USNavy nuclear submarines in the Mediterranean

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump stated that he had moved two nuclear submarines “closer to Russia” in response to provocations from Russian Vice President Dmitry Medvedev. While the announcement is vague and lacks operational details, it provides an opportunity to assess the current and recent U.S. Navy submarine presence in the Mediterranean.

To begin with, the term “nuclear submarines” is itself ambiguous. It can refer to two very different classes of submarines:

• SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines), which are typically armed with conventional cruise missiles;
• SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines), which are designed to carry nuclear warheads.

Trump did not specify which type he was referring to. However, in the Mediterranean, the U.S. Navy usually deploys SSNs, particularly those capable of launching up to 150 conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles.

In recent years, two Ohio-class submarines have been the most frequently seen in the region: USS Florida and USS Georgia. These converted SSGNs (guided missile submarines) have taken part in several deployments in support of U.S. and NATO operations.

The last confirmed sighting of a U.S. Navy submarine in the Mediterranean dates back several months, when USS Georgia exited the region to enter the Red Sea — reportedly in preparation for a possible strike on Iran, an operation it may have participated in.

Since then, it remains unclear whether USS Georgia (or any other U.S. submarine) has returned to the Mediterranean.

Another key element to consider is the recent entry into the Mediterranean of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG). CSGs are almost always accompanied by at least one nuclear-powered attack submarine, tasked with providing underwater escort and intelligence. However, the presence of such submarines is rarely publicly confirmed.

Ultimately, while Trump’s remarks may have drawn attention, the presence of at least one U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in the Mediterranean is neither new nor unexpected. What remains unclear is whether recent geopolitical tensions have led to a heightened operational posture or an expanded undersea presence in the region.