Submarines Association Australia  AUKUS NEWS

BREAKING NEWS:

U.S. Navy Revives Submarine Squadron After 14 Years, Deploys It to Australia

Originally decommissioned in 2012 as part of a force restructuring, CSS-3 has been brought back to establish the command, logistics, maintenance, and operational framework for the Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West). Beginning in 2027, the initiative will see U.S. and U.K. fast-attack submarines regularly deploy from Western Australia, significantly expanding allied undersea presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Personnel assigned to the reactivated squadron will work closely with the Royal Australian Navy to develop maintenance capabilities, logistics support, infrastructure, and workforce training. The effort is intended to prepare Australia for operating and sustaining nuclear-powered submarines under the first pillar of the AUKUS agreement.

The reactivation also reflects the growing strategic importance of Western Australia. Located along key sea lanes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, HMAS Stirling provides an ideal forward operating location for allied submarines, enabling faster response times and greater operational reach across the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior U.S. Navy leaders have described the move as a significant enhancement to regional undersea operations. By stationing a dedicated submarine squadron closer to potential areas of operation, the Navy expects to improve readiness, increase logistical efficiency, and strengthen coordination with Australian and British partners.

The return of Submarine Squadron 3 highlights the accelerating implementation of AUKUS, transforming the agreement from a long-term submarine acquisition program into an operational alliance with a permanent undersea support structure. As preparations continue for regular submarine rotations in 2027, the new squadron will play a central role in reinforcing allied maritime security and maintaining a credible undersea deterrent throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, the first boss of the Australian Submarine Agency, has announced he will retire in mid-2026. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)

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Chief of Navy Australia's Post

On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy,

AUKUS Dolphins
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 12, 2024)
Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander, Submarine Group 7,
and Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. James

In another significant milestone for the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) enhanced trilateral security partnership,the first seven Royal Australian Navy enlisted sailors graduated the United States Navy Nuclear Power School.
The seven sailors, alongside a third group of RAN officers who also graduated, are the pioneers towards Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) fleet in the early 2030s.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN acknowledged the rigorous training the sailors completed at the school. “Naval Nuclear Power training is exceptionally rigorous and to have seven Australian sailors and five officers complete the program and move on to Nuclear Power Training Unit takes us closer to operating our own SSNs,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.
The seven enlisted RAN sailors trained at the Nuclear Power School from October 2023, and have been learning the science and engineering principles that are fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants alongside American and British submariners.
The graduates will start this month at the United States Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, which trains officers, enlisted sailors, and civilians for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.
Director-General Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO, RAN acknowledged the significant milestones of AUKUS this year.
“Thirty-seven months after AUKUS’ inception, we are well on our way to developing Australia’s SSN capability,” Vice Admiral Mead said.
“Last month, Australian sailors conducted the first maintenance period on an SSN in Australia.
Today we graduate the first enlisted personnel from an exceptionally rigorous school; already we have Australian officers serving aboard both U.S. and UK SSNs.”
RAN personnel are in various stages of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine training pipeline to equip them with skills and experience aboard the U.S. Virginia Class SSNs.
The assignment of RAN sailors to U.S. submarines is a fundamental step towards developing the skills needed to crew the Virginia-class submarines that Australia will own and operate from the early 2030s. #AusNavy #YourADF