GREAT FALLS, Mont. – When most Montanans think of the state’s military ties, Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana National Guard (Air and Army) often come to mind. But this week, it’s the U.S. Navy making waves in the Treasure State.

The crew of the USS Montana, the Navy’s newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, is touring Montana with stops in Great Falls, Fort Benton, Helena and Missoula.

Commissioned in 2022 and now based at Pearl Harbor, the USS Montana carries the state’s name across the Pacific. Commander John Gilligan, the submarine’s commanding officer, said his sailors are honored to be tied to Montana’s legacy.

“So you may not know it, but Montana actually has a long legacy of naval vessels,” Gilligan said. “The first Montana was the Armored Cruiser C-13 USS Montana t

See Full Page