Submarine base in Guam helps US control Western Pacific

Four Los Angeles-class submarines deployed in Guam carry missiles with a range of up to 3,100 km and long-term reconnaissance capabilities in East Asia.

Guam Naval Base from above. Photo: Wikipedia.

Guam plays a key role on the geopolitical map, allowing the US to launch any military campaign against North Korea. In addition to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam is also the forward base for four Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarines, capable of attacking targets from a distance of 3,100 km, according to Global Security.

Naval Base Guam (NBG) is a strategic US military complex built around Apra Harbor, southwest of Guam. In 2009, NBG was merged with Andersen Air Force Base to form Joint Base Marianas, under the command of the US Navy.

The permanent forces at NBG include Submarine Squadron 15, the Guam Coast Guard and the 1st Naval Special Warfare Unit. In addition, there are dozens of units under the Pacific Command, the Pacific Fleet, the 7th Fleet and the US Navy engineering battalions (Seabee).

Submarine Squadron 15 is composed of four Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarines, including USS Chicago, USS Key West, USS Oklahoma City and USS Topeka. Each can carry 37 Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 3,100 km and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles with a range of 130 km. This unit is attached to two submarine tenders, USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land.

The submarine USS Chicago returns to NBG after a patrol. Photo: Wikipedia.

NBG serves as an important forward base for nuclear attack submarines, allowing them to operate for long periods of time to control vast areas of the Western Pacific.

It is a key force in gathering intelligence in the Western Pacific, from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. It is also one of the centers connecting the communication lines between the western United States, the Hawaiian Islands, Australia and Asia. In addition, American warships often stop at this base before going to East Asia to refuel.

Given their special location, NBG and Andersen Base would be the two biggest targets in Guam if North Korea were to attack the island. However, military experts say Pyongyang is only trying to make a threatening statement and will not launch an actual attack on the island.

According to VNE