Navy Moves USS Wyoming to Pacific Northwest in Submarine Swap

The U.S. Navy repositioned two Ohio class ballistic missile submarines on October 1 2026 by exchanging their homeports between Washington and Georgia, moving USS Wyoming to Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and USS Pennsylvania to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay while keeping most sailors at their existing bases.

According to the Navy, the exchange was a hull swap that changed the submarines locations but did not require most assigned crews and families to relocate across the country. Sailors transferred to equivalent roles on the other submarine.

USS Wyoming, commissioned in July 1996, is seven years newer than USS Pennsylvania, which entered service in September 1989. Sources including Stars and Stripes and Interesting Engineering reported the move gives the Pacific fleet a newer Ohio class submarine while the Navy continues operating its aging ballistic missile force.

Both submarines are nuclear powered Ohio class ballistic missile submarines capable of carrying Trident II D5 submarine launched ballistic missiles, according to the Navy. The vessels support the sea based portion of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent.

The Navy described the crew arrangement as a way to reduce disruption for service members while maintaining submarine operations.

"The operation eliminated the need for most assigned sailors to move across the country, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to both its critical national security mission and the provision of geographical preference for service members and their families," said the Navy.

The hull swap preserved existing command and training structures at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Ohio class submarines use Blue and Gold crews, allowing two crews to support each submarine during alternating operational cycles.

Rear Adm. Todd Figanbaum, commander of Submarine Group 9, highlighted the need to maintain continuous readiness for ballistic missile submarine operations.

"Pacific Fleet ballistic missile submarines remain always ready to deter any threat, and this hull swap directly supports that mission," said Rear Adm. Todd Figanbaum.

The Navy is preparing for the arrival of the Columbia class submarine program, which is planned to replace the current fleet of 14 Ohio class ballistic missile submarines with 12 newer boats. General Dynamics Electric Boat reported the first Columbia class submarine, USS District of Columbia, is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

According to Interesting Engineering and Marine Insight, Ohio class submarines have service lives extended to about 42 years, requiring continued maintenance, modernization, and upgrades. Naval Base Kitsap Bangor is being prepared to support future Columbia class operations while continuing to host Ohio class submarines.

The Navy said the submarine exchange does not add vessels to the Pacific fleet. It changes which Ohio class submarine is assigned to the region as the service manages remaining submarine life spans before the next generation fleet enters service.