US Navy sailors will begin arriving at HMAS Stirling this year as part of a nuclear submarine rotation program that will bring hundreds of American and UK personnel to the State.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Submarine Rotational Force West Infrastructure Project was on track to be in full swing by 2027.
“Just this month I authorised the establishment of naval support activity Stirling, submarine squadron 3 and the lead maintenance activity to support SRF-West,” he said this week.
“This means the first US Navy sailors will begin arriving in Western Australia later this year.”
The submarine rotational program will see UK and US nuclear-powered submarines rotate through HMAS Stirling at Garden Island.
Maintenance work will be done at HMAS Stirling, with American and UK crews — and their family members — staying at Garden Island and in the Rockingham area.
Australian sailors will also be deployed on UK and US boats to develop at-sea experience with nuclear submarines.
WA Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said the first arrivals under Submarine Rotational Force-West will mark “an important milestone as HMAS Stirling continues its transformation into one of the most strategically significant naval bases in the Indo-Pacific.”
“A Virginia-class submarine typically has a crew of 138 personnel,” Mr Papalia said.
“Many of those arriving during rotational deployments are expected to be single sailors who will be accommodated at the new living quarters at HMAS Stirling.
“Over time, a broader mix of military personnel, civilian workers and families are expected to relocate to WA.”
The Federal Government has stumped up $8 billion to upgrade facilities at HMAS Stirling to support the submarine rotational program.
Defence Housing Australia has signed contracts with WA businesses to deliver 550 additional new homes for defence personnel and their families in the Rockingham area over the next five years.
“The Commonwealth is leading delivery of housing and support infrastructure associated with AUKUS,” Mr Papalia said.
“Significant work is underway and Western Australia is working hand in glove with Defence to support that effort.
“The State Government recently went to market with an 18-hectare land opportunity in Rockingham and, through DevelopmentWA, is progressing a new master planned community in Karnup, with Mirvac selected as the preferred proponent for the first precinct.”
In addition, the Federal Government has committed $12b to upgrading facilities at Henderson for dry-dock maintenance of nuclear submarines.
“The growth AUKUS will bring will support local jobs, create opportunities for Western Australian businesses and help build the skilled workforce needed to sustain a long-term submarine enterprise in our State.” Mr Papalia said.
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