US Nuclear Submarine USS Greeneville Arrives in South Korea, Bolstering Alliance Amid Regional Tensions

A U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine, the USS Greeneville, docked at a key naval base in Busan, South Korea, on Tuesday, December 23, for a routine port call intended to replenish supplies and provide crew rest. According to South Korea's Navy, the visit serves as a powerful symbol of the robust military alliance between Washington and Seoul.

A Display of Combined Defense Posture

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine entered the naval base in Busan, located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, early in the day. South Korea's Navy stated that the arrival provides an opportunity to enhance bilateral military ties.

The Navy plans to boost exchanges and cooperation between the navies of South Korea and the United States and strengthen our combined defense posture on the occasion of the USS Greeneville's entry.

— South Korean Navy Statement

Political Context and North Korea's Stance

This visit is notable as it marks the first arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June. It is the USS Greeneville's fourth visit to the country, with its last port call in 2016. The arrival follows a similar visit by another Los Angeles-class submarine, the USS Alexandria, about 10 months ago in February.

Such deployments have historically drawn sharp criticism from North Korea. Pyongyang has previously accused Washington of escalating tensions and ignoring its security concerns, warning that it is prepared to use any means necessary to defend its national security.