USS Minn-St.Paul

• Namesake Origins: The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul name has been used for more than one vessel, notably a Los Angeles-class submarine (SSN-708) and a Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS-21), both named after the "Twin Cities" of Minnesota. • Submarine Legacy: USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (SSN-708) was the first U.S. Navy ship named for both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, serving from 1984 to 2007. • Cold War Service: During the Cold War, SSN-708 participated in critical intelligence-gathering and deterrence patrols, operating mainly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. • Operation Allied Force: The submarine was deployed in support of Operation Allied Force in 1999, the NATO bombing campaign in Yugoslavia. • Distinguished Visits: In 1998, SSN-708 made a notable port visit to Faslane, Scotland, strengthening ties with the UK’s Royal Navy. • LCS-21 Construction: The newest USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) is a Freedom-class littoral combat ship, launched in 2019 and commissioned in 2022. • Icebreaking Ceremony: The christening of LCS-21 in 2019 featured an icebreaking ceremony, paying tribute to Minnesota’s wintry climate. • Local Ties: Both ships have maintained strong connections with their namesake cities, involving community members in commissioning ceremonies and ship sponsor roles. • Unique Design: LCS-21 features a modular design allowing for rapid switches between surface warfare, anti-submarine, and mine countermeasure missions. • Modern Deployments: The LCS-21 is part of the Navy’s push for agile, fast, and versatile ships to operate in littoral (near-shore) environments, reflecting evolving maritime strategy.