Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) : Today, we were proud to welcome the crew of USS Vermont (SSN 792) to HMAS Stirling for the start of the Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP), another milestone in Australia’s journey to operate and sustain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Together with our AUKUS partners, Australia has the responsibility for coordinating, supporting and delivering a significant package of maintenance work on USS Vermont.

The maintenance work is being led without a tender ship, a significant step and a reflection of the progress in up-skilling the Australian workforce. During this maintenance period, ASC will have an active role supporting work streams, including the provision and operation of pier temporary services and other support services like scaffolding.

This is an important milestone towards becoming ready to safely own, operate and maintain our first sovereign Virginia class submarine from the early 2030s.

VADM Mead briefing reporters at HMAS Stirling