Key Points – The US Navy strategically surfaces its highly capable Seawolf-class submarines on rare occasions to send a clear deterrent message to adversaries like Russia.
-A key example occurred on August 21, 2020, when the USS Seawolf surfaced off the coast of Tromso, Norway—a strategic port for monitoring Russia’s Northern Fleet.
-This action demonstrated the submarine force’s global reach and resolve.
-The Seawolf-class, though only three were built, remains one of the world’s most advanced hunter-killer submarines, armed with up to 50 Tomahawk missiles or Mk 48 torpedoes, making such a “show of force” particularly potent.
The Navy Surfacing Seawolf-Class In Norway Sends Message To Russia
The US Navy occasionally makes a show of force, sending a message to Russia. One such incident occurred in 2020 when the USS Seawolf surfaced off the Norwegian coast to send a clear message to Russia regarding its aggression.
And this action by the Navy is hardly one-sided. For decades, the Russian and Soviet Air Forces before them, have made a nasty habit of flying their aircraft into Air Defense Identification Zones of NATO countries, especially the United States.
When the US has had enough of Russia’s asinine and dangerous antics, it flexes some muscle of its own. And using a Seawolf-Class submarine, as in 2020, effectively conveys the message. Don’t mess with a bull unless you’re ready for the horns.
The Seawolf Submarine Is The Perfect Messenger
The Seawolf-class submarines, despite being developed during the Cold War, remain among the most advanced submarines in the world. They can carry up to 50 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, as well as the same number of Mark 48 torpedoes. They are hunter-killer boats capable of harassing enemy shipping and locating and sinking enemy submarines with Harpoon anti-ship missiles or the weapons mentioned above.
However, only three Seawolf-class submarines were built, and it fell to the Virginia-class submarines to pick up the slack after the cancellation of the Seawolf-class in the mid-1990s.
The decision to cancel the Seawolf-class in 1995 because of the “peace dividend” was a short-sighted and poor decision. The Seawolf-class is an outstanding hunter-killer boat with many great features.
They are fast and run deep with their HY-100 steel, which can endure high water pressure at greater depths. The Seawolf also had superior stealth, sonar, and weapons capacity designed to counter top-tier Soviet threats.
The Norway Surfacing Was Meant To Deter Russian Aggression
On August 21, 2020, USS Seawolf, the lead ship of the Seawolf class, parked off the coast of Tromso to take on a new crew. The US and Norway use this strategic port off the coast of Tromso to monitor Moscow’s Northern Fleet.
According to senior naval officials, “the U.S. and Norway have a great relationship, and our ability to use facilities in and around Tromso would provide a strategic location for our visits,” adding that “It would give us flexibility for not only the U.S. but allied countries to exercise in the High North.”
The Innocuous Message By The Navy Had Hard-Hitting Meaning
The Navy issued a brief statement about the mission without revealing much, but the implication was clear. The United States was putting Russia on notice.
“USS Seawolf’s deployment from Bangor, Washington, to the U.S. 6th Fleet demonstrates the Submarine Force’s global reach and commitment to provide persistent and clandestine undersea forces worldwide to execute our unique missions with unrivaled readiness,” said Vice Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander, Submarine Forces, in a Navy press release.
“Our undersea warriors are the best in the world in submarine warfare and are equipped with unmatched capabilities designed to enhance our Navy and multiply the Joint Force’s effectiveness in competition and conflict.”
Also in 2020, the USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class submarine, surfaced outside of Ice Camp Seadragon in the Arctic Circle during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2020, according to a Navy statement.
Will The Navy Continue Surfacing Submarines To Send a Message?
The Navy’s primary role is deterrence, which means preventing conflict by making it clear that an attack will be met with a strong and effective response. Surfacing submarines is a tactical move with specific purposes.
Therefore, the Navy won’t pursue this often, as it isn’t a long-term strategy. But make no mistake, as long as Russia continues to bully and assault its neighbors who offer no threat against them. Then, this tactic will be dusted off from time to time to show Moscow that, while they can get away with this nonsense at times, it will not be tolerated for long.
It demonstrates the Navy’s deployment of submarines and other warships to various regions, showcasing its commitment and readiness. It also shows that the US and our allies remain committed to each other’s defense.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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