U.S. Nuclear Submarine Makes Historic Port Visit to Iceland

In a landmark demonstration of U.S. commitment to Arctic defense and NATO solidarity, the USS Newport News (SSN 750), a Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear-powered submarine, conducted a historic port visit to Grundartangi, Iceland. This marks the first time a U.S. nuclear submarine has docked on Icelandic shores, according to a statement from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF).

The milestone underscores growing defense cooperation in the High North, a region where Russian military activity has raised increasing concern among NATO allies. U.S. defense leaders emphasized that the visit reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to regional stability, deterrence, and freedom of navigation in the Arctic.

Strengthening NATO’s Northern Posture

The visit follows a 2023 milestone when Iceland first permitted a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine to enter its territorial waters, though without docking. This year’s full port entry represents a further deepening of bilateral trust and Arctic military cooperation, coming at a time of shifting security dynamics in the North Atlantic.

“The United States and Iceland maintain the shared goal of low tension in the Arctic, with full awareness of Russia’s efforts to build its military presence in the region,” said Erin Sawyer, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Iceland. “This visit reflects our strong partnership and shared commitment to maritime security.”

Honoring the Submarine’s Legacy

Commanded by Cmdr. Eric McCay, the USS Newport News has completed multiple missions above the Arctic Circle, earning three Arctic Service Ribbons over its 36-year operational history. The submarine’s arrival in Iceland serves as both a symbolic gesture and a practical show of operational reach.

Mission Profile: Multi-Role Power Projection

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines are engineered for a range of missions that support five of the Navy’s six core maritime strategy objectives: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The Newport News is capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, strike operations, intelligence gathering, and special forces deployment.

Armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and advanced sonar systems, the vessel plays a pivotal role in crisis response, especially in regions where threats to maritime security or NATO’s collective defense posture may arise.

A Broader Strategic Framework

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, has led coordination with allies for more than 80 years, operating across both U.S. European and Africa Command areas of responsibility. Through sustained engagement with partners like Iceland, the Navy continues to ensure a free and secure maritime domain across the North Atlantic and Arctic.

The historic Iceland visit by USS Newport News reflects a long-term vision: one of deterrence, readiness, and allied resilience in a region growing in geopolitical and environmental importance.