Key Points and What You Need to Know: The USS Seawolf, a Seawolf-class nuclear-powered submarine, demonstrated U.S. naval dominance in 2020 by surfacing near Norway, close to Russia.
-Designed for stealth, speed, and firepower, the Seawolf can deploy SEAL teams, gather intelligence, and strike with heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.
-This rare move sent a clear signal to Russia about U.S. resolve amid escalating tensions.
-The Seawolf-class submarines, including the USS Connecticut and USS Jimmy Carter, remain pivotal in monitoring Russian naval activity, particularly in contested Arctic waters.
-As geopolitical challenges intensify, the Seawolf-class showcases the unmatched capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s fast-attack submarines.
Why the U.S. Navy Surfaced the USS Seawolf Near Russia in 2020
We know Russia is a villainous country. Invading a bordering country and butchering its citizens who presented no prior threat to Moscow makes it one of the most evil states in the world. Russia also has a nettlesome habit of flying its airplanes into Air Defense Identification Zones of NATO countries, especially the United States.
That’s why it gives some observers a special pleasure when the U.S. Navy also uses a show power now and then to remind Russia that America is a tough customer and will not allow mischievous actions that try to intimidate others.
Such an event happened in 2020 when the USS Seawolf submarine surfaced to show the Russians that the U.S. Navy would not be bullied. This happened off the coast of Norway, close enough to Russia to send a message.
Hello Norway! Here Comes the Seawolf-Class
The Navy said the submarine was conducting an innocent “stop for personnel” around Tromso, Norway, on August 21, 2020.
This is the Navy’s 6th Fleet area of operations and part of U.S. European Command. The maritime force posture in Europe grants the ability to support NATO with naval exercises to prepare for the potential of war. This mission was part of Task Force 69 for U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
At the time, Russia had not yet invaded Ukraine to topple Kyiv, but it was still supporting combat operations along Ukraine’s border.
What The Navy Said Was Vague, But It Showed Resolve
The Navy made a vague statement about the mission without giving up too much information, but the implication was clear. The United States was putting Russia on notice.
“USS Seawolf’s deployment from Bangor, Washington, to the U.S. 6th Fleet demonstrates the Submarine Force’s global reach and commitment to provide persistent and clandestine undersea forces worldwide to execute our unique missions with unrivaled readiness,” said Vice Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander, Submarine Forces, in a Navy news release. “Our undersea warriors are the best in the world in submarine warfare and are equipped with unmatched capabilities designed to enhance our Navy and multiply the Joint Force’s effectiveness in competition and conflict.”
Seawolf-Class Punches Above Its Weight
The USS Seawolf – the lead submarine of the Seawolf-class – is one tough boat.
It is chock full of heavyweight torpedoes and land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Seawolf-class is ultra stealthy and fast, able to hunt and kill other submarines and enemy shipping. USS Connecticut and USS Jimmy Carter are also members of the class.
Modernized and Deadly
The Seawolf-class has been updated to make it more silent and deadly.
It can also collect intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, deploy Navy SEALs, and lay mines. These are some of the Navy’s fastest and quietest boats. They will play a large role in keeping tabs on Russian naval activity.
Time to Visit the Arctic and Display Undersea Warfare Prowess for Seawolf Submarines
The Seawolf-class was busy in 2020. Before the Seawolf surfaced in Norway that summer, the Connecticut also appeared in the spring of that year.
In March, the Connecticut “surfaced outside of Ice Camp Seadragon in the Arctic Circle during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2020,” according to a Navy statement.
Russia has territorial claims and strategic designs on the Arctic. This was sure to have been noticed by Russian admirals, naval intelligence analysts, and defense planners in the Kremlin.
“ICEX 2020 is a biennial submarine exercise which promotes interoperability between allies and partners to maintain operational readiness and regional stability while improving capabilities to operate in the Arctic environment,” the news release said.

Seawolf-class Submarine.
The Navy doesn’t often surface submarines, especially its nuclear-armed boomers, but its fast attack boats can sometimes make an appearance. This shows that the maritime branch can deploy its subs anytime and anywhere.
As long as Russia remains a superpower that is murderously bullying its neighbors, the Seawolf-class and others like it will make a stand. These are some of the best submarines in the fleet, and they will continue to make assertive moves that show their global reach in areas of the sea that Russia also contests.
Submarines for the U.S. Navy Matter
The new Secretary of Defense, most likely Pete Hegseth should he be confirmed by the Senate, has not stated exactly what he has planned for the Navy. Hegseth is a former Army infantry officer, and he may not have studied up on the submarine force.
However, the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations will inform him of the tactics, techniques, and procedures U.S. submarines can use to make the maritime branch more lethal. This heightened level of lethality is what Hegseth said he would return to the U.S. military.

Seawolf-Class. Image: Creative Commons.
We will likely see more American submarines surface in 2025. Russia must deal with the reality that U.S. fast attack boats can show their ability to answer the call anywhere the Russian navy has a presence.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
