UK Defence Journal

By George Allison

18 August 2024

Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/australia-getting-ready-for-british-and-american-submarines/

The U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) has docked at HMAS Stirling in Australia, initiating a Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) as part of the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The port visit, which began on August 16, 2024, is the seventh in Australia since the ship departed from Guam earlier this year.

During this period, Australian technicians will undertake maintenance on a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine (SSN) scheduled to arrive for a port visit.

The STMP is part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to prepare for operating and maintaining a fleet of conventionally armed SSNs, a key component of Pillar 1 of the AUKUS agreement.

“Our knowledge exchange with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fleet Support Unit (FSU) since January has been exceptionally productive,” said Capt. Brent Spillner, commanding officer of the Emory S. Land. “Within weeks they were working shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. technicians on real submarine repairs, and for the last six weeks we’ve had a team of U.S. Sailors embedded in the FSU West workshops at HMAS Stirling.”

More than 30 Australian sailors will perform most of the planned maintenance under U.S. supervision, including replacing a mast in the submarine’s sail and a key hydraulic valve, as well as simulating the removal of a large pump from within the boat.

“This STMP marks the first time that Australian workers will perform maintenance on an American SSN in Australian waters, but it’s really just the next step in a long partnership,” Spillner added. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Submarine Rotational Force – West, where U.S. and UK submarines will regularly transit through HMAS Stirling, with maintenance and logistics support from Australian personnel.

The deployment of the Emory S. Land has also allowed sailors from the three AUKUS nations to work together on various vessels, enhancing interoperability. “The ability to work side-by-side in Guam on U.S. SSNs and then continue that side-by-side work on RAN vessels and even a Royal Navy vessel while in Australia has truly demonstrated our interoperability,” said Cmdr. Derek Fletcher, repair officer aboard Emory S. Land.

In addition to maintenance activities, U.S. Sailors have participated in numerous community relations events across several Australian cities, contributing over 700 hours of service. 

As part of the AUKUS partnership, the UK plans to operate and base an Astute-class submarine in Australia later this decade.