The arrival of the USS Alaska, the largest nuclear submarine in the US Navy, in Gibraltar on May 10 has garnered significant attention. This stopover, considered rare, was met by British Royal Marines, who were specifically deployed for the occasion. Following its arrival, a 200-meter exclusion zone was established around the vessel, which will remain in place until further notice.
The USS Alaska is part of the US Navy's Ohio class, known for housing the largest submarines in the fleet and serving as a crucial pillar in America's nuclear deterrence strategy. Measuring 171 meters in length, this submarine can carry up to 24 Trident II D5 nuclear missiles and is capable of deploying nuclear warheads.
This is not the first time the USS Alaska has docked in Gibraltar; it previously visited the Rock in June 2021. Other Ohio-class submarines, such as the USS Florida, USS Rhode Island, and USS Georgia, also made stopovers there in 2022.
“"Spanish authorities had implemented special protocols in Rota, specifically for nuclear submarines, to minimize environmental impact and ensure public safety."
In 2022, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already expressed its displeasure over the decision to use stopover services in Gibraltar rather than the Rota naval base, located just 141 kilometers away. This new choice of Gibraltar is interpreted as a further snub to the Rota military base.
This situation occurs in a context of strained relations between the United States and Spain, especially after the Spanish Prime Minister refused to allow the use of Spanish military bases in Rota and Morón for offensive operations in Iran. In response, the then-US President threatened to “cut off all trade” with Spain and subsequently suggested the possible withdrawal of the approximately 3,800 US troops stationed in the country.
To date, authorities have not provided additional details on the duration of the USS Alaska's stopover in Gibraltar or the specific purpose of this visit.
