The United States Navy confirmed that an Ohio-class nuclear submarine made a port call in Gibraltar on May 10.
The statement was released by the U.S. 6th Fleet, which said the visit demonstrates operational capability and Washington’s continued commitment to NATO allies.
The announcement drew attention because it revealed the presence of a strategic vessel, as the location of this type of submarine is usually kept under absolute secrecy.
The Pentagon did not disclose which submarine took part in the operation, limiting itself to highlighting that Ohio-class vessels serve as virtually undetectable platforms for launching ballistic missiles.
The disclosure came amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, one day after President Donald Trump rejected a new peace proposal presented by Tehran involving issues such as war reparations, sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of sanctions.
Located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar is considered a strategic point for international naval operations. The British territory controls one of the world’s most important maritime routes and frequently serves as a support base for NATO vessels and Western military forces moving through the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Ohio-class submarines form the main maritime force of the United States’ nuclear triad. Measuring around 170 meters in length and capable of carrying up to 20 Trident II D5 missiles with nuclear warheads, these vessels can remain on patrol for long periods thanks to nuclear propulsion. Part of the fleet has currently been adapted to operate conventional Tomahawk missiles, while the others remain dedicated to the role of strategic nuclear deterrence.
🇺🇸US Ohio-class submarine arrived in Gibraltar yesterday, escorted by @RNGibSqn HMS Dagger.
Via @dparody / Ryan Ocana pic.twitter.com/C9nhKEtKBB — Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) May 11, 2026
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @NavyLookout | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
