The first operational component of the AUKUS partnership in Australia is under way with a United States nuclear-powered submarine arriving in Western Australia for maintenance.
Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead said personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and Australian industry would commence the historic Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia alongside United States counterparts.
“This is a significant milestone for the AUKUS partnership, which promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” Vice Admiral Mead said.
He said the USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a US Virginia class submarine, had arrived at HMAS Stirling, joining the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), a US service ship with equipment and crew dedicated to providing significant maintenance work for US submarines.
“In preparation for the STMP, over 30 Navy officers and sailors have been embedded as part of the crew of USS Emory S. Land since January 2024 to build the skills, knowledge and experience in nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.
“In the most practical demonstration of progress to implement the AUKUS Pathway to date, Australian personnel will undertake hands-on learning, and conduct and observe maintenance on Virginia class submarine USS Hawaii alongside experienced US counterparts.”
Vice Admiral Mead said port visits by US and UK SSNs, such as the STMP, were a vital part of building Australia’s capability and capacity to support maintenance on nuclear-powered submarines in the lead up to Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) commencing in 2027.
“The rotational presence of one UK Astute class and up to four US Virginia class submarines at HMAS Stirling as part of SRF-West will further accelerate Australia’s ability to be sovereign ready to safely and securely own, operate and maintain Australia’s future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.”
He said stewardship, safety and security were priorities and would be a focus of the STMP.
“The activity will further develop Australia’s technical knowledge of US radiological controls, waste processes and emergency response capabilities.”
Vice Admiral Mead said no radiological material would be transferred ashore in the maintenance period and all work by Australian personnel as part of the STMP would be consistent with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including non-proliferation obligations and commitments.
