Ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee docked on Scotland’s west coast Friday morning for a routine port visit intended to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ongoing commitment to the United Kingdom.
The submarine’s arrival underscores the U.S. and the U.K.’s close ties and shared support of global security objectives through interoperable strategic forces, STRATCOM announced in a statement.
"The Navy’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines support our nation’s ability to maintain a strong, credible strategic force and enhance and provide for the security and stability of our regional allies," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander.
"This visit highlights our special relationship with the U.K., and complements the many exercises, training, operations, and other military cooperation activities conducted between our two nations. Further, it provides a well-deserved respite for the USS Tennessee crew, who work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, deterring strategic threats to our collective security," Haney continued.
The visit comes a year after USS Wyoming arrived at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in Faslane, Scotland.
Prime Minister Theresa May and President Obama vowed during a joint press conference at the G20 summit in China last month that the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. would remain strong despite Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.
"It will not simply endure, but it will continue to grow stronger with time," Obama said.
Secretary of State John Kerry said in June that the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. would remain "unbreakable" despite the Obama administration’s opposition to Britain’s successful Brexit vote.