AUKUS Partnership Advances in Indo-Pacific Region

US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen T. Koehler attended a discussion in Perth about the collaboration between the US, Australia, and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The US Pacific Fleet includes approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 personnel.

Admiral Koehler highlighted the development of the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), a significant initiative of the AUKUS partnership, utilizing Perth’s strategic position. The US has regularly deployed submarines to Australia, including a visit from USS Annapolis in March. Australian sailors are training in the US Navy’s nuclear power program, with three Australian officers stationed on US Virginia Class submarines in Pearl Harbor.

Additionally, 30 skilled workers from ASC in South and Western Australia have been deployed to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for training in maintaining US Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines. This follows the Australian government’s selection of ASC as a strategic partner for sustaining and building nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the opportunities for Australians in education, training, and career development through the AUKUS program. More than 100 Australian shipyard workers are expected to receive naval propulsion training in the US by mid-2025. These workers will return to Western Australia to support the SRF-West, maintaining rotating US and UK nuclear-powered submarines.

One UK Astute Class submarine and up to four US Virginia Class submarines will participate in SRF-West. Australian personnel will continue to work within the country’s legal and non-proliferation obligations as Australia transitions to a future nuclear-powered submarine capability.