Australia to host USS Colorado as first US nuclear submarine under Aukus pact
The move will help Australia train crews and technicians for its future nuclear-powered fleet, with more than 30 civilian maintainers joining the work.
- On Monday, the Pentagon announced that USS Colorado will be the first U.S. Navy Virginia-class fast-attack submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West, beginning rotation at Western Australia's HMAS Stirling in late 2027.
- This assignment supports the $386 billion AUKUS pact by expanding regional maintenance infrastructure and accelerates Australia's readiness to own and operate nuclear-powered submarine capability.
- As a Block III Virginia-class submarine, Colorado reaches speeds exceeding 46km/h, significantly outpacing the 37km underwater top speed of Australian Collins-class submarines.
- Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie described second-hand vessels as "trash," though ministers and military brass insist used submarines remain the best operational option.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and UK Secretary of State Wes Streeting confirmed the program remains "full-steam ahead" as nations prepare for a United States Submarine Maintenance Period starting later this week.
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Sydney Morning Herald
US nuclear submarine docks ahead of AUKUS rotations
A US nuclear-powered submarine with 160 crew, including seven Australians, has docked south of Perth for maintenance ahead of becoming the first vessel to begin regular AUKUS rotations from WA next year.
(Washington = Yonhap News) Correspondent Lee Yu-mi = The Virginia-class 'USS Colorado' (SSN-7...) will be the first nuclear-powered attack submarine to be rotationally deployed to Australia starting late next year.
US Navy names USS Colorado as first AUKUS submarine based in Australia - Navy Lookout
The US Navy has selected the first Virginia-class SSN to be assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) in Australia from late 2027. The announcement moves AUKUS closer to a persistent US and UK nuclear-powered submarine presence at HMAS Stirling rather than the series of individual visits and maintenance periods conducted so far. The designation was […] The post US Navy names USS Colorado as first AUKUS submarine based in Australia f…
The Pentagon has designated the USS Colorado as the first American nuclear-powered attack submarine to join a rotating force to be deployed to Western Australia. The 115-meter Virginia-class submarine, armed with land-attack missiles and sophisticated torpedoes, will arrive at the new Australian base by the end of 2027, officials announced on Tuesday. The deployment marks a "significant milestone" in building a joint US-Australia-UK deterrent ca…
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