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USS Colorado chosen for first US submarine rotation at Stirling

USS Colorado has been designated the first US submarine for the rotational force planned at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The Virginia-class vessel is scheduled to begin its rotation in late 2027 under the AUKUS partnership. The broader force would include US and British submarines and is intended to give Australia experience in nuclear-powered submarine operations and maintenance.

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A representative scene of a dark submarine with a small US flag, moored by thick ropes beside a concrete pier in blue water, with black fenders between.

Colorado rotation scheduled for late 2027

USS Colorado, a US Navy Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has been designated the first American vessel for the planned rotational submarine force at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The rotation is scheduled to begin in late 2027. US Congressman Joe Courtney also welcomed Colorado’s selection in a statement dated 26 October. The designation names the inaugural US boat for a force that has yet to begin the announced rotation.[1], [2]

The deployment is part of AUKUS, the defence partnership linking Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The three governments describe the selection as a significant step in their planned Pacific deterrence arrangements. Courtney says activation of the force would move Australia closer to operating its own nuclear-powered submarines. These descriptions of the anticipated security benefits are the assessments of the governments and the congressman.[1], [2]

Stirling would host up to five rotating submarines

Submarine Rotational Force-West, known as SRF-West, will use HMAS Stirling, an Australian naval base. The broader plan envisages up to five fast-attack submarines operating there on a rotational basis: four from the United States and one from the United Kingdom. AFP says the arrangement is intended to give Australia experience in operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines. It would also provide maintenance options for the participating allies as they use the Australian base.[1]

American personnel prepare the Australian base

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles says American personnel are already at HMAS Stirling preparing the site and that the rotational-force programme is on track. His comments concern work at the base ahead of Colorado’s planned arrival in Australia. Australia does not permit foreign military bases on its territory, AFP notes, so the submarines will rotate through an Australian naval facility. The longer-term AUKUS objective is an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability. The announced preparations and first-vessel assignment precede that goal and the wider force’s future deployment.[1]

For more information on this topic, you can read the related columns.

References

  1. News sourceAFPUSS Colorado designated first submarine for Australia’s SRF-West force↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceCongressman Joe CourtneyCourtney welcomes USS Colorado’s planned SRF-West assignment↩1↩2
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