WORLD War 3 fears were ramped up even further today after a huge US submarine emerged from the waters in South Korea.
The USS Michigan, the world's biggest nuclear-powered ballistic missile sub, arrived at a naval base in Busan, South Korea carrying 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
With a length of 170.6 meters and 18,000-tonnes behind it, the vessel is the second Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine in the US Navy.
The Navy said the Ohio-Class guided-missile submarine was making a routine visit during a regularly scheduled deployment to the region, in the second visit of its kind last year.
But the port call comes at a time of escalating tensions between the United States and North Korea, which has stepped up the pace of its nuclear weapons program and missile provocations amid fears of World War 3.
The 560-foot-long USS Michigan is armed to the teeth with tactical missiles and is capable of launching strikes and supporting missions by special operation forces, a statement said.
Its homeport is Bremerton, Washington, but the submarine is based in the US Pacific island territory of Guam - which has repeatedly been threatened by despot Kim Jong Un.
Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Naval Forces Korea, said: “The US and South Korean navies have always enjoyed a strong relationship.
“Today, our relationship is stronger than it has ever been and our ironclad partnership is further reinforced by this visit from Michigan.
“Michigan Sailors were warmly welcomed by the ROK Navy today and I know they’ll receive the same wonderful welcome from the local community during their visit to Busan."
During the visit sailors will experience the culture and history of South Korea as well as foster outstanding relations between the US Navy, Korean military and the local Busan community.
Captain Gustavo Gutierrez, Michigan’s commanding officer, said: “Throughout this deployment, the crew has been extremely professional and dedicated.
“Everyone on board is mission ready, and I’m proud of being their commanding officer.”
The smaller USS Tucson, which is capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, made a port call last Saturday at the US base in Chinhae.
The US also has sent Guam-based B-1B bombers over the peninsula twice in recent weeks in a show of force amid speculation the North is preparing to conduct another ballistic-missile test.
And today’s sub visit is only likely to stir the pot even more as the war of words between Donald Trump and Kim continues.
The US President has threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea if forced to defend the US or its allies.
And Washington has agreed to deploy so-called strategic assets in and around South Korea on a more regular basis to provide better deterrence against the North.