In Short
USS Colorado will become the first submarine assigned to SRF-West from late 2027, highlighting Australia's growing readiness to support and operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The announcement marks a major AUKUS milestone and reflects progress in preparing Australia's future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
The USS Colorado (SSN 788) has been announced as the first Virginia-class submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) from late 2027.
The announcement(Opens in a new tab/window) was made by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting.
From late 2027, USS Colorado will become the first submarine to operate as part of SRF-West from HMAS Stirling. SRF-W will grow to comprise up to four United States Navy Virginia-class submarines and one United Kingdom Astute-class submarine.
The announcement reflects the pace of progress being achieved under AUKUS, as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States continue to enhance the workforce, infrastructure, industrial capability and stewardship arrangements needed to deliver the Optimal Pathway.
SRF-West will accelerate Australia’s readiness to own, operate, maintain, and regulate a sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
The announcement comes ahead of the next United States Submarine Maintenance Period at HMAS Stirling, which begins this week.
Building on a series of successful maintenance activities involving both United Kingdom and United States submarines, the upcoming maintenance period will further demonstrate Australia's growing ability to sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines while continuing to develop Australian workforce, infrastructure and sovereign industrial capability.
Australian Submarine Agency Director-General Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead described the naming of the first submarine assigned to SRF-West as a significant milestone in the delivery of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway.
‘This is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence the United States has in Australia's people, workforce and infrastructure, and that preparations for Submarine Rotational Force – West are well advanced.
‘The designation of the first submarine assigned to SRF-West signals the transition from planning to implementation and reflects years of effort by Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom to prepare for the commencement of rotations in Western Australia.
‘We look forward to welcoming USS Colorado and its crew to Western Australia in 2027 and to building on the close cooperation that already exists between our Australian, United States and United Kingdom personnel.
‘Their presence at HMAS Stirling will help accelerate the development of the skills, experience and knowledge transfer that are fundamental to delivering Australia's future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.’
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN, said the announcement marked an important milestone for the Royal Australian Navy and Australia's preparations to operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
‘The designation of USS Colorado as the first submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West is a significant milestone for Australia, our Navy and the AUKUS partnership.
‘For our sailors, this is about working alongside the world's most experienced nuclear-powered submarine operators and building the skills, knowledge and experience that will underpin Australia's future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
‘The assignment of USS Colorado demonstrates the confidence our AUKUS partners have in our people and our progress, and will strengthen our ability to contribute to regional security alongside the United States and the United Kingdom.’
Across HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct, major infrastructure projects are progressing, Australian personnel are gaining hands-on experience alongside United States and United Kingdom counterparts, and local industry is playing an increasingly important role in submarine sustainment and support activities.
The Australian Submarine Agency, The Royal Australian Navy and Defence are also continuing preparations for the arrival of U.S. and UK personnel and their families, working with local authorities to ensure housing, transport and community services are well positioned to support future growth as the program expands.
Each training placement, infrastructure project, industry qualification and submarine maintenance activity is bringing Australia closer to becoming sovereign ready in the early 2030s.
To learn more about SRF-West and Australia's role in delivering the AUKUS Optimal Pathway, visit Submarine Rotational Force - West | Australian Submarine Agency.
