USS Delaware arrives in Faroe Islands

by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) arrived in Tórshavn for a scheduled port visit, marking the first time a U.S. nuclear powered submarine has moored in the Faroe Islands, June 26, 2023. Delaware, the seventh U.S Navy ship and first submarine named after the first U.S. state of Delaware, is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

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The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) arrived in Tórshavn for a scheduled port visit, marking the first time a U.S. nuclear powered submarine has moored in the Faroe Islands, June 26, 2023. Delaware, the seventh U.S Navy ship and first submarine named after the first U.S. state of Delaware, is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

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Photo By: Cmdr. Michael N. Mowry

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Delaware’s arrival marks the first port visit by a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine to the Faroe Islands.

“The United States and the Faroe Islands enjoy a close and growing partnership,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark Alan Leventhal.  “The visit of the USS Delaware is an example of this increased cooperation as we work with the Faroese and Danish governments to advance our common security interests.  We thank the Faroes Islands for the warm welcome, and look forward to continuing to expand cooperation in this and other areas of our partnership." 

U.S. Navy submarines routinely operate around the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans to provide maritime domain awareness and ensure security and stability in the region. Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) conducted a brief stop for personnel (BSP) in Tórshavn in August 2022.

The current port visit also follows shortly after the Icelandic government facilitated the first U.S. submarine BSP off Iceland’s coast in April 2023, and also comes on the heels of multiple exercises and activities involving NATO Ally and Partner nations throughout northern Europe and the High North.

While in port, Delaware’s crew will have the chance to learn about the unique climate and culture of the Faroe Islands while fostering interpersonal relations with the local population.

“This port visit symbolizes the strong and enduring relationships we share with our Faroese and Danish counterparts,” said Rear Adm. Stephen Mack, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF)'s Director of Maritime Operations. “The Faroe Islands and the High North are vital areas for our submarine operations and we thank the Faroese and Danish people for allowing us to conduct this strategically important port visit.”

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.