The U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) arrived at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, Scotland (Faslane) for a scheduled port visit, July 1, 2022.
This port visit to Faslane reflects the United States’ commitment to our allies and partners in the region and complements the many exercises, training, operations, and other military cooperation activities conducted by Strategic Forces to ensure they are available and ready to safely and effectively operate around the globe at any time. The last time a U.S. Navy SSBN conducted a port visit to Faslane was when USS Alaska (SSBN 732) visited in July 2019.
“We’re excited for Rhode Island’s opportunity to visit Faslane. The United States Submarine Force has a rich history of cooperation with our U.K. allies in this strategically significant port,” said Capt. John Craddock, commander, Task Force 69. “This port visit strengthens the U.S./U.K. cooperation and Rhode Island’s forward presence demonstrates our capability, flexibility, and continued commitment to NATO allies.”
Rhode Island, homeported in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. It is an undetectable, survivable, and responsive launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the United States with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. The lead submarine of this class is USS Ohio (SSGN 726), commissioned in 1981.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
