First U.S. nuclear sub enters Jeju Island Navy base

Today the attack nuclear submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) arrived at the new Navy base on Jeju Island, South Korea for a port call as part of its deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

The sub was participating in recent provocative US war games off the Korean peninsula along with Japanese and South Korean forces.

“We are honored to be the first submarine to visit Jeju,” said Cmdr. Eric J. Rozek, commanding officer. “This visit will allow Mississippi crew members the opportunity to enjoy the unique culture of the residents of Jeju-do island.”

The truth is that the people of Jeju Island don't want the US military around as the new Navy base makes the 500-year old Gangjeong fishing and farming village a direct target in any war.  In addition the construction, and operation of the base, is ruining their once pristine environment.

With a crew of approximately 150 the Mississippi is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is outfitted for a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike intelligence, and reconnaissance.

Home-ported out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii the sub was built at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut.