The Navy has released photos of the USS MONTANA in Tokyo Bay, and the crew preparing to dock at the Navy’s base at Yokosuka, Japan, for a scheduled port visit.

As you see, the photos were taken late last month. They and their captions were the first official information on what the USS MONTANA has been doing recently. As SSN 794 fulfills her roles for the nation, security considerations mean that the USS Montana Committee doesn’t expect to know where the boat is at any particular time, including now. We simply appreciate The Navy’s providing glimpses now and then of the submarine and her crew being ready to put their exceptional technology and training to use if necessary.

(The U.S. Navy photos in Japan were taken by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel G. Providakes.)

Late in 2025 and early this year, the USS Montana Committee worked with the boat’s Family Readiness Group to help its members prepare more than one hundred “morale boxes” that would be placed aboard the submarine for opening by all crew members at some point during an eventual deployment. Our contributions were Montana-themed mementos and plenty of consumables like bison jerky, beef sticks, and huckleberry candy.

We’ve also learned that in January, while still in Hawaii, the MONTANA had some important visitors.

Among them was Admiral Steve Koehler, commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, second from left in the photo below, and Rear Admiral Rick Seif, commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, third from right. SSN 794’s commanding officer, Commander John Gilligan, is second from right.

While aboard, Adm. Koehler pinned Hospital Corpsman First Class Rashad Beamon with the Enlisted Submarine Warfare insignia while Cmdr. Gilligan and others looked on.

The MONTANA also hosted Australian Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty. The visit was significant against the background of the current submarine partnership (called AUKUS) among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. As part of AUKUS, SSN 794 has Royal Australian Navy crew members. Moriarty is shown on the left, speaking with SSN 794’s CO, Cmdr. John Gilligan.

Finally, earlier in 2025 Montana’s U.S Senator Tim Sheehy toured the boat and visited with the crew.

As the USS MONTANA continues her current deployment, Senator Sheehy this week noted the honor it was to visit SSN 794 and her highly trained sailors. Said Sheehy, “…This cutting-edge fast attack submarine is a prime example of America’s seapower dominance and extraordinary defense capabilities. We stand with her brave crew and all the sailors of America’s Silent Service as they execute crucial missions to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, and know they are ready to face any challenges that may come their way.”

(The U.S. Navy photos in Hawaii were by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes.)

All who visit the MONTANA and meet her crew – here in Montana or anywhere in the world – must come away with increased confidence in their ability to defend our nation and our way of life.