The work forms part of preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West, which the Australian government said remains on track to begin in 2027. Colorado is scheduled to return late that year as the first submarine to begin rotations under the arrangement.
“This port visit doesn’t just support routine maintenance efforts for a US submarine,” said Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, director general of the Australian Submarine Agency. “It demonstrates Australian sovereign industrial capability and the progress being made towards SRF-West and the delivery of AUKUS.”
Qualified Australian personnel will conduct in-hull maintenance, including replacing the submarine’s thin line towed array and carrying out ship repairs. An Australian-made scaffolding system will provide access around the sail, while use of the upgraded Diamantina Pier will demonstrate the shore facilities available to support nuclear-powered submarines.
Australian, British and US personnel will also conduct off-hull demonstrations using specialised training equipment and locally produced submarine components. Australian personnel, supported by US colleagues, will rehearse radiation safety procedures through simulated radiological scenarios, with no radioactive waste transferred ashore.
“This SMP is helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support Australia’s future submarine capability,” Mead said. “It will create opportunities for Australian industry, supporting local jobs, businesses and economic growth.”
The maintenance programme has progressed from servicing USS Hawaii with support from the tender USS Emory S. Land in 2024 to work on USS Vermont using shore facilities without a support ship in 2025. Maintenance on HMS Anson in February–March 2026 then marked Australia’s first such work on a British Astute-class submarine, incorporating Australian-made components and systems.
“By regularly rotating through HMAS Stirling, US and UK nuclear-powered submarines will strengthen our collective capability, increasing Navy-to-Navy cooperation and contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Matt Buckley. “The presence of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling for maintenance and shore support activities provides our Royal Australian Navy personnel with invaluable hands-on experience and the skills and expertise needed to support and sustain Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.”
