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U.S.–Australia Submarine Maintenance Period Underscores Forward Sustainment Progress Under AUKUS
Virginia-class USS Vermont completes advanced maintenance at HMAS Stirling, deepening allied capabilities and preparing for rotational submarine force operations
The United States Navy’s Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Vermont has completed an advanced Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, marking a significant demonstration of forward sustainment under the Australia–United Kingdom–United States (AUKUS) security partnership.
This maintenance phase represents the first time a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has undergone a scheduled maintenance programme on Australian soil without reliance on a U.S. submarine tender ship, highlighting the expanding sustainment proficiency of Australian personnel and industry teams alongside U.S. counterparts.
Arriving at HMAS Stirling on 29 October 2025, USS Vermont engaged in a four-week programme of complex tasks designed to test and refine procedures that will underpin future Submarine Rotational Force – West operations, scheduled to begin by 2027. Australian Defence officials noted that this year’s SMP was more advanced and larger in scope than earlier maintenance trails, reflecting Canberra’s progress toward establishing sovereign capabilities to support nuclear-powered submarines as part of its long-term transition to an indigenous fleet.
Royal Australian Navy sailors, Australian industry personnel and U.S. Navy technicians collaborated directly on more than one hundred and sixty maintenance tasks, covering a range of critical sustainment activities.
Australian companies contributed innovations such as a mobile pure water plant meeting stringent allied standards, while Australian Submarine Agency partners and ASC Pty Ltd played integral roles in executing the work alongside U.S. crews.
No radiological material was transferred ashore during the period, underscoring adherence to rigorous safety protocols.
The inclusion of Australian personnel in USS Vermont’s crew and maintenance effort reflects deepening integration and knowledge-transfer under the AUKUS arrangement.
Thirteen Royal Australian Navy submariners, having completed specialised training in the United States, were part of Vermont’s company during the maintenance activities.
Their participation underscores Canberra’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of operating and sustaining high-end undersea defence platforms.
Defence officials emphasised that this milestone advances Australia’s strategic preparations for Submarine Rotational Force – West, which will see U.S. and UK nuclear-powered submarines routinely visit HMAS Stirling before Australia introduces its own conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s under the AUKUS programme.
The successful SMP offers a concrete demonstration of allied cooperation in forward sustainment, reinforcing interoperability, logistical depth and industrial readiness within the trilateral partnership.
This maintenance phase represents the first time a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has undergone a scheduled maintenance programme on Australian soil without reliance on a U.S. submarine tender ship, highlighting the expanding sustainment proficiency of Australian personnel and industry teams alongside U.S. counterparts.
Arriving at HMAS Stirling on 29 October 2025, USS Vermont engaged in a four-week programme of complex tasks designed to test and refine procedures that will underpin future Submarine Rotational Force – West operations, scheduled to begin by 2027. Australian Defence officials noted that this year’s SMP was more advanced and larger in scope than earlier maintenance trails, reflecting Canberra’s progress toward establishing sovereign capabilities to support nuclear-powered submarines as part of its long-term transition to an indigenous fleet.
Royal Australian Navy sailors, Australian industry personnel and U.S. Navy technicians collaborated directly on more than one hundred and sixty maintenance tasks, covering a range of critical sustainment activities.
Australian companies contributed innovations such as a mobile pure water plant meeting stringent allied standards, while Australian Submarine Agency partners and ASC Pty Ltd played integral roles in executing the work alongside U.S. crews.
No radiological material was transferred ashore during the period, underscoring adherence to rigorous safety protocols.
The inclusion of Australian personnel in USS Vermont’s crew and maintenance effort reflects deepening integration and knowledge-transfer under the AUKUS arrangement.
Thirteen Royal Australian Navy submariners, having completed specialised training in the United States, were part of Vermont’s company during the maintenance activities.
Their participation underscores Canberra’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of operating and sustaining high-end undersea defence platforms.
Defence officials emphasised that this milestone advances Australia’s strategic preparations for Submarine Rotational Force – West, which will see U.S. and UK nuclear-powered submarines routinely visit HMAS Stirling before Australia introduces its own conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s under the AUKUS programme.
The successful SMP offers a concrete demonstration of allied cooperation in forward sustainment, reinforcing interoperability, logistical depth and industrial readiness within the trilateral partnership.
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