In recent developments, an American attack submarine has arrived at the US base of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, a day after a four-ship Russian task force docked at Havana on a long-range expedition. USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class boat, sailed into port for a “routine port visit”, according to the US Southern Command. The vessel’s location and transit were previously planned, with SOUTHCOM emphasizing that the submarine is “conducting its global maritime security and national defense mission.
The Associated Press described the submarine’s arrival as “a show of force” by Washington, in response to the presence of Russian ships so close to US shores. The task force was led by missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov, accompanied by the Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan and two support ships: the oil tanker Pashin and salvage tug Nikolay Chiker.
Moscow had previously described this long-distance expedition as a way to “show the flag” and “ensure a naval presence in operationally important areas.” The Russian Defense Ministry has not commented further on the flotilla’s mission, leading to intense speculation in the US that its presence could be related to actions taken by Washington and its allies in Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said earlier this week that the Russian ships were likely signaling their displeasure about US support for Ukraine, but added there was no indication or expectation of nuclear weapons being used.
The Cuban government confirmed that the Russian ships were not equipped with nuclear missiles and that their mission was in full accordance with international law. The Gorshkov and Kazan practiced long-range sea strikes while en route to Cuba, with several US Navy vessels shadowing them from a distance. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated that these exercises did not pose a threat to the US.
Commissioned in 2021, the Kazan is one of Russia’s most modern naval assets, while its counterpart Gorshkov entered service in 2018. The Helena, on the other hand, dates back to 1987.
On a separate but related note, just before USS Helena was dispatched to Cuba, the US Navy announced that one of its crew members had died last month. Sonar Technician Submarine 3rd Class Timothy Sanders’ body was discovered on board the submarine while it was moored at Naval Station Norfolk on May 24th. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is currently investigating the case.