U.S. Sets Up New Naval Commands In Australia To Support Allied Submarine Crews

The U.S. Navy has set up two new commands at the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia.

This would lay the groundwork for Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), a trilateral AUKUS initiative (US, UK, Australia) which is scheduled to begin operational rotations in 2027.

The New Commands Under the AUKUS Pact

Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3): This squadron was based in Hawaii before it was decommissioned in 2012. It was reestablished at HMAS Stirling.

Its personnel will integrate with the Royal Australian Navy to provide operational, logistics, and maintenance support for rotating U.S. and U.K. submarines.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling: Founded on May 30 by Navy Region Japan, this command will provide essential support services and programs for U.S. military personnel, civilians, contractors, and their families.

Maintenance Detachment: The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) will establish a maintenance and logistics detachment in Western Australia in mid-2026 to oversee intermediate-level submarine maintenance and training of Australian personnel.

These commands aim to expand the regional maintenance infrastructure and enhance Australia’s ability to own, operate and regulate its future nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet.

Under AUKUS Pillar 1, Australia plans to purchase 3 U.S. Virginia-class submarines and 5 SSN-AUKUS-class submarines.

Roughly 250 Australian personnel have either completed or are currently undergoing hands-on SSN maintenance training in Hawaii.