The nuclear-powered USS Columbia enters a naval base for logistics support and crew rest in the port of Busan, Nov. 18, 2024. Yonhap

A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine arrived at a major southeastern naval base in South Korea on Monday to replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members, the South's Navy said.

The USS Alexandria, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, entered the naval base in Busan, some 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, earlier in the day, according to the Navy.

Upon arrival, the armed services said they plan to conduct activities to enhance cooperation between the South Korean and U.S. navies and bolster their combined defense posture.

The latest arrival came about three months after the Los Angeles-class USS Columbia visited the southeastern naval base for similar purposes in November.

It also came as North Korea has been ratcheting up tensions on the Korean Peninsula this year by launching multiple missiles, including what it called sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles on Jan. 25. (Yonhap)