AUKUS Submarine Rotations at HMAS Stirling Move Toward First U.S. Assignment
The U.S. Navy's Virginia-class USS Colorado is slated to become the first submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West in Australia.
The United States Navy has designated USS Colorado, a Virginia-class submarine, as the first submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling, Australia. Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh said AUKUS remains on schedule, with some parts ahead of schedule, at the Submarine League Annual Symposium.
Key details
- Submarine Squadron 3 was reactivated in the spring to support the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force-West.
- The planned rotation could include up to four U.S. nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines and one U.K. nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine.
- USS Colorado completed a scheduled maintenance period of about one month at HMAS Stirling.
- The United States, United Kingdom and Australia completed the Maritime Big Play exercise off California, using manned, unmanned and autonomous systems in support of AUKUS Pillar II.
- AUKUS, established in 2021, has two pillars: submarine capability for Australia and joint work on advanced capabilities among the three nations.
The USS Colorado is designated as the first submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West.
Why it matters
The planned rotational presence would give the United States and United Kingdom a submarine presence at an Australian naval facility. AUKUS Pillar I also aims to provide Australia with Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines by 2032.
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