The announcement that USS Colorado will return as the first U.S. submarine to commence SRF-West from late 2027 is the clearest signal yet that #AUKUS is on track and becoming a reality.”

That was the message from Royal Australian Navy Commander Fleet Base West, Commodore Paul Johnson, as USS Colorado arrived at HMAS Stirling for a Submarine Maintenance Period.

At a media event marking the arrival, Commodore Johnson was joined by Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, and UK Consul-General Maria Rennie, highlighting the trilateral partnership underpinning AUKUS and preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West.

The maintenance period will see Australian workers, sailors and industry continue building the skills, experience and infrastructure needed to support nuclear-powered submarines in Australia and prepare for SRF-West from late 2027.