First Maintenance Task on Nuclear Submarine for Australia

26 Agustus 2024

Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN-776) prepare to moor at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia on Aug. 22, 2024 (photos: US Navy, DVIDS)

Arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) for first AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Maintenance Activity in Australia

Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and Australian industry will commence an historic Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia alongside their United States (US) counterparts. 

This is a significant milestone for the AUKUS partnership, which promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. 

USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a US Virginia class submarine, has 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. 

Australia welcomes the crews of USS Hawaii and USS Emory S. Land to Western Australia for this historic milestone, and we welcome home the Australians who have been embedded with them.

During World War II, the US Navy routinely conducted maintenance on US, UK, and Dutch submarines in Fremantle. The STMP marks the first time Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. 

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. 

In addition to the Australian personnel as part of the crew of the USS Emory S. Land, one of the Royal Australian Navy officers to graduate from the Submarine Officer Basic Course and naval nuclear training in the US, is part of the crew of USS Hawaii.

Workers from ASC Pty Ltd, our sovereign sustainment partner, will be involved providing support services, and will also utilise the STMP to continue learning about SSN maintenance. The first cohort of ASC workers commenced direct training on the maintenance of Virginia class submarines in June and will provide maintenance work in the future.

Port visits by US and UK SSNs, such as the STMP, are 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.

Stewardship, safety and security are priorities of Australia and our AUKUS partners, and will 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. No radiological material will be transferred ashore in this maintenance period.

All work by Australian personnel as part of the STMP will be consistent with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including non-proliferation obligations and commitments.

The STMP is a unique opportunity to demonstrate collective training in action and to strengthen interoperability between AUKUS partners. 

(Aus DoD)