USS Montana Returns to Pearl Harbor Following First Deployment

Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Montana (SSN 794) returned to its homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii following its first deployment, Aug. 27, 2026. During the deployment, Montana and its crew performed missions across the spectrum of undersea warfare operations in support of a free and open Pacific region.

"Montana completed its maiden deployment, conducting operations in the Western Pacific with U.S. Seventh Fleet," said Cmdr. John Gilligan, commanding officer of Montana. "The crew did important work, deterring adversaries, assuring our allies, and building the experience necessary to fight and win anywhere in the world, if called upon."

The deployment marked several major milestones for Montana, which demonstrated sustained operational readiness. Over the course of the deployment, Montana steamed more than 40,000 nautical miles, conducting operations throughout the Pacific.

A key focus of the deployment was professional development and tactical qualification for Montana’s crew. While at sea, 26 enlisted crewmembers and five junior officers earned their Submarine Warfare insignia. These coveted silver and gold "dolphins" representing a submariner’s extensive knowledge of all submarine systems, operations, and compartments as well as damage control, casualty procedures, and watch standing.

Gilligan praised his crew’s performance during the deployment stating, "I'm admittedly biased, but I believe Montana has the best crew in the fleet. They are professional mariners and dignified warriors, and they excelled during this deployment."

In addition to warfare qualifications, 10 enlisted crewmembers advanced to the next paygrade and seven officers promoted, ensuring that the vessel returned home with a more experienced and capable cadre of deck plate leaders.

For more than half of the crew, this deployment was their first experience operating a nuclear-powered submarine in a forward-deployed environment. "The crew performed exceptionally well with professional execution of all mission tasking throughout deployment," said Master Chief Sonar Technician Ernest Scott, Montana's chief of the boat.

Scott emphasized that the culture aboard Montana is designed to foster both professional capability and mutual support. "The crew has a culture of growth that gives Montana the advantage,” Scott said. “They are always receptive to feedback from our support teams, strive to get better every day, and consistently work to train the next deployment team.”

For junior Sailors, the experience of finding a collective purpose with their peers was a defining aspect of the deployment. "I most enjoyed seeing crewmembers whom I have mentored throughout their time onboard achieve their goals of finishing certain qualifications," said Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Aidan Chung, "There is no bigger pride than wearing your submarine dolphins for the first time, and seeing someone share that kind of pride is a very special thing."

With their return to Pearl Harbor, the Sailors of Montana are set to begin a period of well-deserved rest, recuperation, and sustainment. "The crew and I deeply appreciate the support of our families, the people of Montana, and all Americans," Gilligan said. "We were proud to represent Montana and the United States in the Western Pacific, and now we’re happy to be back home here in Hawaii.”

Montana’s keel was laid down May 16, 2018, and the submarine was commissioned June 25, 2022 at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Measuring 377 feet long and displacing more than 7,800 tons, Montana has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Assigned to Submarine Squadron 1, Montana is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, follow Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SUBPAC, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/comsubpac/ or visit the official command website at https://www.csp.navy.mil/.

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