USS Montana Makes Grand Entrance at New Pearl Harbor Homeport

The USS Montana, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, has officially made Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam its new home as of December 23, 2024. This marks a significant addition to the fleet, becoming the ninth such submarine to be stationed at this strategic Pacific location.

Cmdr. John Gilligan, commanding officer of USS Montana, expressed enthusiasm for their arrival. “Arriving in Pearl Harbor is a proud moment for us. It’s the culmination of hard work by our crew back in Virginia,” stated Gilligan. “Now, stationed in the Pacific, we are prepared to fulfill our naval duties with dedication.”

The warm welcome was underscored by Capt. Aaron Peterson, commander of Submarine Squadron 1, who greeted the submarine’s crew upon their arrival. “Montana’s crew is a valued addition to our Pacific Submarine Force Ohana,” Peterson declared, emphasizing the readiness for training and subsequent deployment.

Before this transition, Montana underwent a post-shakedown availability at Newport News Shipbuilding and was re-delivered to the Navy in November 2024. Highlighting the significance of the move, Gilligan added, “This transition is not just about changing locations but reuniting families and integrating into the Montana community here.”

Commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk on June 25, 2022, Montana is a noteworthy vessel with a rich legacy as the second warship named after the state. Spanning over 377 feet and displacing nearly 7,800 tons, it boasts a crew of around 140 Sailors. The submarine is equipped for diverse missions, spanning anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare to strike warfare and intelligence operations.

This strategic repositioning strengthens the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, enhancing capabilities for strategic deterrence, intelligence gathering, and defense operations globally.