A file image of the Virginia-class submarine, USS Hawaii. The boat has arrived at HMAS Stirling for its submarine tendered maintenance period. (US Navy)
Australia is carrying out their first direct maintenance task on a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) as part of preparations to host and eventually operate the vessel type.
This milestone is being marked with the arrival of Virginia-class SSN USS Hawaii , which has docked at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. It is accompanied by the US Navy (USN) submarine tender, USS Emory S Land .
Works on the vessel will be made under a phase known as the submarine tendered maintenance period (STMP), according to a joint statement issued by Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles, UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin on 23 August.
In preparation for this phase, Australian personnel have undergone training provided by the US and the UK to understand how to safely operate, maintain, and regulate Australia's future SSN capability.
As part of the training, 30 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors have also been embedded as part of the crew of Emory S Land since January 2024 to build the skills, knowledge, and experience in nuclear-powered submarine maintenance, the Australian Department of Defence disclosed in a separate statement on 22 August.
Under the STMP that will be carried out at HMAS Stirling, Australian personnel will undertake hands-on learning and conduct and observe maintenance on USS Hawaii alongside experienced US counterparts, the department added.
In addition to this, workers from Australian shipyards will be involved in providing support services.
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