US Nuclear-Powered Submarine Returns After Completing Training

SSGN Visit to Korea Marks First in 5 Years and 8 Months Since October 2017

The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine (SSGN) USS Michigan is departing Busan Naval Base on the afternoon of the 22nd after completing joint special operations training with the Republic of Korea Navy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a regular briefing that day, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-gyu stated that the USS Michigan, which had docked in Busan, "fulfilled necessary roles such as joint special operations training." However, detailed information about the training was not disclosed.

The USS Michigan, which entered Busan Naval Base on the 16th?the day after North Korea resumed ballistic missile provocations?is the world's largest submarine, measuring 170.6 meters in length, 12.8 meters in width, and with a submerged displacement of 18,000 tons. It is one of four nuclear-powered submarines commissioned in 1982 and converted into SSGNs in 2007, capable of carrying approximately 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 2,500 km. It can also carry special operations forces to conduct covert missions such as infiltration into enemy territory. Although SSGNs require secrecy, the USS Michigan did not hide its presence from the press when it entered Busan Port on the 16th.

This deliberate exposure is interpreted as a measure to implement the agreement in the Washington Declaration adopted by the South Korean and U.S. leaders last April, which states that "the regular visibility of U.S. strategic assets will be further enhanced." The USS Michigan's visit to Korea was the first in 5 years and 8 months since October 2017.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.