The USS Michigan, a nuclear-powered, Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its exceptional service in the strategically vital, yet increasingly contested, waters of the Western Pacific. This recognition underscores the crucial role of these submarines in maintaining national security, particularly in the face of a rapidly growing Chinese naval presence. The Michigan’s missions, conducted between October 2022 and January 2024, focused on enhancing warfighting readiness and advancing undersea warfare capabilities, specifically in the deployment of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), commonly known as underwater drones. These missions, shrouded in secrecy due to operational security, took place against the backdrop of China’s expanding naval ambitions, highlighting the growing importance of undersea warfare in the region.
The USS Michigan, homeported in Bangor, Washington, possesses the capacity to carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, each capable of striking targets 1,000 miles away, and can accommodate up to 66 personnel for specialized operations. During its deployment in the Western Pacific, the submarine made port calls in Okinawa, Japan, Busan, South Korea, and Guam, a key strategic U.S. outpost. The Navy Unit Commendation ceremony, held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, recognized the crew’s outstanding operational planning, risk management, and successful execution of three critical missions. The award citation, while partially obscured in official photographs, revealed the significant contributions of the Michigan to U.S. national security in the region.
The citation specifically noted the submarine’s advancement of undersea warfare capabilities, particularly in the employment of UUVs. This suggests that the Michigan likely utilized or tested various underwater drones, possibly including a large-displacement UUV known as Snakehead, which is designed to operate from platforms like the Michigan’s dry deck shelter (DDS). This DDS is a specialized module attached to the submarine’s hull, allowing for the covert deployment and retrieval of divers and drones while submerged. This capability significantly enhances the submarine’s intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities, making it a valuable asset in the complex and dynamic environment of the Western Pacific.
The context of the Michigan’s deployment and commendation highlights the growing strategic importance of the Western Pacific. China’s naval expansion, now boasting the world’s largest navy with over 370 ships and submarines, represents a significant shift in the regional balance of power. This growth has prompted increased U.S. monitoring of Chinese naval activity and the strategic deployment of cruise-missile submarines like the Michigan to key outposts. The submarine’s missions, while classified, likely contributed to gathering crucial intelligence and demonstrating U.S. naval power in the region, serving as a deterrent against potential aggression.
The Navy Unit Commendation awarded to the USS Michigan’s crews is not simply a recognition of individual achievement but a testament to the vital role these submarines play in maintaining national security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The citation lauds the “distinctive achievements, demonstrated skill, and unfailing devotion to duty” of the officers and enlisted personnel, highlighting their commitment to upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Their service underscores the increasing importance of undersea warfare in projecting American power and maintaining stability in an increasingly contested region.
The deployment of the USS Michigan and its successful missions represent a critical element of the U.S. Navy’s strategy in the Western Pacific. The submarine’s capabilities, combined with its strategic deployment and the successful integration of cutting-edge UUV technology, contribute significantly to American naval dominance in the region. As China continues its naval modernization and expansion, the U.S. Navy is expected to continue deploying Ohio-class guided-missile submarines like the Michigan to maintain a strong presence and counterbalance China’s growing influence. These deployments will likely focus on further developing and integrating advanced undersea warfare capabilities, including the deployment of UUVs, to ensure the U.S. maintains a technological and operational edge in this crucial theater.
