Pacific to help preserve its naval dominance in the region amid the growing threat from China, including five submarines homeported in Guam—a key U.S. military hub in the western Pacific.
The U.S. Navy operates three classes of fast-attack submarines—the Los Angeles-class, Seawolf-class and Virginia-class—designed to destroy enemy naval vessels and project power ashore through the use of Tomahawk missiles and special operations forces.
What To Know
The U.S. Pacific Submarine Force announced on Monday that the Toledo—a Los Angeles-class submarine—arrived at its new home port, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, on July 12, joining the Submarine Squadron 7 as its fourth Los Angeles-class submarine.
The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 12.
The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 12.
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy
According to the Navy, the Hawaii-based squadron provides "training, material, and personnel readiness support" to a total of six fast-attack submarines—two Virginia-class and four Los Angeles-class vessels.
The Toledo, capable of firing missiles and torpedoes, previously served as one of the East Coast-based submarines, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut. It moved to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia in January 2021 for repair and overhaul.
The submarine completed its repair and overhaul—a process known as an Engineered Overhaul aimed at extending its operational life—and returned to the Navy on April 19.
"Our crew looks forward to the new chapter for Toledo and the opportunities while operating throughout the Indo-Pacific," said Commander Dustin Kraemer, the commanding officer of the Toledo. The submarine's crew consists of about 12 officers and 98 enlisted sailors.
The Toledo is capable of supporting a wide range of missions—including anti-submarine, anti-surface and strike warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance—making it one of the world's most capable submarines, the Pacific Submarine Force said.
The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo docked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia on May 15, 2024.
The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo docked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia on May 15, 2024.
Shelby West/Norfolk Naval Shipyard
What People Are Saying
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, the commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said in a news release on Monday: "The Toledo team has demonstrated professionalism and commitment in completing their extended maintenance and getting the ship back to sea."
U.S. Navy Captain Corey Poorman, the commander of the Submarine Squadron 7, said in a news release on Monday: "Our team looks forward to continuing the training and certification of Toledo's crew in defense of our nation and its allies and partners."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the Pentagon will deploy and homeport additional ships and submarines in the Pacific amid China's rapid expansion of its naval fleet and activities.
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