The arrival of U.S. Navy submarine USS Vermont in Western Australia for maintenance is marking another milestone in its progression towards sovereign nuclear submarine capabilities.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine has recently docked at HMAS Stirling ahead of its scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP). Making up part of her 134 crew are 13 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) sailors who have been training in America.
This SMP marks the first time Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility will lead and execute SSN maintenance in Australia.
In August last year Australian personnel participated in the first-ever maintenance of a U.S. conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine on home soil. On that occasion Virginia-class SSN USS Hawaii was the boat involved, with the aid of the submarine tender USS Emory S Land.
Building on last year’s programme, this year’s SMP involves a larger and more complex work package that more closely reflects the type of maintenance required when Submarine Rotational Force – West begins operations at HMAS Stirling in 2027.
As per a Defence Australia press statement: “Unlike the previous maintenance period, this year’s work is being carried out without a tender ship – meaning Australian personnel are taking on even greater responsibility for executing complex maintenance activities on site.”
Director-General at the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead of the Royal Australian Navy commented: “I can’t overstate the value of training and working with AUKUS counterparts, and applying that training at our base while testing our infrastructure and systems.
“It strengthens our ability to operate and sustain nuclear-powered submarines in Australia. This visit also demonstrates the deep commitment of our AUKUS partners to supporting Australia’s future submarine capability.
“Australia is firmly on track to commence Submarine Rotational Force – West in 2027 which will further accelerate Australia becoming sovereign ready to safely own, operate and maintain our first sovereign Virginia class submarine from the early 2030s.”
- You can read more details on the Defence Australia website