Australia begins complex in-country work on Virginia-class boat

A file image of the Virginia-class submarine USS Vermont . The boat is undergoing its submarine maintenance period at HMAS Stirling. (US Navy)

Australia has begun more complex in-country maintenance work on a US Navy (USN) Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said on 29 October.

The submarine, USS Vermont, arrived at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on the same day of the statement.

Its arrival marks an important milestone in Australia's effort to acquire a sovereign capability to operate and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the naval facility, the DoD added.

Vermont's arrival for the work, which is referred to as its submarine maintenance period (SMP), builds upon an earlier milestone set in 2024 when Australian personnel participated in the first in-country maintenance of USN SSN.

This earlier effort, which is known as the submarine tendered maintenance period (STMP), involved another Virginia-class SSN, USS Hawaii. It was also carried out at HMAS Stirling but supported by the USN submarine tender USS Emory S Land.

“This year's SMP involves a larger and more complex package of work that more closely reflects the type of maintenance that will be required when Submarine Rotational Force – West begins operations at HMAS Stirling in 2027,” the DoD said in its statement.

“Unlike the previous maintenance period, this year's work is being carried out without a tender ship – meaning Australian personnel are taking on even greater responsibility for executing complex maintenance activities on site. This will be a significant achievement and a reflection of the progress in upskilling the Australian workforce,” the department added.

Australian shipbuilder ASC is supporting the SMP, providing pier services and other logistical support.