More than 30 trained and certified ASC technicians will work alongside specialists from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The Royal Navy will also participate, making the visit a joint test of the workforce and infrastructure needed to support American and British submarines.
“This maintenance period brings us closer to establishing SRF-West,” said Rear Adm. Doug Adams, the U.S. Navy’s director of AUKUS, International & Systems. “Our Lead Maintenance Activity, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, is doing a great job ensuring the Australian personnel trained in Hawaii are ready and able to support our submarines.”
Submarine Rotational Force–West is projected to host up to four U.S. and one British submarine at HMAS Stirling on a rotational basis. The three AUKUS partners announced Colorado’s selection for the force on October 26.
The rotations are intended to prepare Australia to operate, maintain and sustain its own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. They will also expand regional maintenance options for allied submarines, supporting deterrence and operational flexibility.
The current maintenance period will use upgrades to Diamantina Pier and an Australian-built safety walkway around the submarine’s sail. Other locally developed equipment includes a pure water plant, high-pressure air compressor and dehumidifier validated during earlier visits.
“Operating as a single team, we are testing our infrastructure, validating our nuclear stewardship processes, and substantially upskilling our naval and civilian workforces,” said Rear Adm. David Mann, head of the Australian Submarine Agency’s Virginia Division. “These maintenance periods have been critical to Australia being on track to start SRF-West in 2027.”
This is Western Australia’s fourth submarine maintenance period since AUKUS was established. Colorado is the third nuclear-powered attack submarine to undergo maintenance in Australia in the past 12 months.
“As we approach the establishment of SRF-West, we must remember that our trilateral efforts are being driven by the challenging strategic environment in the Pacific and our collective desire to deter aggression and ensure peace through strength,” said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He said AUKUS was strengthening integration and interoperability among the three submarine forces.
