Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Australian industry have embarked on a historic Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling. This event marks a significant milestone in the AUKUS partnership. Which aims to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
AUKUS Partnership in Action
The USS Hawaii (SSN 776) is a Virginia class submarine from the United States. Recently arrived at HMAS Stirling and is accompanied by the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). USS Emory is a service ship equipped to provide extensive maintenance work for U.S. submarines. This collaboration shows the strong ties between Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. under the AUKUS agreement.
Australia has warmly welcomed the crews of USS Hawaii and USS Emory S. Land. By marking a new chapter in its defense cooperation with the U.S. This STMP represents that first time Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine on Australian soil.
A Step Back in Time
The significance of this event is underscored by its historical context. During World War II, the U.S. Navy routinely conducted maintenance on U.S., UK, and Dutch submarines in Fremantle, Australia. The STMP is the first occasion where Australian personnel are directly involved in the upkeep of a nuclear-powered submarine within the country.
Building Skills and Knowledge
In preparation for the STMP, over 30 Australian Navy officers and sailors are involved with the crew of USS Emory S. Land since January 2024. This initiative aims to build the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.
The hands-on learning experience will allow Australian personnel to work alongside their U.S. counterparts on the Virginia class submarine USS Hawaii. This practical training is a demonstration of the progress being made in implementing the AUKUS Pathway.
One of the RAN officers who graduated from the Submarine Officer Basic Course and naval nuclear training in the U.S. is part of the USS Hawaii crew. This involvement shows the growing expertise of Australian personnel in this critical area.
Industry Collaboration
Australian industry is playing an important role in the STMP. Workers from ASC Pty Ltd, Australia’s partner for submarine upkeep, are helping with the maintenance work. This gives them a chance to learn more about how to take care of submarines.
In June, the first group of ASC workers started training on how to maintain Virginia class submarines. By joining the STMP, they will improve their skills, getting ready for future work on submarines.
Preparing for Submarine Rotational Force – West
The STMP is a vital part of building Australia’s capability and capacity to support maintenance on nuclear-powered submarines. This preparation is crucial as Australia moves toward establishing the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling in 2027.
The SRF-West will see the rotational presence of one UK Astute class submarine and up to four U.S. Virginia class submarines. This initiative will accelerate Australia’s readiness to safely and securely own, operate, and maintain its future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.
Commitment to Safety and Security
Australia and its AUKUS partners focus on keeping things safe, secure, and well-managed. These ideas are very important for the STMP. The goal is to help Australia learn more about how the U.S. handles nuclear safety, waste, and emergencies. No one will bring nuclear material on land during this time. Australian workers will follow all rules and laws, both in Australia and internationally, to make sure they do everything safely and correctly.
Strengthening Interoperability
The STMP offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate collective training in action and strengthen integration between AUKUS partners. Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, the Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency, said this maintenance work is an important step in helping Australia learn how to safely operate and take care of its own submarines.
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the Chief of Navy, also said this event is a big moment for the Royal Australian Navy. He believes it shows the strong friendship and trust built over many years between the Australian, UK, and U.S. Navies. The STMP is a practical demonstration of the AUKUS partnership in action, it is a Navy-to-Navy collaboration ensuring the safety and security of all three nations.